Winter News Update
Welcome to the Winter News Update.
We’ve been out and about over the summer at various events and have launched a new business partnership, details of which are below. In between all that we’ve found time to work on quite a few interesting vehicles.
Some of you will be aware that long term Bristol sales specialist, Andrew Blow, retired during the summer and in doing so provided an opportunity for a new business venture created by Spencer Lane-Jones Ltd and Richard Hackett.
From 1st September this year a new company, “SLJ Hackett”, has been launched, selling historic thoroughbred cars and incorporating the sales stock previously advertised by Andrew Blow. SLJ Hackett brings together two leading authorities in the thoroughbred motorcar industry to retail the finest historic thoroughbred cars. The sales stock comprises principally Bristol cars but includes other interesting marques. So now, not only can we restore, maintain and service your vehicle, we can also sell or help you to find your next motorcar.
For more information about SLJ Hackett please visit the website www.sljhackett.co.uk
The team have had a busy but productive summer getting out at about with SLJ Ltd. We created a pop-up motor car services facility at the Goodwood Revival at the request of the event organisers. Set within the Pre-tax car park we were on hand to assist drivers who’d run into a spot of bother on their way to the event.
Unfortunately we were too late to get into the Goodwood advertising material so it took some time for the service to be recognised. Once our presence was established through the various circuit information points, we had a steady stream of customers. Most popular drama was flat batteries, followed by running out of fuel. Strangest request was to rebuild a rare Japanese sports car’s front brakes which mechanic Nick Cooper managed in under an hour with only hand tools and working on the grass. The Goodwood organisation was most grateful for the (free) service provided to the event.
We held our Open Day in early September. It was wonderful to welcome so many customers to the workshop to talk through projects and enjoy a few cups of tea and the odd bite of cake (themed cup cakes, no less). The Open Day is a wonderful opportunity for our team to meet with you all and is, one way of thanking you for your custom and introducing new owners to the services available.
Attendance at the Autumn Classic Race Meeting at Castle Combe in October was our final event. SL-J Ltd was proud to sponsor the very popular Fifties Sports Car race with Peter Campbell driving the Bristol Wingfield Special. A total of 42 cars took off at the start of the race in by far the biggest grid of the day. Both practice and the race were fiendishly damp making our hospitality tent dispensing drinks and food throughout the day, even more attractive. This event was also a chance for us to meet with and share some light refreshments with some of our customers.
We look forward to welcoming more to our hospitality tent next year. There is even talk of combining with the Bristol Owners’ Heritage Trust to make a weekend around this one day race meeting – more to follow.