MiniCab!: Welbeck Motors Dauphine minicabs - True Story

MiniCab! 9780956411921 12/2020

The True Story of Michael Gotla & the Welbeck Motors Renault Dauphine Minicabs

If ever there was a true lost story, this is the one you must read now!

In 1961 Michael Gotla, the owner of London based Welbeck Motors, a successful car sales and hire company, decided to venture into the new and emerging world of minicab operation. Michael, a forward thinking, flamboyant and ideas man, was, in many ways, ahead of his time.

The venture would boast the largest as yet fleet of minicabs. These were all Renault Dauphines, placed into operation on the Capitals streets, fitted with two-way radios with the new idea of the cars being adorned with revolutionary all over advertisements bringing in further income to support the venture. With public demand being high and fares at just one shilling a mile, what could go wrong….

Backed by a well known and respected millionaire, it became one of the big stories of 1961 gaining much unexpected publicity. However, there was one thing that the venture could not have foreseen and that was the trouble that lay ahead with the London taxi trade.

For the very first time ever, this story can finally be told in its full and true account. Using Welbeck Motors, thought to be lost, own archives, this huge but forgotten story can now be revealed to you.

Be prepared to meet Michael Gotla, the Entrepreneur, in a time before the word was even in fashion!

*The film 'Carry On Cabby' was inspired by the events that played out and Dinky Toys even produced its now highly collectable Renault Dauphine Minicab model.