Manor Park Classics Chairman's Update. A Tribute To My Father John Charles Ashworth

Just over a year ago, we opened our doors here at Manor Park Classics in the middle of a worldwide pandemic but to a most receptive market, ready for change and some fresh ideas to shake up a proud but old fashioned auction industry way past its sell by date and desperate for appeal to a new generation and growing market but in different directions 

12 months on, I am very proud of what we have achieved here at MPC

We set out to do things differently and I feel we done just that.  Firstly setting up a super team and building a unique facility for the North West.  One that caters for all classic car needs, for all generations, young and old and that provides an unrivalled service for our clients      We have invested for the future and taken our time to build foundations and get things right.  

Today we have a growing list of satisfied customers who can leave their car in our hands, enjoy free collection, storage, advice, unrivalled photography and social media coverage, and not have to worry about all of the usual stresses with auction houses, time pressures for delivery, collection, security, hidden costs and hard sales tactics from remote and temporary venues.   

Our idea is working and going well, vendors and buyers love it.  We have achieved great success, in some cases record sales and our valued clients are coming back for more and we are delighted.   We provide the complete service, building relationships for the future 

Today’s auction day falls on and indeed remembers a very sad day for our family being 20 years since the passing of my father John Ashworth.      The founder and Chairman of Hurstwood Developments Ltd, the first company of today’s Hurstwood Holdings 30 companies and a lifelong classic car enthusiast.  A vibrant and inspirational business man, a fantastic father and friend, taken far too early in life.   

One of 6 children but speaking personally we shared countless experiences in our family and business life and founded two of the property companies together that are still going strong and thriving today 

My first ever classic car was an MGA in old English white.  I loved it and the times we had together enjoying it.  

My Dad, an able mechanic was at the time completely rebuilding a Jaguar EType Series 3 Commemorative.  He did this over a couple of years, chassis off, complete nut and bolt rebuild in his garage at home and loved every minute of it.  An Aston Martin and Bentley fan, he owned a beautiful collection of cars, not garage queens but cars that he worked on, drove and enjoyed.  

The photo that you see below is the two of us together in the late 90s with his two beautiful Astons     A completely dedicated classic car enthusiast in every way and he would have loved all that we stand for here at Manor Park Classics.   He would have loved the team and adored the cars that are now arriving at this wonderful business on a daily basis.   It would have been difficult for him to ever leave.   Which is why we dedicate today to him.  

John Charles Ashworth 5th September 1947 to 22nd September 2001 x