Perpetual Motion
1992 · Documentary · 2 Seasons · 12 Episodes ·
A series about vehicles which defied extinction, and the people who designed them, bought them, and love them today.
E11. The Morris Minor"My gracious, how spacious," went the 50s publicity for the car which became Britain's first to sell a million. Though it ceased production in 1971,100,000 Morris Minors are still on the road. Designed by Alec Issigonis (he went on to create the Mini), it was labelled "the poached egg" by his boss, William Morris. A variety of owners explain the fascination of this enduring modelE22. The Blackpool TramOne time hi-tech transport, trams are being rediscovered as a solution to traffic and pollution in Blackpool.E33. The Avro ShackletonRAF crews have been flying Shackletons for 40 years in the front line of the Cold War. Filmed during the last months of its long service, crew members reflect on the departure of an old friend.E44. The Routemaster BusWarren Clarke narrates a look at London's world-famous red Routemaster buses which, although designed in the 1950s for a lifespan of just 17 years, was in use into the next century.E55. The Enfield BulletBritish motorcycles all-but died out in the 1970s, but one is still being made in the Indian city of Madras - the Enfield Bullet.E66. The FX4 London TaxiThe series investigating great machines that refuse to die continues with a look at the FX4 London Taxi, which for over 30 years enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the streets of the capital. The arrival of a competitor, in the shape of the Metrocab, threatened to make the FX4 obsolete, until it was saved by a new Japanese engine and changes to the trim. Warren Clarke narrates the story of London's mobile landmark.
