The North West's Only Fixed Venue Auction House
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The North West's only fixed venue auction house

Our People

Stephen J Ashworth (FRICS)

Chairman

Stephen Ashworth FRICS is Chairman & CEO, major shareholder of Hurstwood Holdings and joint founder and major shareholder of Arrowmere Capital and Queens Square Capital, all three individual property investor and developers in their own right with Stephen and Hurstwood having numerous awards for regeneration and business success. He is also a chartered surveyor, receiving his fellowship in July 2016.

During his 25 years in business, Stephen has been involved in many companies ranging from commercial property investment and development, house building, contaminated land reclamation, timber import & distribution, security & CCTV installation, motor dealerships, medical and now turns his attention to the Classic Car Industry.

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: info@manorparkclassics.com

SJA

Find out more about Stephen in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

Mini Metro


2. What was the first car you owned?

Ford Escort Mk2 1978. It was orange so my brother Trevor and I hand painted it black one sunday.


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

Aston Martin DB6 & Morris Traveller


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 3 Park Ward Convertible


5. What is your dream car?

Ferrari Daytona


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My Dad


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

James Hunt. do I need to say why?


Julian royse

Head Auctioneer

From conducting a first sale way back in April 1997 I've lost count of the number of times I've picked up the gavel and hammered away lot 1 ... Starting in the world of Collectible & Antique Toys with the World's leading auction house in that discipline; the world of Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia beckoned more than a decade ago, something I always had a passion for.

Since then It's been a privilege - on behalf of many vendors - to achieve various world record prices. It's also been great fun to auction well known vehicles with either a celebrity or previous Film/TV background.
Whether you are a potential buyer or seller, I look forward to welcoming you to the drama of the saleroom very soon.

Tel: 07931 659652

Email: julian@manorparkclassics.com

Julian Royse bio

Find out more about Julian in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

1982 Y-Reg Talbot Horizon 1.3 LS Red with beige trim I will be amazed if anyone else learned to drive in one of these and passed ... took me 2 attempts! The gearbox was like stirring porridge and you had no idea which gear you would find next, but they were all in there somewhere ... Just checked on "how many left" only 1 known survivor which is declared sorn, probably just as well !!


2. What was the first car you owned?

5-year old 1979 T-Reg Vauxhall Viva 1.3 GLS Metallic Green with black Vinyl Roof and 29k on the clock. Cost £1295. Within a week of buying this I had added those essential period extras of Clarion Stereo Radio Cassette (first play was the Eurythmics "Love is a Stranger") and white painted tyre wall lettering ... I wish I still had that car now. LFM 849T if anyone has her tucked away somewhere?


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

I'm a little greedy as I currently own 4 FTO's including 2 rare GX Autos of which there are only 9 left on the road in the UK. Almost as rare as the Talbot Horizon! Pick of the crop is a 1995 GPX MiVec which I stumbled across last year after she had been slumbering in a heated garage for 16 years.


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

There have been so many great cars that I've let go over the years, this is a tough one ... however I will choose a 1980 Peugeot 604 STi 5-speed Manual with factory optional twin exhausts in a lovely crystal green metallic. I remember this one very fondly. HDC 778V was quite simply an amazing piece of kit for the time. I bought this one in 1988 for £130 after I had sold my Mark 1 Granada Ghia (another I should have kept), ran her for 2 years then put the engine in a Renault 30 TX, kept the gearbox and scrapped the rest. Many of my weekends back in the day involved scouring local scrapyards for parts for my constantly changing kaleidoscope of cars (anyone else remember filling their pockets full of spark plugs, condensers and anything else that may come in handy, while pretending to look for an alternator?). I remember constantly looking for part worn 390mm TRX tyres for the 604, as new ones cost more than the car!


5. What is your dream car?

Hmmmm? Probably something from America. Either a '69 Chevrolet Camaro SS or maybe a '69 Ford Mustang Mach 1?? Something from 1969 anyway! However I would rather have a diesel ... I'm going to cheat here and go for a 1974 International Transtar II Tractor Unit with a Detriot Diesel 8V92 Sleeper Cab and air ride suspension, even though it's not a car and not from 1969. An early to mid 1970's LWB twin-rear wheel Tranny Van modded & lowered with a big engine in it and converted into a camper van also wouldn't go amiss.


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My Mam tells a story that the first words I uttered in this world were "Ford Cortina" and I used to reel off the names of not just cars but vans, buses, wagons (trucks or lorries to many of you, but always wagons to me) long before I could construct proper sentences. I've always been interested in road, rail & air transport in general. When I joined the library all the books I borrowed were transport related from the adult section, none of that Enid Blyton rubbish for me! I think the interest just happened organically from within and has never left me.


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

At last an easy question, as there's really only one answer? The man himself, Steve McQueen. Mr Cool. No need for any other explanation.


Find out more about Andy in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

Nissan Cherry


2. What was the first car you owned?

VW Golf MK 2


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

Jaguar XKR


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

Audi A7 Sportback


5. What is your dream car?

E-Type or a Lancia Delta


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

The boss man! SJA!!


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

Gene Hunt – ‘Fire up the Quattro’


Andy Park

Director

Andy is Managing Director of Hurstwood Holdings and Crystal Holdings, both privately owned Property investment companies. Andy joined Hurstwood in 2004 and became Finance Director of the business shortly after in 2006 and is one of the joint founders of Crystal Holdings. 

Andy is responsible for the day to day running of the business, concentrating on managing the Estates, Sales and Finance teams whilst working with the Chairman, Stephen Ashworth on acquisitions and overall Strategy for the business. Andy’s background is in Real Estate Finance having spent 18 years with Nat West Bank in a variety of Head Office and Relationship Management roles, in the latter years specialising in Property Finance.

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: info@manorparkclassics.com

AndyParkBio

Nik askins

Operations Director

My entire working life has been spent in the classic vehicle auction industry, where I have worked in every department from operations and client services to marketing and finance.

As a go to source for vehicle paperwork, I have resolved many issues facing classic car owners including; successfully reuniting a 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT with its original registration number; retaining a private registration from a vehicle whose whereabouts were unknown; re-registered vehicles with export markers; and obtaining replacement documents.

As well as the day-to-day functions of business, I have managed everything from small-scale event stands to full-sized auctions with drinks receptions in both physical venues and marquees.

Tel: 07738 423062

Email: nik@manorparkclassics.com

Find out more about Nik in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

1998 Vauxhall Corsa, after receiving driving lessons for my 18th birthday


2. What was the first car you owned?

1985 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 given to me by my cousin, the fuel gauge didn’t work after about half way but it was a good little starter to run around in


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

My scale model of James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, with fully working ejector seat, revolving number plate, etc.


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

I once had the opportunity to buy a private number with ‘N1K’ in, which went well with the way I have always spelt my name


5. What is your dream car?

I already own a miniature version, but James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5. I’m not fussy so either Connery’s, Brosnan’s or Craig’s…


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

Movies and TV shows from my childhood such as Back to the Future, James Bond, Batman, Dick Tracy, Herbie, The Dukes of Hazzard, etc.


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

James Bond - cool cars, action and adventure! Nobody does it better…


James Gregory

Sales Director

I sold my first car in 1977, on my dad's pitch, I was 12, it was an Austin A40 and I got paid in Kit Kat's, I got the bug. Maybe the best commission I ever earnt!

Fast forward 45 years and I have been around cars all my life working at all levels from junior salesman up to head of business and everything in between. I have been very blessed to have worked with all the top brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati, and a lot of classic and specialist cars as well along the way. I have been very lucky to have been exposed to some great people and learnt so much from them, both from manufactures and some "old school" characters.

I have an unshakable love of anything with an engine, cars, motorbikes, boats, they all excite me and cost me lots of money. To be involved with Manor park is possibly the pinnacle of my career as I can indulge my passion of all things mechanical and meet some very interesting people along the way and keep learning.

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: james@manorparkclassics.com

James-Gregory

Find out more about James in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

The first car I learnt to drive in was a wagon on Otterspool tip in South Liverpool, now it is the site of the Garden Festival , on the road it was a Rover 2000 TC, reg. no. SKU 106J, I wonder where that car is now?

2. What was the first car you owned?

The first car I owned was a Triumph Spitfire 1300 MK4, reg. no. PXJ 476J in red with white alloys and a white roof, what a car, my parents bought it to get me off motorbikes, it didn't work.

3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

The cars I own at the moment are a Mercedes CLK 320 AMG, BMW M Sport Convertible, and a Mercedes 250 SLK AMG.

4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

The favourite cars that I owned where a 1971 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and a 1989 Toyota Hi-Lux Pickup, long story, I did what Top Gear couldn't, I broke it.

5. What is your dream car?

My dream car is a Mercedes CLK Black Edition.

6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My Dad got me interested in cars, I was brought up around them all my life and my Mum was a member of Liverpool Motor Club and used to race at Aintree back in the day, apparently when I came along, she had to stop racing, I don't think she ever forgave me for that. One of my earliest memories is watching my Dad hand paint a MK2 Jaguar Mustard as it was his favourite colour, it was Maroon before and perfectly fine, it wasnt when he had finished it.

7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

My favourite person dead or alive is without question James Hunt, I was so lucky to have a coffee with him once in an airport in Italy on our way home from the Italian Grand Prix, I paid, such a charming, warm, and interesting man who had time to sit and talk to me and my pals. Whoever says never meet your hero's is wrong, one of the best days of my life.

George JESSE turner

Sales

I’ve spent over 40 years as a Documentary Cameraman for Granada Television based in Manchester. My interests are both 2/4wheels with a great collection of Singer Bicycles. The interest in photography has always been a large part of my life as my father had a cine camera which l grew up around.

My credits include 30 years on World In Action and the UP Series from 1977 to 2019. I have a BAFTA for 42UP; A fellowship from the Royal Television Society for a 'Significant Contribution to Television'. 

My interest in classic cars goes back almost 50 years and I still own a 1937 Singer Sports Nine.

Tel: 07789 632111

Email: george@manorparkclassics.com

Find out more about George in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

Ford Zephry 1962


2. What was the first car you owned?

Ford 1957 Anglia


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

Singer 9


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

1967Ford Cortina GT reg LKF 456E


5. What is your dream car?

Aston DB 2/4 1952/3


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My late father GEORGE Jesse Turner. He owned a 1937 Singer 9 Sports in the late 40s which is still in the family, I’ve owned it since the mid-70s. Since restoration being completed in 1982, I’ve driven over 15,000 miles and next year will be part of a Singer Car Club Rally to Jersey


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

Trevor Wilkinson TVR. From the very beginning in 1947 making some truly great looking cars, my first TVR  being 1967 Vixen reg LTD 111F. Would love to own it again!


Will Phelps

Sales

My working background is very much hospitality based, starting out working in the kitchens at 16 years old, to swiftly working my way up into a management position. I also studied for a BA (hons) degree in Business Management, graduating in 2016.

I have always had a keen interest in cars, bikes, trains, and planes and since graduating from university, I have always wanted to link my job with my passion for cars. And here we are now!

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: will@manorparkclassics.com

WillBio

Find out more about Will in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

My first ever driving experience was in my dad’s Rover mini sprite on an abandoned airfield. I distinctly remember the exhaust getting caught on a speed hump upon entering the airfield and ultimately fell off! I thought it sounded great! I later passed my test in Citroen C2 diesel, not quite as exciting as the mini!


2. What was the first car you owned?

1999 Peugeot 106 1.1 Zest! Fantastic car!


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

2000 Land Rover Defender TD5


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

My first car, the Peugeot 106


5. What is your dream car?

Porsche 930 911 Turbo, it’s all about the whale tail


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My Dad dragging me to countless classic car shows, now it seems the tables have very much turned.


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

Got to be Guy Martin, although he’s more of a ‘bike’ person. I just enjoy watching his enthusiasm for anything with wheels and an engine! Always loves to get stuck in too!


Damian copy

Damian Rigby

Sales

I was the seven year old kid reading Autocar when all my friends had the Beano. I planned to devote my life to cars and even started an automotive engineering degree but somehow I deviated from the plan and found myself with a 25 year career as a solicitor, half of which I ran my own firm. However, the car bug never left me.

When it was time to move on my own classic, Manor Park Classics were my first choice and a few months later I was buying through them. Retirement didn’t suit me so when the opportunity to work here with a passionate and dedicated team I jumped at the chance.

Tel: 07512 232473

Email: damian@manorparkclassics.com

Find out more about Damian in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

1988 Austin Metro – in beige...


2. What was the first car you owned?

1988 Honda Civic 1.4 GL – basically driven to the limit for 130,000 miles over 6 years and didn’t miss a beat. Got to love Japanese cars!


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – makes you feel special every time you drive it and who doesn’t love a V8?


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

1970 Porsche 911T – not the fastest thing on 4 wheels but utterly visceral to drive. Silver with a big blue stripe meant it didn’t fly under the radar but it made people smile.


5. What is your dream car?

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – has to be green!


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

Oh dear, that was a long time ago! Probably, Smokey & the Bandit – I thought Burt was super cool sliding and jumping his Trans Am. It was only later that I realised cowboy hats and golden eagle decals were an acquired taste…


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

Enzo Ferrari for his utterly uncompromising approach. Maybe not the ideal guy to go for a pint with, mind…


Jimmy Butler

Motorcycle Specialist

My first job was working at Coors light brewery in Warrington where I spent 3 years blending and fermenting beers, alcopops and was involved in the bottling and kegging process. However, since I was a child, I was always fascinated by Snipers and soldiering in general and decided to pursue a career in the Armed forces in my early 20s. After serving most of my adult life in the armed forces and conduction operations in Iraq and Afghanistan I decided it was time to leave. 

I then started my own Classic motorcycle company which was great following a passion and being around these beautiful motorcycles daily.

I’m now enjoying my time at Manor Park Classics and my passion for motorcycles stems back as long as I can remember.

Tel: 07512 323474

Email: jimmy@manorparkclassics.com

Jimmy copy

Find out more about Jimmy in his Q & A session.

1. What motorcycle did you first ride?

Back in 1989 I rode my fathers Yamaha RD250LC Bounty and loved it, although the 250 is only a small bike it felt huge at the time. I owned various motocross and road bikes through my childhood and teenage years, and eventually passed my test at 17 on a Honda CB500.


2. What was the first motorcycle you owned?

1989 Honda CBR400RR


3. What is your favourite current motorcycle that you own?

I don’t do favourites in case the others find out! I currently own a 2015 Kawasaki ZX10R track bike, Suzuki RGV250SP and Honda NSR250SP Rothmans


4. What is your favourite motorcycle that you have previously owned?

My Ducati 748R


5. What is your dream motorcycle?

To own - 1999 Yamaha R7, to ride Ducati Desmosedici RR


6. What/who got you interested in motorcycles in the first place?

Seeing my dad ride off to work, or fly off with friends on weekend ride outs.


7. Who is your favourite ‘motorcycle’ person dead or alive?

I’m torn with this question. I love two particular superbike riders for their courage, riding skills, commitment and continuously contributing to the motorcycle community. Valentino Rossi & Guy Martin.


ElliotBio

Elliott Gregory

Digital Marketing

I have spent the past 6 years trying to find the right industry for me. Having worked in hospitality, vehicle recovery and main dealership car sales, I have finally found the perfect place. I have keen interest in cars and I am extending my knowledge further in to classics.

I spent my time in college working on A-Levels in Media and Film. It seems that things have come full circle back in to a Digital Marketing roll in an industry I have a passion for.

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: elliott@manorparkclassics.com

Find out more about Elliott in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

Suzuki Swift


2. What was the first car you owned?

Unfortunately, a Renault Clio 1.2. Insurance is expensive these days.


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

VW Golf GTI MK7.5


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

Audi A5


5. What is your dream car?

Nissan Skyline R34 GTR. I have a passion for 80's and 90's Japanese cars, and I personally don't think it gets much better than a Skyline.


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

My big brother.


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

Chris Harris


Phil burdge

Digital Media

At the age of 16, I left home and moved to Blackpool to gain a HND in design and photography. After the course i decided to pursue my photographic education further, moving to Bradford to study for a BA (hons) degree in photography, graduating in 2005. Since then I’ve specialised in producing automotive imagery and videos for various car dealers, marketing departments and individuals.

Over the years I’ve invested in the latest technology, always pushing to develop new ways and ideas for presenting vehicles.

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: phil@manorparkclassics.com

PBbio

Find out more about Phil in his Q & A session.

1. What car did you first learn to drive?

Peugeot 306


2. What was the first car you owned?

Mazda 3 TS


3. What is your favourite current car/cars that you own?

Volvo V60 Inscription


4. What is your favourite car/cars that you have previously owned?

Mazda 6 Sport Estate


5. What is your dream car?

Morgan Aero Max


6. What/who got you interested in classic cars/cars in the first place?

Interest evolved from photographing secondhand sports cars for various customers


7. Who is your favourite 'car' person dead or alive?

James May


Simon hucknall

Consultant

23 years working in automotive media, including five years as a journalist, the rest in manufacturer PR.

From 1998, a variety of editorial roles at Autocar magazine, but latterly as a road-test journalist and editor of its first-drive section. Moved into PR in 2003 as press officer/test driver for Noble Automotive. Responsible for gaining Noble coverage in 50 markets around the world; key spokesman at major motor shows in UK, Europe and Australasia. Left Noble for Bentley Motors in 2006, as the Crewe company’s UK PR Manager, with responsibility for all new product launches and Bentley Lineage (heritage) communications.

Moved to Vauxhall at the start of 2008 and remained there for 13 years. Finishing my tenure as Head of PR, I managed every new product launch – cars and vans – while in Luton. Along the way, set speed-endurance records, Guinness World Records, drove an electric car through the Channel Tunnel, threw journalists into the heat of competition at media launches, and took them on road trips in century-old cars across the French Alps. I also curated and PR’d Vauxhall’s 70-strong Heritage Collection, developing it as one of the UK’s foremost heritage press fleets.

In February 2021, I left Vauxhall to start Classic PRose Consultancy, providing journalistic and PR services in the classic car arena. I am also senior contributor to Classic & Sports Car, the UK’s best-selling classic car magazine.

Tel: 07860 151953

Email: info@manorparkclassics.com

Simon-Hucknall-Bio
Quest Refresh 2014

Paul Cowland

Paul Cowland is a man with a lifelong passion for all things automotive – which has sadly affected his chances of working effectively in any other industry. A walking, talking encyclopaedia of anything to do with the internal combustion process and a fervent advocate of the Wankel rotary engine, he is rarely invited to parties.

Thankfully, his boundless enthusiasm for any motorised conveyance has given him a 20 year career writing, selling, tuning, restoring, photographing and creating almost every kind of car currently known to man… as well as being the ‘go to’ guy for many of the UK’s leading automotive publishers when they need an authority on such matters.

Having fronted up several prime-time ‘magazine’ shows for Eurosport and Motors TV, Paul has signed to the Discovery Channel in 2014, where his unique blend of humour, sarcasm and realistic day rate have proved to be a hit with producers. In addition, Paul’s many years of live presenting and motorsport commentary make him a regular at motorsport events as host or MC. Able to work unscripted for hours, or even days at a time, and able to remember a multitude of geeky facts at a moment’s notice, Paul has previously worked for the likes of Subaru, Isuzu, Saab and a plethora of big automotive names.

Paul’s latest big telly project is the aptly entitled ‘Turbo Pickers’ which sees his alongside the mechanical marvels that are Dave Southall and Adam ‘Adz’ Hornby for six snappy little hour-long shows that air from December 1st 2014 on Discovery.

As a card-carrying race driver, Paul can pedal almost as well as he can talk. He also currently has 28 classic and interesting cars in show condition, two cats called Lola and Dino… and a very understanding wife and daughters…

Tel: 0161 697 5223

Email: info@manorparkclassics.com

MANOR PARK CLASSICS
Ikon House, Tudor Road,
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 1TA

Telephone: 0161 697 5223
Email: info@manorparkclassics.com
www.manorparkclassics.com

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MANOR PARK CLASSICS

Ikon House, Tudor Road,
Runcorn, Cheshire
WA7 1TA

Telephone: 0161 697 5223
Email: info@manorparkclassics.com
www.manorparkclassics.com

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MANOR PARK CLASSICS LTD. 2021.
 All rights reserved.
Designed and Developed by Magicalogical.