The Gearhead’s Garage: Inside the 400-Car Kingdom of Rodger Dudding
Rodger Dudding, an 81-year-old man, owns a private car collection in the heart of England. It is thought to be the biggest collection in the UK, with 400 cars and 65 motorcycles. Each vehicle is a shining example of his lifelong love for cars. The collection is kept at Studio 434, a hidden gem among the rolling hills and charming villages.
Dudding started his journey in 1968. He bought a nearly new Jensen FF. At that time, he didn’t know that this beautiful car would be the start of something big. It would lead to a lifelong love of cars and a collection that spans continents and decades. Today, his collection is in lock-up garages in the Midlands and the South East. It covers 14,000 square feet and only a few people can see it.
Among the crown jewels are 24 Lagondas from the mind of William Towns, representing a staggering 4% of the total ever produced. Two long-wheelbase variants, one in each steering configuration, add to the collection’s allure. But the gems don’t stop there.
Picture the AC 378 GT Zagato prototype, a fully functional masterpiece unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The only one of its kind is this powerful car with 434bhp. It sits next to Dudding’s personal favorite Prancing Horse. The Prancing Horse is a unique Dino that Dudding got in a bittersweet twist of fate. The Dino was the sole cherry he craved from a friend’s collection, purchased to honor the departed petrolhead.
History buffs will revel in gems like the 1929 Austin Seven-based military scout car, the first of its kind. Rarer still is the Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 34, a stark contrast to its ubiquitous Type 14 cousin, with only 42,000 ever produced.
Dudding’s passion extends beyond four wheels. Cabinets are overflowing with carefully made small cars. These cars are both real and small. Each car shows how dedicated he is to making them. Also, among the old steel cars is a 2008 electric car prototype. This prototype is high-performance and gives a fascinating look into Dudding’s early support of electric cars.
The eclectic mix doesn’t end there. Dudding has a diverse taste in motorcycles. He owns a 48-cylinder Kawasaki motorcycle. The collection also includes iconic names like Figaro and the original 1949 Interceptor. These motorcycles add their own stories to the collection.
As we delve deeper into this automotive wonderland, one question surfaces: what does the future hold? Dudding invested in EVs early and loves cars. This suggests that his empire will continue to grow and add new chapters to an already amazing story.
Rodger Dudding, at 81, continues to curate his 400-car symphony, each vehicle a note in a lifelong ode to the automobile. His collection shows his passion for automotive history. It reveals the soul of a man who truly lives and breathes machines.
So, the next time you find yourself cruising down an English country lane, keep your eyes peeled. You might just catch a glimpse of Dudding’s automotive kingdom, a silent testament to the enduring allure of the car.
