The new building complex, which is being fitted out to the highest standards, will provide some 40,000 square feet of production space, including a dedicated showroom and new paint shop. Another 20,000 square feet will be provided for bespoke classic car storage.
Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “Our products and services go worldwide with over 50% of our business being exported. Since the formation of the business we have expanded from a staff of 3 to 32, which we will now increase by up to nine people over the next few months.”
He added: “We have predominantly specialized in Jaguars and have grown an international reputation for award winning restorations and providing upgrades such as power steering and suspension across the marque. With our additional space and improved facilities we will now be able to offer painting and trim work to owners of any classic or vintage motorcar.”
CMC is heavily involved in training and developing young engineers of the future and are working with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and the Guild of Specialist Engineers in developing apprenticeships for the restoration business.
Nick added: “We have been training our own apprentices for the last seven years and have three young people learning restoration skills. These include a mechanical engineer, trimmer and automotive electrician. The only way that we can be sure of developing the business and having a long term skilled work force is by developing young people.”
The company, which won the coveted restoration of the year award in 2011 with the Lindner Nocker Lightweight, has a number of firsts under its belt including the first ever stretched Series 1 E-Type and its unique trailer for an American client. Currently, it is working on a secret project for Jaguar Cars Design Director Ian Callum – the re-design of a 1962 Mk2, which will also be unveiled later in the year.
Nick said: “All of these things and a dedicated staff who work to exacting standard have enabled us to expand our company.”
He added: “The restoration business in the UK as a whole is worth over 4.5 billion to the UK’s economy; it employs some 28,000 people and is no longer a business that is solely run by a bunch of enthusiasts working out of lock up garages. We are still enthusiasts but have had to adopt modern business practises and attitudes to succeed in this very demanding industry.”
Visit www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk
About Classic Motor Cars
Founded in 1993, Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth provides a Jaguar restoration service to the highest possible standard. It is recognised as one of the world’s leading restorers of classic Jaguars and is responsible for restoring some of the most historic Jaguars ever built.
Staffed by a highly experienced team of engineers and technicians based at its Bridgnorth, Shropshire, workshops CMC is able to provide an international clientele with a range of services from a simple oil change, performance and handling upgrades to full restorations and even bespoke car redesign alongside a hand-picked selection of cars available for sale.
About Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director
Involved in the business of restoring classic Jaguar since 1980. Founded Vicarage Motor Cars in 1982 specialising in the restoration and upgrading of the Jaguar MK2 Saloon. Selling his controlling interest in the late 1980s, he formed Classic Motor Cars Ltd in 1993. “Even today the MK2 Saloon is still my favourite classic Jaguar”.