Published in 1908, Mr. Toad was a character in Kenneth Grahame’s novel The Wind in the Willows and was inspired by a prevailing stereotype of the time that wealthy drivers were reckless.

The beginning of the 1900s saw manufacturers sell thousands of cars to upper class European and American motor enthusiasts. Public attitudes towards these drivers changed from bemusement to irritation when the drivers became increasingly reckless and dangerous.

William K Vanderbilt II was an American millionaire and car enthusiast who may have been the real-life inspiration behind the character.