Car Smash

circa 1900

Early Car Accident in Nottingham – Circa 1900
A rare glimpse into the perils of early motoring in Edwardian England

This remarkable photograph captures the aftermath of an early motorcar crash in Nottingham, circa 1900—a time when automobiles were still a rare and curious sight on British roads. A crowd of onlookers, including smartly dressed gentlemen and a few curious children, gathers around the wrecked vehicle, its front axle snapped and tyre twisted beneath the chassis.

Set against the backdrop of a Victorian church and cobbled street, this image highlights the fragility and novelty of motor transport in the Edwardian era. These early cars, often hand-built and without modern safety measures, were prone to mechanical failure and difficult to control on rough urban streets.

Moments like this remind us how extraordinary the arrival of the motorcar truly was—and how quickly it changed the face of British cities.

📍 Nottingham, England
📷 Photograph circa 1900

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