Dave Culshaw was born in 1939, and began to show a mechanical aptitude at a very early age, precipitated initially by his grandfather’s farm vehicles, which, apart from the tractors, included a 1926 Chevrolet, and a 1938 Wolseley. This interest tended to become something of an obsession following his uncle’s purchase, from the late Reg Parker, of a TA14 in 1954, which precipitated Dave joining the Alvis 0wner Club as Member 662, in December 1955, at the age of 16.

Shortly afterwards, while still in the Sixth Form, Dave started to compile an A to Z history of post-war British Motor Industry Production. This was in due course taken up by Temple Press Ltd., publishers of that popular weekly ‘ The Motor ‘, and was launched by them at the 1959 Earl’s Court Motor Show. Following further education, which included Twickenham Technical College and Loughborough University, a career in practical education beckoned, which was followed by further writing commissions, and a hobby which included the saving and re-commissioning of several Alvis cars which would otherwise have been scrapped.

Dave was created a Life Member of the A.O.C. in 2007, and during his many years as Registrar of that organisation, in the capacity as signatory to the DVLA V765 scheme, has recovered over 250 original registration marks for owners, which work still continues apace on behalf of the Alvis Archive Trust.