Paignton Car Finance
Used Car Finance in Paignton, Devon
GB Car Finance specialises in used car finance in and around Paignton. We will work hard to help you obtain an approval decision, based on affordability, in minutes and drive away your new used car within 24 hours!
Car Finance Based On Affordability
If you need a loan to buy a used car then you have come to the right place - We could help to find car finance for you regardless of your current financial circumstances. We regularly help people with bad credit, even if they have been refused elsewhere. Simply complete the form opposite to apply.
Car Finance Paignton
We are available to help people access car finance 247, 365 days a year - Whether you need an affordable family saloon, an economical hatchback, a large car or a people carrier we will work hard to help you find the right car for you. Apply online day or night, or speak with one of our friendly operators who will help guide you through the car finance application process and answer any questions you have.
“I was happy with the deal I got for my new car as I've struggled in the past to get the finance from any other company as I've had bad credit. They were very helpful on the phone and helped me choose my car - I was more than happy and would recommend GB Car Finance to anyone…”
All circumstances considered - CCJs, defaults, arrears, self employed, benefits, limited or no credit history, refused car finance elsewhere - Whatever your circumstances we'll look to help.
Used Car Finance in Devon
As well as Paignton, GB Car Finance is pleased to assist people searching for car finance in Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Brixham, Budleigh Salterton, Chulmleigh, Colyton, Crediton, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Holsworthy, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Kingsteignton, Lynton, Newton Abbot, North Tawton, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Peverall, Plymouth, Salcombe, Seaton, Sidmouth, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton, Torquay, Torrington, Totnes, Umberleigh, Winkleigh and Yelverton in Devon.
More information about Paignton
Paignton is a coastal town on the English Riviera in the county of Devon, South West England. It lies on the northern side of Torbay and stretches as far as four miles in length. Noted for its warm climate, golden sands and pretty landscape, it is one of Devon's most popular tourist destinations. But, beyond its picturesque views, Paignton also has a fascinating long-standing connection with the car industry, the finance industry and motorsport.
History
Paignton was one of the first seaside towns to become a desired tourist destination in Britain and it only took 80 years for it to become a bustling and successful resort. Whilst the economy in the early 19th Century centred around fishing, farming, shipping and quarrying, by the end of the century Paignton had become a popular English holiday destination with people flocking in to experience its beauty and sunny climate.
Alongside the tourism industry, the area also saw a more industrialised period in the 20th Century, where car manufacturers seized the opportunity to use Paignton's port and railway station as a base of operations.
Connection to the Car Industry
Paignton's coastal location, convenient access to its port and railway station have been attractive to car manufacturers for many years. One of the first car factories to move to the region was AMC (Austin Morris Company), founded in April 1956.
The factory produced cars for various purposes and in various styles, ranging from saloons, estates and sports cars. During this time, the surrounding area also saw a rise in the number of related industries, such as components, sheet metal, electronics and engineering companies. The Small Arms Factory, which was located at Paignton Harbour, was also a part of this period. Established in 1935, it was the UK's main manufacturer of small arms until it closed in 1979.
Finance Industry
Whilst the connection between Paignton and the car industry is well known, many people don't realise the important historical influence the finance industry has had on the town's development. It started when Austin Butler, a local businessman, became a leading shareholder in the newly established Austin Motor Company in 1934. This historic partnership was to bring much prosperity to the region and led to the establishment of a number of car related businesses in the area, such as the well-known Shipley Garage.
Butler was also the driving force behind the construction of the Austin Butler Building which remains a prominent feature of Paignton today. As a local employer he convinced key local investors to back the project not only to guarantee its success, but also to bring employment and growth to the region.
Motorsport
Paignton is also well known for its motorsport links. It was here in the 1920s and 30s that racing drivers such as Count Zborowski and Henry Seagrave developed the idea of motor racing on public roads. Paignton was the site of the first ever car race on public roads in the UK, with cars racing from Paignton to Torquay and back. This is thought to have been the first race to be held on public roads in the world, beating Monaco and Le Mans by over a decade.
The region also developed strong relations with several manufacturers, including Austin, Hillman and Ford — all of which provided cars for local events. One of the most successful drivers was Stirling Moss, who was the first driver to use specialised preparation on their cars and the first to win a rally in a Ford-prepared Austin 7.
Demographics
Paignton has a population of around 19,026 as of 2021. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South West of England with over 6 million visitors annually. The economy of the region, which relies heavily on the tourist sector, has suffered from the impacts of coronavirus however and the future remains uncertain.
Despite this, the town continues to maintain strong links to the car industry, finance industry and motorsport, which helps to set it apart from many other resorts who rely solely on the tourism sector.
Conclusion
Paignton's unique location, served by its port and railway station, as well as its attractive landscape and climate have all played a part in its historical connections to the car industry, finance industry and motorsport. These connections have been instrumental in shaping the local economy and continue to make Paignton a popular tourist destination.