Gould Brothers Garage

circa 1914

🚗 Nestled on the bustling streets of Exeter, this image captures one of the earliest motor garages in the city — Gould Bros Garage — around 1914. The signage proudly advertises “Repairs, Petrol, Motor Cars,” offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment when automobiles were transitioning from luxury novelties to essential elements of modern life.

🔧 The Gould Brothers' establishment was not only a garage but also a symbol of innovation, as Exeter began adapting to the petrol-powered revolution that would define the 20th century. The presence of early registration plates and an open-top touring car reflect the era’s engineering milestones.

đź“… Historical Footnote
1914 also marks the outbreak of World War I in July, which would soon reshape Britain’s economy and infrastructure, including the automobile industry — with many garages and factories repurposed for wartime service.

📷 Preserve Your Town’s Early Motoring Past
Do you have old photographs of the first cars or garages in your area? Share them on Oldpik.com and help build the visual memory of how mobility changed our world.

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1914 Exeter car garage, Gould Bros historical photo, early British motor dealers, Devon automotive history, old garages UK, vintage petrol stations England, World War I era cars

Contributed by JOSE M LOPEZ on March 22, 2025

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Gould Brothers Garage
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