Herefordshire | Archive | 2006 | February | 13
From the archive, first published Monday 13th Feb 2006.
BRYAN Camden's first car was a mini - it was a small beginning but marked the start of a lifelong love affair with the internal combustion engine for the Hereford salesman.
Bryan, who has just retired after 43 years in which he sold more than 12,000 cars, looks back on a business that he believes has changed out of all recognition and remains much maligned.
"I love cars and my favourite are BMWs. When I started, I would never have imagined that British car companies would have virtually disappeared and that the mini would be German-owned," he said.
His career - spent entirely in Hereford - includes spells with Vincent Greenhouse, F R Brown and Sons, Euro Car, Holloway's and most recently Mill Garage.
"The motor trade has a bad press but I have always been truthful and have never had to hide from a customer.
"While there are bad apples in every trade I believe most car salespeople are honest and decent.
"Modern cars are all much the same and I know it will surprise people but I don't think they are as well made as they were 20 years ago.
"There have been many changes in the way that people buy cars. It used to be a family affair but now people are in such a rush and shop around far more than they used to when I started."
Bryan has engine oil in the blood and it also shows in the genes, with two of his sons in the motor trade, although his other son and daughter have chosen different lines of work.
When not selling cars his interests include football and his personalised registration - 200 HFC - gives away a love of Hereford United.
"It's a six days a week job but now I have retired, hopefully there will be more chance to watch the team play."
There will also be more time to spend with wife Eleanor, 67, and their eight grandchildren.
But a lifelong passion does not stop just because the 65th birthday comes around and Bryan intends to continue to supply cars to friends and long standing customers.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008