The 1968 Brooke Bond “History of the Motor Car” is a popular British tea card collecting set issued by the tea company Brooke Bond (now part of Unilever).
It consists of 50 beautifully illustrated cards featuring the evolution of the motor car, from early steam-powered vehicles like Cugnot’s 1770 three-wheeler through pioneering models by Benz, Daimler, and Panhard to classic early 20th-century cars and up to 1960s high-performance and racing machines. The artwork, by Kenneth Rush, is highly regarded for its detail and historical accuracy, with informative text on the reverse.
The cards measure approximately 69mm x 37mm (roughly 2.7″ x 1.5″). They were distributed as free promotional inserts inside packets of Brooke Bond tea (primarily PG Tips and other blends) sold in the UK and other markets. Collectors could obtain an official album to mount the full set. Different back variations exist (notably light blue, dark blue, and later black reprints).
This set remains a favourite among tea card enthusiasts for its engaging automotive history theme and attractive design.
Example of Album Page
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #5
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #7
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #12
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #13
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #15
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #16
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #17
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #22
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #25
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #27
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #29
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #30
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #33
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #35
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #37
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #38
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #41
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #44
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #45
“History of the Motor Car”
Card #47
