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Recare to preserve historic mobility carriage from famous TV Bangers & Cash auctioneers

To preserve a piece of mobility history, Recare, the family-run healthcare and rehabilitation mobility equipment specialist, has acquired a rare three-wheeler 1951 Argson Electric power trike from Yorkshire-based Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions.

The Argson Electric was produced by the Stanley Engineering Company – historically a market leading manufacturer of hand, motor and electric transport for users with disabilities. Between 1924 and 1954 the Argson Electric was a pioneering vehicle with around 1,500-2,000 manufactured on a specialist production line in Surrey. The example now owned by the Recare family was the 799th produced and is one of only around 30 remaining worldwide. This particular ‘invalid carriage’, as it was classified back then, is extremely rare as it still displays its original chassis plate. Once restored to full working order, the Holland-Oakes family, owners of Recare, intend to display this fascinating museum piece at relevant mobility events for the interest of today, and tomorrow’s generation, and the education of this product which encapsulates a part of this industries memory.

Richard Holland-Oakes, CEO & Co-Founder of Recare, is a life-long car enthusiast and collector. As a fan of the Yesterday Channel TV Series ‘Bangers & Cash’, he follows the car auctioneers Mathewsons Limited who are featured on the programme. The Argson Electric came up as a lot for sale which caught Richard’s eye as he explains:

“When you have a combined passion for engineering and mobility, the opportunity to acquire a historic disability vehicle cannot be missed in my opinion. For the benefit of all within our sector, that’s end users and professionals, being able to preserve our heritage can help shape the future. Our plans for the Argson Electric are only in their infancy however we already know the long trip to Yorkshire was very much worth it!”

The Argson Electric is now undergoing renovations in the specialist Recare workshops in Oxfordshire. It is a sight to behold as it is parked alongside today’s hi-tech powerchairs available from Recare – a striking juxtaposition that demonstrates how far technology has progressed in 70 years. 

Andrew Oakes, a Recare Rehabilitation Consultant, and brother of Richard, concludes:

“It was truly a memorable day for Richard and I when we travelled to picturesque Pickering to meet Derek Mathewsons, auctioneer owner and star of Bangers & Cash. He was delighted to hand over the Argson Electric to us especially as we chatted about its significance and how Recare intend to share it with the rest of the mobility community. Our new pride and joy will be appearing very soon, it will definitely be a head turner.”