An interview with Classic Motor Cars: “It doesn’t matter what we do, we want to be the best.”

Classic Motor Cars, based in Shropshire, specialises, as the name suggests, in everything Classic Cars.

Operating from an amazing 60,000 sq.ft. premises in Bridgenorth, they offer everything from full nut and bolt restoration, to servicing, storage and car sales. As one of the most prestigious classic car garages in the country, we are delighted to now be supporting the garage with Motul Products and lubricant expertise, as well as providing the garage itself with bespoke signage, and merchandise. Recently, we interviewed CMC MD, Nigel Woodward to find out more about the business and what gets him out of bed in a morning…

What’s the history of your business?

We were founded 28 years ago in 1993, by our chairman Peter Neumark, a significant classic car collector and have since grown into one of the most renown restorers in the UK if not the world.

What does the business do?

We look after all aspects of classic motor from storage to restoration, all in house under one roof.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved?

I have been in the motor industry since before leaving school, working my school holidays at the local Datsun dealer. More recently I have lead Aston Martin’s factory restoration department and after a stint doing a similar role for Jaguar Land Rover, I took over here at Classic Motor Cars in 2018.

How many employees do you have?

Currently around 40 people.

Who are your customers?

Almost all shades of classic enthusiast. From Austin owners to Aston Martins, we see a very broad church of owner come through our doors.

What is your company ethos?

Quality. It doesn’t matter what we do, we want to be the best.

What is your latest news?

Well the biggest story recently here at CMC must be the restoration of Aston Martin’s Bulldog concept car. It has made headlines around the world. Such a special car and a privilege to be involved in returning the legend to the road.

How has the last year impacted your business?

Well once we were through the initial grey hairs and unknown, overall we had a very busy year as people turned to their first passion, classic cars in a time of uncertainty.

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

Finding technical staff is always a challenge and it seems even more so at the moment. With full order books I could take on three good technicians tomorrow.

When and why did you begin working with Witham Motorsport & Motul Products?

Just this year. Early days but so far Witham have proved great partners, supplying now all our lubricants and fluids. A good supplier needs to be a single,  technical source of quality lubricants at a good price and be a partner, who shares our vision and actively works with us to drive our business forward. Witham
supply a world class product line up with Motul and are by far the most engaged lubricant partner we have found.

What is your favourite car of all time?

That is a difficult question. Its horses for courses and depends where and when we are speaking of, but a well set up E Type or XK150 would be up there and having restored an ex-works Aston Martin DB3S, they are quite special to me too.

Who would be in the passenger seat with you if you could choose and why?

My partner Lucey. Sorry Stirling!

What are your plans for the business in the future?

We have diversified hugely over the past four years, moving from a mainly Jaguar based business to looking after almost any type of classic you can imagine. This diversification and expansion continues and even includes electric vehicle.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Having a toyshop like Classic Motor Cars to come to every morning means getting up isn’t a problem.

Who is your inspiration in business?

We are an employee ownership trust and so my inspiration is doing the best I can to lead the staff, who are our shareholders, to a successful future.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

The same but more quickly!

What has been your proudest moment?

Finally becoming the MD of a major specialist and to some degree having my own trainset has been something I have been working toward for most of my career.

Are you interested in becoming a Motul Garage or would like to stock Motul’s extensive range of quality products? Please call: 01353 723373 or email: motul@withamgroup.co.uk for more information.