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History of H.D. Rogers Family and Classic Auto Spares

 

    Harold D. Rogers Sr. (b. 1911 Llangollen Wales), founder of H.D. Rogers & Sons Import Car Specialists, was interested in motorsports from the very beginning. As a young man, he was involved in various motorsports-  cinder track , road racing, rallying, hill climbing, and virtually anything he could get involved with. However, since he was a professional soldier by trade, he was destined to serve much time with the Royal Horse Artillery & Royal Artillery including service during World War II in Europe and Africa.

    Late in World War II, he was injured in Madagascar and spent time recovering in South Africa. Afterwards, he returned back to his home in Widnes, Lancashire, England. Around 1945-1947, he co-owned and operated an auto repair garage called R&R Motors in Widnes, Lancashire, England. However, because of the damp English climate, he decided to move the family to Africa where the climate and adventure were more to his liking. He became a charter member of the Uganda Motor Club along with his sons Harold Jr., and Charles. He participated and helped organize local auto racing and motorcycle events. During these years, he saw many political and social changes especially in Uganda and Tanganyika where they lived. During the early to mid 1950s, he was fortunate enough to have been able to participate in many motorsports events and activities. A few photos are below. When the social and economic climate of Uganda changed, the family moved back to England for several years.

    1956 East African Safari Rally Harold Rogers Sr Simca U43 UFU543 Uganda

    Harold Rogers Sr. (left/ Driver) during the 1956 East African Coronation Safari Rally with passenger journalist Mr. Fox. They were driving entry U43 Simca Aronde. Anybody know what happened to Mr. Fox?

    Uganda 1956 Frank Brown Jaguar XK120

    Frank Brown, friend of the family getting ready to race his XK120 in Uganda.

    Kijansi Hillclimb Uganda 1950s JAP Motorcycle Racing

    Kijansi Hillclimb, Uganda about 1955. Rider on JAP motorcycle.

    Kijansi Hillclimb 1955 Vic Preston Sr, Jamal Din UGANDA

    Motorcycle racing at the Kijansi Hillclimb in Uganda around 1955. On left is Vic Preston. On right is Jamil Din. Who is in the middle?

    JAGUAR MVII Kijansi Hillclimb Uganda Africa 1955

    After a brief stay back in England, the family moved to Bossier City, Louisiana USA. In 1959/60 H.D. Rogers & Sons Import Car Specialists was founded. Harold Sr. and his sons also became charter members of the Dixie Sports Car Club. The family was very active in the local club, participating in autocross, hillclimbs, and rallies in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas as well as organizing/planning events.  After the passing of Mr. Rogers Sr., Harold Rogers Jr became the owner and operator of the business. In 2004, Mr. Harold Rogers Jr. closed H.D. Rogers & Sons with the goal of spending more time enjoying his hobby of classic cars. His son Hal Rogers opened up his own business as Classic Auto Spares to continue on the tradition of supplying parts and accessories to Classic Car enthusiasts online.

    Browse our newly redesigned website. Search by car type or for specific product. If you do not see what you need, email us your request at sales@classicautospares.us  We will be happy to check for you since we do not yet have all our inventory on the redesigned website.