Every now and then, it’s not the car that steals the show — it’s what’s left inside it.
This Big D de-icer aerosol was found tucked away in a car that was last taxed in 1979. That alone gives you a clue, but the real talking point is right there on the tin.
Big D was a familiar name back in the day, known for everything from air fresheners to automotive products like this. The design here is pure period — bold lettering, simple claims, and that wonderfully optimistic promise to clear “snow, frost, ice instantly”.
But the real gem? The car printed on the can.
Front and centre is what looks to be a Jaguar XJ — likely a Series 1 or early Series 2. That would place the design somewhere in the late 1960s through to the mid-1970s.
So while we can’t say exactly when this particular can was made, it’s a safe bet it dates from around that era — and the fact it was still sitting in a car unused since 1979 lines up nicely.
Here’s the unbelievable part…
It still squirted.
Make of that what you will, but for something that’s potentially 50+ years old, that’s seriously impressive. They clearly made things to last back then — even if the branding might raise a smile today.
This is where it gets interesting.
Was Big D something you had in your garage or glovebox back in the day? Do you remember using it on cold winter mornings, or is this the first time you’ve seen one?
And more importantly… how old do you reckon it actually is?
It’s items like this that make garage clearances so interesting — not just the cars, but the bits of history hidden away with them.
If you’ve got a garage, shed or collection you’re thinking of clearing, we’d love to hear from you. Cars, bikes, parts, tools or memorabilia — it all tells a story, and we’re always on the lookout.
Stay updated with the latest barn finds, auction news, and classic car adventures in our 'News & Waffle' section. Dive into rare discoveries, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights into the world of classic cars. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply intrigued by the tales behind these treasures, this is your hub for all things classic and captivating.
View All
This VW Type 3 Squareback auction result left us wondering whether somebody had just bagged themselves a rather interesting old Volkswagen. The 1972 Squareback went under the hammer at Anglia Car Auctions with a £4,000-£6,000 estimate. The bidding ticked along, but eventually everybody stopped. And they stopped before reaching the bottom of the guide. So […]
This Ford Escort 1600 Sport auction result gave us one of the most entertaining bidding battles we’ve filmed for a while. Before the 1979 Mk2 Escort went under the hammer at Anglia Car Auctions, we took a closer look at the car and asked UK Barn Finds followers to predict what it would sell for. […]
This Ford Capri auction result is an interesting indication of just how much enthusiasm remains for early Mk1 Capris. The 1970 Ford Capri 1600 GT XLR certainly wasn’t presented as a pristine example when it went under the hammer at Anglia Car Auctions. It was scruffy, needed restoration or recommissioning, came with no history and […]
