110 years on – still going strong!
Europe’s oldest garage flourishing with Gulf
The mod cons of today’s petrol filling station may not be on offer at Riddesdell Brothers in Boxford, Suffolk, but top of the range service most definitely is!
Europe’s oldest recorded working garage continues to offer attended service; the fill-up and the checking of oil, water and tyre pressure come as standard.
“This is a rural site situated in a quintessential English village,” explains proprietor Howard Watts. “Our premises are old-world and so is the mode of operation. My mother, bless her, is still our wages clerk at the age of 81 and long may it continue.”
Established in 1900, the site comprises four in-line pumps adjacent to a 100ft long wood-walled shed, built before the Great War to service and maintain traction engines and steam cars. One of the original steam cars, an American Locomobile, built late 1890’s, remains in the village, owned by one of the site’s customers.
Howard Watts bought Riddesdell Brothers in 2001 and whilst he recognises that fuel may not be a major profit centre, it is still an important part of the operational mix, the traffic flow it generates benefiting other aspects of the business whilst also providing a service to the local community.
“The petrol filling station is very important for this village and the surrounding hamlets,” continues Watts. “Much of the farming community also relies upon us. With so many rural sites closing, the nearest fill-up is now over 7 miles away.”
“Sadly, garages like ours are a dying breed, so it’s important to have other revenue streams along with the support of a company like Gulf.”
“We signed up with Gulf in 2004 and that relationship goes from strength to strength. At a time when many oil companies are refusing to supply small rural locations, it is important to know that a brand of Gulf’s stature is available to us and that the company and its staff are working with us for the long term.”
Beneath the quaint exterior and tranquil village life, the reputation of Riddesdell Brothers for service and quality extends well beyond its petrol pumps. The company operates a one-stop shop for all things Porsche and has an international reputation for its car sales, engine rebuilds and body shop. Specialising in Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati and with several factory-trained technicians employed, UK customers come from as far afield as Manchester and the South Coast, whilst performance and classic cars are exported around the world.
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