New Specialist Automotive Hub Opens in Somerset
- New purpose-built collection management and car storage facility in Somerset opens doors
- Vantage Park site shared with classic upholstery, restoration, and servicing experts
- State of the art car storage in Yeovil reveals new premises includes detailing, temperature and moisture control
- Renowned trimmers celebrate 25-year anniversary
At a first glance, Sparkford is a sleepy Somerset village like any other. With less than 700 residents, and a single pub, for many it functions as nothing more than a convenient stopping point en-route to a weekend getaway in Devon or Cornwall.
Peek between the hedgerows, however, and you might catch a glimpse of some seriously precious metal, anything from a pristine classic Aston Martin DB5 to an exotic McLaren Senna – because nestled away at the end of Goodwood Drive, a budding new specialist automotive hub for classic and collectible cars has bloomed into life.
Already boasting an enviable automotive heritage as the home of the Haynes Manual, Sparkford’s reputation as the motoring enthusiast’s nirvana in the South West is bolstered by the presence of a group of skilled specialists, providing collection management, servicing, restoration and preparation of some of the countries’ rarest and most loved classic and sports cars from a brand new development.
Newly-opened Vantage Park plays host to Churchill & Thomas Fine Automobile Storage, a brand new, purpose-built collection management facility for sports and classic car storage in Somerset. Inside the imposing dark grey building, a state-of-the-art facility holds up to 120 vehicles in secure, temperature and moisture-controlled comfort. With long-term residents elevated onto the first floor by lift, each vehicle under Churchill & Thomas’ care remains snugly under cover, save for regular start-ups and check-overs as per their owner’s requirements. A full valet and detailing bay was integrated into the specification of the building – ensuring each vehicle can arrive and leave in showroom condition.
Churchill & Thomas’ location for car storage in Yeovil is the ideal spot for collectors looking to enjoy their vehicles for weekend getaways in the South West’s rolling countryside. Located seconds from the A303, the main trunk road from the South East to Devon and Cornwall, Vantage Park is a short taxi ride from a choice of train stations with direct links to London. The addition of a helipad later this year gives collectors outstanding access to their fleets whenever they wish.
The new Vantage Park site was designed from scratch to be a specialist automotive hub, and in addition to Churchill & Thomas, also hosts renowned experts in automotive upholstery, classic car servicing, restoration and tour preparation – as well as an on-site coffee bar.
The first name you’ll see as you enter through Vantage Park’s secure gate is that of Piper Trimmers – specialists in classic car upholstery for over 25 years, and well known amongst classic enthusiasts and owners across the UK and further afield. Run by brothers Larry and Royston, Pipers create stunning bespoke and restoration automotive interiors, as well as luxury motorbike seats, marine, aircraft, and furniture upholstery. With over 100 years of combined experience, Pipers artisan handcrafted interiors have featured in multiple award-winning show vehicles – whilst their new CNC stitching machinery also enables them to create intricate bespoke patterns and panels to custom design.
Also sharing the site is the new workshop of Bradley Mauger – a classic car specialist in Sparkford with a wealth of knowledge in maintenance, repair, restoration, and event preparation. Formerly responsible for the management of one of Europe’s largest collections of cars on public display, Brad’s extensive knowledge of a multitude of marques and models is immediately evident from the collection of vehicles being worked on in the immaculate shop. Having appeared on-stage at the London Classic Car Show Brad is a familiar face to many in the classic car scene, and his new venture gives him a welcome opportunity to work directly with his clients who appreciate and trust his remarkable expertise.
Vantage Park in Sparkford is the ultimate destination for discerning classic and sports car owners – a wealth of experience and spectacular facilities in collection management, upholstery, restoration and maintenance in one place. Welcoming clients now.