World's smallest man takes new car for test drive

Standing just two foot, two inches tall, Davy Jones was at one time the world's smallest man. Here he explains how his car has been modified to meet his particular requirements. Davy also gives an insight into his showbiz life, recalling how he once bested 'The Gorgeous Gael', the six foot, three inches tall actor, Jack Doyle.

Davy's car was a Cheetah-Cub car manufactured by Watsonian of Birmingham. This firm were well-known sidecar manufacturers and were amongst the first companies to use fibreglass in the construction of side cars in the 1950's. Davy's car was constructed of fibreglass and the 75cc four stroke engine, with a top speed of 14 miles per hour, was located in the rear. It was five feet in length and cost £125. His unique car can be viewed at the Ulster Transport Museum.

The specially made Jaguar is now part of the collection of the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Jack Doyle, the subject of Davy's anecdote, led an eventful life. He appeared in a number of films, starring in McGluskey the Sea Rover (1934) and Navy Spy (1937). Aside from his career in Holywood, he also fought as a professional boxer and was a celebrated tenor singer - signed by Decca Records, he performed at venues including the London Palladium. His private life was no less colourful. Doyle was famously involved with the actress Movita Castaneda - Marlon Brando's future wife.

This material is courtesy of the UTV archive.

Digitised as Part of Unlocking Film Heritage.

Interviewer: Leslie Dawes

• Britain on Film
• BFI Player