HISTORY
J Robinson Autocraft was born from a passion for classic cars mixed with the experience of modern techniques, giving a contemporary twist to old established processes.
My experience of all things petrol powered began from a very young age watching my father create some truly inspirational work and occasionally helping, but a lot of the time hindering, nevertheless learning a massive amount (and yes if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing properly and you only know how by those years and years of experience dad) I would not have missed them for the world.
The long awaited day finally came to leave school and I started an apprenticeship at the ICS Jaguar Museum in Maldon, learning how to restore barn find wrecks into concours d'elegance show winners. However, when the first recession came the Museum struggled and eventually had to close its doors, which took me to the Garage Gt Bardfield where I furthered my knowledge restoring many forms of Rolls Royce and Bentley cars.
I feel lucky to have had the apprenticeship I did, as the years of learning first hand from true craftsman is what hopefully sets me apart now, and I hope I can repay them by representing them well in all I do.
With high dreams of owning my own garage one day, I left Bardfield to explore the technologies behind modern vehicles at a Ford dealership slowly working my way up to eventually become the deputy workshop supervisor.
Two dreams became a reality in 2002 when I opened my own garage in Hatfield Peveral, and in what was left of my spare time competed in a few rounds of the fear sly competitive rookie 600 motorcycle racing series against motorcycle shops and their best riders (and rather larger budgets). I soon found that it was a choice of bike racing or the garage as both needed all my efforts and time. I finished in the top 10 in most rounds with the best finish of 4th and in the few rounds I did, eventually slipping from eighth to twelfth in the championship just by missing out the last round, which shows how closely fought it all was. With an offer to ride for a shop at the southern 100 isle of man race, I was left to decide which to follow, but wishing to stay in contact with my remaining limbs I opted for the garage. I learnt so much in my time there both about business and life and the best bit was meeting my wife in 2004. I worked hard until 2007 when the land owner gave in to temptation and sold the garage land off for housing development. With no choice but to move and not being a pair to quit, my wife and I saw this as our opportunity to relocate to the rural county of Suffolk and set up a purpose built 5000sqft restoration facility. This is where I reside to this day, slowly building relationships with local tradesmen. I am now able to work solely within the trade, restoring numerous machines for many interesting company’s clients from gp teams and race car builders to classic car restorers and reputable garages. I feel honored they choose me to represent them for their customer’s needs.
The years I spent restoring was all learnt first hand so carry no official paper work, but I do have a few qualifications and achievements so please feel free to view them as I have attached them underneath for an insight into my 24 years of experience.
So that’s my story so far and for it I thank my father for all he tried to persuade me not to do (and the years and years of experience he shared with me), thanks to all those along the way who took the time to teach me what I know now, but most of all the largest thanks should go to my fantastic wife Tracy as without her encouragement and support, I would not be where I am today, your help and support is humbling and is always appreciated, thank you.
