Peugeot's decision to end UK production in 2007 ends nearly 70-years of association at the Ryton plant in Warwickshire, near Coventry.

The plant was built by the Rootes group in 1939, initially producing World War II aircraft engines. In 1967 it became Rootes-Chrysler.

The plant turned out great names such as the Hillman Hunter, Sunbeam Alpine and the Hillman Avenger. Chrysler Europe collapsed in 1977 and was taken over by Peugeot.

The company paid the nominal sum of one dollar for the premises. It operated under what became known as the Talbot plant.

By the end of 2005 Peugeot had produced more than 4.5m 206s worldwide, with more than 500,000 made in that year. It sold more than 520,000 206s in the UK by the end of 2005

24th October 1953: A convertible Sunbeam Alpine - another product of the Ryton plant

21st November 1958: A view of a new model of the Sunbeam Rapier on display at the Earl's Court Motor Show.

1965: A couple eating a picnic in front of their Hillman Super Minx

Next year's closure of Peugeot's Ryton factory will leave Coventry with only one car plant. The former "motor city" now hosts only car maker: London Taxi International.

The closure comes about a year after the closure of Jaguar and Massey Ferguson before that. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber said the area is used to closures.