Ave Atique Vale - Hail, Brother, Farewall

- the Story of the Vale Special

"This book gives a fascinating insight into the sports-car scene of the early 1930s and recalls the period following the depression, where people with a dream or the inspiration (but not necessarily the finance or suitable premises) could still manufacture cars to fulfill a personal ideal.

Over 250 period photographs and illustrations depict the development of the car, the personalities involved in the company, and events in Maida Vale, London where the car was built.

The company was heavily involved in motor sport of the period, and many of the photographs show racing events at Brooklands and Donington, and the trials and rallies of the time.

The author has researched the history of the company for a number of years, and interviewed many of the surviving participants. Little has been written of this company in the past forty years or so, and even in Maida Vale where the car was built; the company is now largely forgotten. The author's devotion to this captivating book is to be appreciated and it will surely go down as the definitive record of the whole scene around the Vale Special Car." 

- DAVID NELMS

Cover Picture

Book ISBN

Containing nearly 200 pages and over 250 photographs and illustrations, many never before seen in print, Ave Atque Vale has been hailed as the definitive work on the Vale Special motor car and the Vale Motor Company. Extensively researched and based on personal diaries, letters and authentic records; it follows the car from conception, through production and onwards, with detailed records of cars and their owner histories to date. It is a compelling story, not just of the Vale Special, but of the personalities behind it that made this sports car possible.


Printed on matt art paper, with traditionally embossed and bound hardback cover and a full colour laminated dust cover.

Copies of the book can be ordered from bookshops, or more directly from the Author, at the price of £26.95 + Postage (£5.25 to UK mainland). Please contact David Cox by email for overseas payments and postage.

The book is published by Martin Publications of Berkshire and has been partly funded by the Michael Sedgwick Trust.

Click Here for Printable Order Form

Reviews of the Book:

"Using the testimony of key players, and a comprehensive selection of photos, Cox tells the colourful saga well. A superb effort"Classic and Sportcar November 2006
"Published with assistance from the Michael Sedgwick Trust, this is a book that Michael himself would have endorsed heartily, as does this reviewer. Highly recommended."The Automobile November 2006
"The book is full of fascinating facts, and if you fancy an informative read about a little known sports car, then I recommend that you contact the author for a copy.  It also has the strength to find a place in my motoring library as a reference book. Now, is there anyone out there writing a
similar book on the Squire?" - Brooklands Society Gazette, Nov 06

"If you want to read ..."an extremely interesting tale well told"... to quote from Mike Worthington- Williams' foreword, then the story of the Vale Special is to be recommended."Triumph World November 2006

"The writing style is clear and fluid, and the story recounted of this optimistic venture makes thoroughly interesting reading. The book is very fully illustrated, and it's production good for such a specialist title. Ave Atque Vale is an exemplary one-make history - comprehensive, full of fascination, and one that breaks new ground"VSCC Bulletin Winter Edition 2006

"It is a superb book which is heartily recommended."Pre-1940 Triumph Owners Club  December 2006



Copyright © 2006 David Cox

 About this Site