Back in 1950, two brothers, Eric and Roy Hazeldine, had set up a garage business in Telscombe Cliffs and Rottingdean known as Hazeldene Motors where they designed and built the little Hazelcar.

The initial idea was to design a car that would do 50 miles to the gallon and 50mph.

With its transverse four-cylinder engine and little wheels it was clearly a forerunner of the Mini and was described in newspaper reports at the time as a minor sensation.

They also made some electric versions and some vans. A total of approximately 25 were built.

On a rare return visit to the UK, Eric and his wife Ruth, who have lived in Canada since 1953, were reintroduced to one of their cars.

This is a four-cylinder petrol version that belongs to my family and is currently undergoing some restoration.

We have owned it since 1957 - it would be more than 50 years since Eric and Ruth last saw this car.

It would be interesting to know if any Argus readers remember them.

-Arthur Hazell, Saltdean