A SET of original dodgem cars from the 1960s have been restored by the owner of a travelling fairground who worked on the project for 25 years.

Joby Carter, who runs Carters Steam Fair with his wife Georgina, has brought back to life a set of 18 original dodgem cars from the 1960s.

His dedication to traditional methods and accurate detail overcame countless complications during the 25 year overhaul.

Mr Carter had planned the big reveal for the opening of the fairground’s 2020 tour back in April in Reading’s Prospect Park, but this was cancelled due to Covid-19.

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As lockdown measures begin to ease, the Berkshire-based craftsman and fairground owner has found a different way to present the dodgems safely to the public.

Founded by his parents more than 40 years ago, Carters Steam Fair is made up entirely of vintage restored attractions.

These original dodgem cars, known as Supercar Italias, were rescued in a very poor state by Joby’s father John Carter in the mid-90s. In due course Joby decided to take on the restoration project in memory of his late father.

He said: “They remind me of my dad a lot because he loved the dodgems and enjoyed playing all of his original rock and roll 45s." Reviving these cars has turned out to be the biggest challenge to date for Joby and his team.

New chassis frames had to be imported from Italy because there are no manufacturers in Britain, and when they arrived the pedals were on the wrong side and had to be adapted.

The bodywork needed to be rubbed down, any dents and cracks filled in and then the eighteen cars were each painted by hand.

A much simpler process would have been to restore one car to perfection and take a mould from it to create the 17 other bodies but Joby is passionate about restoring the original attractions and not cutting any corners in the process.

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Mr Carter, from Maidenhead, said: “It’s so important to keep these artefacts of our heritage alive so that the kids of today can enjoy them.”

After the 25 year task, Joby was so excited to reveal them at a Carters Steam Fair event in Reading but it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

As we begin to explore the ‘new normal’, Joby has found a way to open the dodgems safely.

He is a father of three, and he understands that parents are keen to get out of the house with the kids but are trying to avoid activities that involve crowds.

So now the eighteen gleaming Supercars are set up for the summer at Carters HQ in Maidenhead, Berkshire, where household bubbles can book the track to themselves.

He is taking every measure to ensure families and enthusiasts feel safe.

Long-term Carters Steam Fair fan, Paul Bourne, said: “Carters Rock’n’Roll Dodgems have been a favourite of mine and my family’s since the 90s and this freshly restored set of Dodgem cars look stunning.

"The chance to have these rare vintage cars all to yourself is one not to miss."