CAN anyone help shed some light on a motoring mystery?

Kerry Paddison got in touch with Looking Back to see if anyone remembers an upmarket garage called Hooper & Lee (Cars Sales) Ltd at Easton Square, Portland.

The garage advertised in Motorsport magazine’s August 1972 issue selling some expensive vehicles.

Also featured in its fancy forecourt was a Rolls Royce once belonging to broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, which found its way onto the island.

Kerry said: “Back in 1972 I bought Motorsport every month – I could afford the magazine, but not the cars it advertised!

“Around that time my wife and I, newly-married after a reception at Pennsylvania Castle in September 1970 and starting careers, had left the Weymouth and Portland area, so I was entirely unaware of Hooper and Lee.

“Portland has never been an affluent area, some would say none the worse for that – so it is hard to imagine a thriving island clientele for exotic motorcars in the 1970s – but who knows?”

Kerry, of Dorchester, is also wondering whatever happened to those Aston Martins that made up part of the Hooper and Lee collection.

He said: “Can any readers throw light on the fortunes of Messrs (I assume they were chaps) Hooper and Lee?

“Did their business venture prosper, survive, or sink without trace? “Better still, are either or both still around to tell us how they fared and where they are now?”

If you can help, get in touch with Looking Back on 01305 830973 or email joanna.davis@dorsetecho.co.uk