‘Modern classics are becoming a big part of our business’
Jaguar specialist Classic Motor Cars - has just celebrated 25 years in the business. Nick Larkin catches up with managing director Nigel Woodward (above) to find out how things have changed.
Nick Larkin How has the market for classic Jaguars changed over 25 years?
Nigel Woodward The market for all classic cars has expanded tremendously over the past 25 years and Jaguars have been no exception to that. The value of the cars has risen and people are spending more money on them. We have been lucky to have to restored some of the most significant Jaguars of all time.
NL CMC’s birthday event had a display of 25 of its most significant restorations. Which stood out?
NW We have been very lucky to find these 25 cars and thanks to everyone who brought them. One of my favourites was the unique Pininfarina-bodied Jaguar XK120. A lot of work was needed and a lot of research to get it right.
NL The classic restoration skills shortage is well documented. Is it hard to recruit?
NW It’s always difficult to find good trained skilled people. We are one of the biggest restoration companies in the UK and we are determined to do something about this. We have a partnership with three other companies on the same industrial estate, Grainger and Worrall, foundry and machine shop, Salop design, which does pressings and Incom, which provides training and business services. The result is the Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology, a leader provider of training. We have three apprentices studying there and three doing an engineering apprenticeship.
NL CMC is employee-owned after the business was presented to its workforce by its founders. How does that work?
NL Basically, it’s an employee trust on John Lewis lines. The trust holds the shares. We have 50 employees here and everyone is a member of the trust.
NL How do you see the future?
NW We see further expansion. We have 60,000sq ft of premises and a superb team. We are a 360-degree classic car company and not just restorers. Modern classics are becoming an increasing part of our business too. There are people prepared to spend quite a lot of money on them, so it’s a major development.