Lorry In British Era Madras, Old Photo 1919

This old 1919 photograph is of a British-era Corporation of Madras Lorry. A brand new Thornycroft lorry standing in front of the Oakes Motor Garage in Madras, now Chennai. Seemingly a garbage disposal truck. During the British era, Thornycroft vehicles were at their peak in India. It was based in the United Kingdom.

Manufacturing coaches, buses, and military trucks from 1896 to 1977. Associated Equipment Company or AEC took over the company but later it became a part of British Leyland Motor Corporation. The AEC brand name completely disappeared. The photo also shows the names of the “Corporation of Madras” and “Oakes & Co Ltd.” The Corporation of Madras or the Chennai Corporation is the oldest corporation in India. It is also the oldest amongst the municipal bodies of the commonwealth nations not including the UK.

Established in 1843 Oakes & Co was the biggest departmental store in South India, it expanded rapidly. Since motor cars and trucks started appearing on the scene in the 1900s. It was inevitable that Oakes & Co would add a motor vehicle wing by 1907. They had even supplied a number of cars to the Madras Government for the 1911 Delhi Durbar. But unfortunately, the company was taken over by another city-based giant Spencers & Co in 1923. Click on the photo for better view.

See post Ripon Building & Victoria Hall Madras, Old Photo 1930.

Did you know- the first truck manufactured in India was the Tata Mercedes in 1945.

From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., Cochin, Ernakulam & Quilon Backwaters – 5 Old Postcards