The Channel Tunnel’s Le Shuttle service is truly a modern marvel, providing a convenient and time-saving alternative for drivers looking to avoid the hassle of a ferry crossing. Even after 30 years, the experience of driving your car onto a train carriage remains somewhat of a novelty.
However, what many people may not realize is that similar services were once available across the UK many years ago. Back in the 1930s, drivers had the option to have their cars loaded onto flat-bed wagons as part of sleeper trains traveling between London and Scotland.
In 1955, British Rail (BR) introduced a scheduled service known as the Car-Sleeper Limited, which quickly became a popular choice among travelers. Autocar magazine had the opportunity to try out the service in 1957, when it had been extended to operate throughout the winter season.
Upon arriving at King’s Cross station, there was no queue as arrival times were staggered. The cars were loaded onto the train carriages, with three cars per carriage despite there being room for four, to ensure equal fares for all drivers. While the loading process took place, passengers could relax and enjoy a drink, meal, or even a smoke in the restaurant car.
The train departed at 8.05pm and made its way to York, maintaining an average speed of 52mph on main roads. This was an impressive feat considering Britain was still two years away from opening its first motorway. Upon arrival in Perth at 5.30am, passengers were able to enjoy breakfast while the BR staff unloaded their cars.
The cost of the journey was just under £15, which would be equivalent to around £307 in today’s money. A return ticket would have been only slightly more expensive. Comparatively, driving would have cost about 10.5p per mile, whereas the train only cost 4.5p per mile. Additionally, passengers arrived in Perth feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
The Car-Sleeper Limited service also offered routes to destinations such as Aberdeen, Dover, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester, Newcastle, St Austell, York, and even Boulogne in France, where passengers could transfer onto French services. In 1966, Autocar noted the increasing popularity of taking the car on the train for long journeys, leading to the creation of the Motorail brand by BR.
The Motorail service included a dedicated London terminal at Kensington Olympia station, capable of handling up to eight trains and 250-300 cars per day during peak times. This initiative was aimed at capturing more of the potential market and providing a convenient and efficient travel option for holidaymakers.
For those interested in exploring more historical articles like this, full access to the complete Autocar archive is available at themagazineshop.com. Embrace the nostalgia and learn about the evolution of transportation services throughout the years.
