First ever car journey from where...?

[TGV]

With the internet being so easy to search, pretty much anyone can get the answer to any question quickly, but this one is quite interesting so here goes - and please be honest if you already knew it, or googled/wikipedia'd it!:

The first ever journey by a car in the UK began from a rail station after the car had been delivered by train in the late 19th century. That station is still in use today. Which one is it?

 

[EM2]

I don't know why I think this, maybe I read it somewhere, but Lancaster comes to mind?

 

[TGV]

Nope. Too far North. WAY too far North.

Clue - the car came off a ship from France and took a short journey on a train...

 

[Ivo]

I'm going to guess that it is London Victoria. I say this because it is one journey from Dover and also in an important area (i.e. London).

 

[TGV]

Good guess, but wrong. It's less obvious. In fact, it's still a pretty minor station now, it must have been little more than a shed in a field back then. It wasn't Dover - it was another major port on the South coast...

 

[Lampshade]

Could it be Weymouth?

 

[Ivo]

I wouldn't call Weymouth a minor station personally. However, I would call Weymouth Quay small, but then why would they bother with the rail journey?

Following the ideas from above, I am going to make the guess that Southampton is the port in question - and that Netley is the station in question.

Yes, I am hogging the thread.

 

[TGV]

Right port. Wrong station(s). Hog away!

 

[Ivo]

Well then, I shall use "logic" and choose Beaulieu Road. Why? Because it's pretty damn small and has the motor museum nearby.

 

[TGV]

Good logic.

Like it.

But wrong!

Right county though...

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Swanwick?

 

[TGV]

nope

'nuther clue - the current station is dominated by the MOT and tyre depot next to it which is claimed to be the largest and busiest tyre centre in the world.

 

[EM2]

Micheldever?

 

[TGV]

Micheldever?

We have a winner!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micheldever_railway_station

 

[EM2]

Blimey, Micheldever to Datchet? Must have taken bloomin' hours!

 

[Dennis]

Blimey, Micheldever to Datchet? Must have taken bloomin' hours!

Yes, but it was still quicker and cheaper than getting the train

 

[TGV]

Yes, but it was still quicker and cheaper than getting the train

Sadly, some things haven't changed!

 

[Ivo]

Blast it! I was going to say Micheldever after Victoria, but it seemed too farfetched.

"Yes, Ivo; sure you were."