Tex was established in the 1940s as Magnatex Ltd, who registered the Tex trademark on October 25, 1944.
The company commenced supply of parts to British manufacturers in 1947 and quickly grew to be a major supplier of windscreen wipers and interior mirrors to the recovering British motor industry.
Tex also established a major presence in the design and supply of vehicle wing mirrors, which were a major item for both OEM and dealer fitment all the way through to the mid-1970s. Windscreen wash systems were added to the range as they became a manufacturer standard fit.
Tex’s decline as an OEM supplier was prompted by the move to the manufacturer fit of external rear view mirrors. This effectively removed a significant percentage of the company’s turnover just when it needed to invest in the increasingly sophisticated wiper and wash systems that were also coming into fashion. As a result, the company was downsized and sold in the 1980s and the name changed to MRM-Tex Ltd in 1986. The current moniker of Tex Automotive Ltd was adopted in 1995, following a move from London to Witney. The firm was acquired by British Motor Heritage (BMH) in May 2008 and relocated within our premises shortly afterwards.
Wipers and washers
Tex’s Classic range of windscreen wiper arms and blades is extensive and will equip most post-war vehicles. Even today these wiper systems are used as original equipment by some low volume British vehicle manufacturers; particularly those making cars with flat, low windscreens.
The company is able to supply three types of wiper head (the part that attaches the blade to the drive system) – namely, Collet, Lucas and Wedgelock. There is also a very comprehensive range of arms available in a variety of lengths and widths, that are offered with the four main types of arm to blade attachment – ie Bayonet, Spoon, Notched and Clip. The arms can be supplied cranked from 30 degrees left to 30 degrees right too. Blades range from Flat ones in 8” and 9” lengths, to the Spoon type 8” to 12” long, and the Bayonet and Notched variety in 9” to 16” fitments. Tex is also able to manufacture bespoke arms incorporating specific lengths and angles of crank. This service is invaluable for customers with rare or modified vehicles and is only possible because of our in-house manufacturing expertise.
There is a Tex range of original windscreen washer equipment as well. This includes bottles in various sizes; not least the original Tudor period variety. The company also has a comprehensive range of washer jets, tubing, filters, and connectors, not to mention electric pumps and the Tex Heat ‘n’ Wash kit. It thereby caters for all the classic owner’s screen wash requirements.
Mirrors
These remain a major part of the business too, which is perhaps not surprising when you consider the Tex door mirror, finished in either polished stainless steel or black, was fitted as original equipment to all British Leyland vehicles between 1974 and 1983. The Classic wing mirror range includes all the popular shapes, which can in turn be fitted to a variety of stems and with either flat of convex glass.
There is also a range of interior mirrors for both roof and dashtop mounting, as well as a choice of no less than five different styles of quarter-light fitments. Then there’s the Tex racing mirror and the Tex Torpedo racing mirror, both of which were essential fitment on the performance (and some ‘aspiring’ performance!) cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Again, these quality items allow an owner to upgrade their mirrors whilst remaining true to their vehicle’s original style.
Still a Premier Manufacturer of genuine parts
Today, Tex Automotive Ltd is the premier manufacturer and supplier of genuine original equipment windscreen wiper arms and blades, windscreen wash equipment, and wing mirrors for the majority of British cars manufactured from the end of the 1940s to the 1970s. In this regard it continues to be an essential supplier of parts that allow an owner to maintain good clear vision, both through the windscreen and to the rear of the vehicle; a vital role in keeping classic cars and their owners safe on our increasingly busy roads.
No other company offers the breadth of range or indeed the flexibility of production that results from its UK manufacturing base.
Tex Automotive is a British Motor Heritage Group Company.
To see the full range of Tex Automotive products go the Tex online store at www.texautomotive.com
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