Eighty years ago, somewhat to the surprise of many in the industry, the British government lifted the sartime ban on radio receivers installed in cars. This was welcome news to those who still drove a car for essential purposes. And it meant that the price of secondhand auto radios in dealer’s stocks suddenly increased in price.

Because both automobile and radio dealers were swamped with work, it probably meant that the owner of a car who wanted a radio installed would need to do it himself. This, the May 1944 issue of Practical Wireless contained an article outlining the basics. The car radio installation shown above appeared on this issue’s cover.

The magazine did stress the need for a license.  The license for the receiver in your home would not cover the additional set in your car, and you would need to secure a license at the post office before tackling the installation.