Howard Watts Automotive

Howard Watts Automotive Inc. Riddelsdell Bros Ltd. Established 1900
Europe's oldest recorded working garage, dealing in performance and classic cars.

Our workshops cater for all vehicles, offering a full suite of services. Established 1900
One of Europe's oldest recorded working garage, dealing in performance and classic cars.

NOW RECRUITING - Experienced Technicianfor the World’s oldest continuously working garage (with a modern twist!) - we us...
25/06/2025

NOW RECRUITING - Experienced Technician

for the World’s oldest continuously working garage (with a modern twist!) - we use Whitworth, AF and Metric spanners!

Small family business in the heart of Boxford village
seeks an experienced technician already qualified as an MOT Examiner – or someone with at least 4 years workshop experience and is willing to undertake MOT Examiner training.

The work is varied - we work on anything from lawnmowers to motorbikes, Minis to Ferraris and Porsches and everything in-between. In fact we work on anything that our fantastic customer base entrust us to look after.

c.v. to [email protected]

At our ancient garage we never know what the devil will bring to test our mettle, knowledge and (possibly) common sense....
01/11/2023

At our ancient garage we never know what the devil will bring to test our mettle, knowledge and (possibly) common sense.
Here we have an MOT in progress having completed a diagnostic analysis of the various electronic systems employed on this 1932 Austin 7 Special!!!

Pictured are our two senior technicians puzzling over testing procedures, and more importantly, deciding who can actually fit in behind the wheel to undertake the brake test.

Again we recommend that all classic vehicles should have an MOT, as proof that the vehicle was roadworthy; in case of any incidents – otherwise insurance companies may try to wriggle out of their liability if the car has not proven to be roadworthy at the time of the incident.

This week a customer has entrusted us with his Ferrari 296 GTB, direct from purchase at Maranello Sales, for the install...
17/10/2023

This week a customer has entrusted us with his Ferrari 296 GTB, direct from purchase at Maranello Sales, for the installation of a Category 2 Immobiliser prior to preparation for winter storage, as this is now required by insurance companies on cars of this value.

We are able to bring in various tried and trusted vehicle specialists - known and used by us for many years - to perform tasks like installation of alarms, trackers, immobilisers, servicing of air conditioning systems, paintwork and paint scratch repairs, wheel refurbishment; all depending on your specific requirements.

This week we have worked on two electric vehicles, a Polestar 2 needing body repairs and a Kia EV needing new tyres. Whilst we are not equipped to deal with the electric motors and batteries, we are able deal with bodywork, braking systems and other ancillaries.

Work has continued on the Porsche 928 SE Sport, specifically with the cooling system electrics. Progress has been made on mechanical repairs to a Porsche 997 Turbo and we continue to help customers with classic vehicle inspections recommending on preventive maintenance before winter storage.

Howard also recommends that all classic vehicles should have an MOT, as proof that the vehicle was roadworthy; in case of any incidents – otherwise insurance companies may try to wriggle out of their liability if the car has not proven to be roadworthy at the time of the incident.

As Autumn approaches our customers with Classic cars are preparing them for winter hibernation (with some occasional out...
17/10/2023

As Autumn approaches our customers with Classic cars are preparing them for winter hibernation (with some occasional outings!), sorting out the little problems that have occurred during Summer use and generally keeping them well maintained.

An existing customer with a Daimler 2.5 V8 has brought it in for an MOT, yearly change of fluids & filters, and minor adjustment of the choke cable. Classic cars registered more than 40 years ago (currently 1982) do not legally require an MOT but it is an excellent way of carrying out a thorough vehicle check.

Another existing customer has entrusted us with repairs to his Series II Jaguar XJ12, including fitting a new headlining and dealing with various oil leaks.

Currently we are working on a braking system upgrade on a Subaru Imprezza STi Cosworth, recovery and refresh of a Porsche 928 SE Sport (one of only 42 Right Hand Drive manufactured) from barn storage, repairs to an Aston Martin DB9 and, of course, servicing and MOTs to everyday vehicles.

The kettle is always on the boil and biscuits available, ready for a chat or tale to be told.

At last Summer has arrived and the Car Clubs are now buzzing with passionate drivers using their treasured cars in earne...
13/06/2023

At last Summer has arrived and the Car Clubs are now buzzing with passionate drivers using their treasured cars in earnest, whether it be touring through the Suffolk country lanes or attending the various classic car and village shows being held in the County each weekend.

Of course we welcome all Car Club members to visit the garage, whether for fixing those pre-summer car problems, MOTs or vehicle check-overs, or indeed enjoying a chat with or taking advice from people involved in the motoring business.

This week we have been working on an existing customers Triumph TR4A and a new customers VW split screen camper van, the latter entrusting us to resolve various mechanical items including gear change difficulties.

And finally our senior technician, Harry, is over the moon with the recent purchase of the Japanese 'Rolls Royce', the Lexus LS400

Please do not hesitate to give Howard a call on 01787 210318 for a chat

More news from the workshop.As you can see from the photographs from the workshop this week, our experienced Technicians...
26/05/2023

More news from the workshop.

As you can see from the photographs from the workshop this week, our experienced Technicians are able to work on anything and everything, of whatever vintage – as long as it has an engine and wheels, we can look after it for you.

NEWS FROM THE WORKSHOPAnother rare and exciting car has returned for its annual MOT and checkover – a Ferrari 360 Strada...
26/05/2023

NEWS FROM THE WORKSHOP
Another rare and exciting car has returned for its annual MOT and checkover – a Ferrari 360 Stradale – always a pleasure to see and hear.

This lovely vehicle is from the motor-house of one of our local customers.

An update on the Spitfire E-Type chassis no 860035 providing some of it's racing history. I was recently able to acquire...
22/05/2023

An update on the Spitfire E-Type chassis no 860035 providing some of it's racing history. I was recently able to acquire the photographic records of the West Midlands Archer family and in particular momentoes including race programs and trophies of the late son, Peter Archer, depicting his racing exploits in the E Type through the late 60s and early 70s. The family had run a car dealership in Shirley and Solihull, ‘Archers of Shirley’, pre and post war, firstly as a Standard Triumph agent and later including Austin/Morris and Jaguar. Peter’s father had, pre and post war, taken part in trials and hill climbs - evidenced by a number of trophies now also in my possession, and no doubt he had been an influence on his son’s racing activities. Some of the photos bear the logo ‘Archers of Shirley’ on the car’s flanks indicative of the family’s support.

It is evident from the photographs that the car was initially raced in the standard bodywork, albeit with the addition of various air scoops, but later substantially modified with extended raised wheel arches and lowered suspension (the difference illustrated by the two images above).

Amongst the treasures found in the family records was a small printed brochure, published by Jaguar Cars entitled ‘Tuning & Preparation of “E” Type Cars for Competition Use’, providing a ‘guide for owners of E Type models who, in addition to normal road use may wish to use their cars on occasions for racing………..which may result in improved performance without making the car unsuitable for road use’.

No doubt this was referred to by Peter Archer whilst developing the car for racing, with some success judging by the race results, awards and trophies now in my possession.

We are constantly busy in the workshop both on servicing and long term restoration projects. Here’s a look at some of th...
21/05/2023

We are constantly busy in the workshop both on servicing and long term restoration projects. Here’s a look at some of the vehicles that we are currently and have most recently been working on.

The Jaguar C Type - we completed a full service and the necessary preventive maintenance ready for the Summer season.

The Porsche 912 is undergoing a full bare metal restoration. We are currently installing a new loom and the final parts of the engine installation and ancillaries ready for the Customer's use in the summer.

We have worked during this past year on various ages of vehicle, pre or post 2nd world war. From Austin 7 Special through BMW 328 to Riley Kestrel, MG TD and MGA.

There is always something of interest going on in the workshop.

This excellent SAAB 900i has been known to us for over 20 years, being owned by an individual in the village until I too...
21/05/2023

This excellent SAAB 900i has been known to us for over 20 years, being owned by an individual in the village until I took it into my private collection in 2012. It has been kept garaged and covered during that time with little winter or wet use.

The car is absolutely perfect for summer use and top down touring for a family.

It has been incredibly well kept by its 3 previous owners together with myself. The paintwork is completely faultless with the rubber bumpers and side strings almost totally unmarked. The interior seat fabric and carpets, together with over-mats are original and almost perfect.

The electric hood and 4 electric windows all function perfectly, the hood having been replaced recently with new glass heated rear window. The three piece ‘tonneau’ hood covers are in perfect condition and come with a vinyl tailored bag for safe keeping.

I am reluctantly putting the car up for sale and will be happy to arrange a viewing and test drive - call Howard on 01787 210318 if you are interested.

The Spitfire E Type! This is chassis number 860035, supplied new to dealer Willetts of Eastbourne on 4 December 1961 and...
17/05/2023

The Spitfire E Type! This is chassis number 860035, supplied new to dealer Willetts of Eastbourne on 4 December 1961 and still wearing it’s original number plate JJK 195. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s this well known E Type was used for club racing, modified to semi-lightweight spec, including alloy bonnet and doors, as well as the striking Perspex rear screen to replace the opening rear door.

I came across the car in the workshop of a Jaguar specialist. Chassis no 860035 had been painstakingly partly rebuilt over the previous twenty-six years to recreate the first CUT 7, as raced by Dick Protheroe. It had been stripped internally and in the engine bay there is a brass plaque on the nearside engine frame from Dick Protheroe’s garage, County Motors, showing that the car passed through his hands at some stage. It was about 40% complete with the bodywork finished and painted. The remaining parts had been packed in crates and stored carefully for years.

With the help of a number of Jaguar specialists along the way I have returned it to its former glory as a highly modified road car, capable of road and race use.

We have a number of similar classic cars in the workshop at present undergoing anything from full restoration or minor preparation for summer use. If you need some advice on your classic, or indeed are looking for a suitable workshop to carry out a full restoration, please do not hesitate to contact Howard on 01787 210318

Address

Ellis Street, Sudbury
Suffolk
CO105HH

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+441787210318

Website

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Inc. Riddelsdell Bros Ltd. Established 1900 One of Europe's oldest recorded working garages, dealing in performance & classic cars and motorbikes. Our workshops cater for all vehicles, offering a full suite of repair and renovation services.