Katy Meets...Taylor Coachworks

By Katy O'Regan

We are incredibly fortunate to reside in communities brimming with hidden talents, much of which remains undiscovered behind closed doors. While many individuals prefer to keep their skills and fascinating lives under wraps, I thrive on curiosity, eagerly seeking to uncover these stories.

Recently, a certain business owner caught my attention on Facebook, compelling me to meet him and delve into his story. I had the pleasure of visiting Lee, the proprietor of Taylor Coachworks, at his Brereton unit where the magic unfolds.

Originally hailing from Holmes Chapel, Lee’s journey took a turn when his family moved to Monmouthshire during his teenage years, and he followed. Post-school, Lee found himself at a crossroads, unsure of his career path but certain he desired a practical, hands-on trade rather than a desk job. It was during a visit to the Job Centre that he stumbled upon an apprenticeship with the world-renowned vintage car Alvis specialist, Earley Engineering.

Earley Engineering was founded by Nick Simpson, an avid Alvis owner and enthusiast. With years of experience in repairing and restoring these classic cars, the company has become a sanctuary for preserving the legacy of Alvis automobiles. Upon joining Earley, Lee embarked on a comprehensive learning journey, starting from the basics. He was mentored in traditional skills by a highly qualified team, supported by an extensive technical archive that served as the backbone of their expertise.

During his tenure at Earley, Lee achieved his qualifications as a mechanic. However, given the small size of the team, he often found himself assisting with the bodywork side of operations. It was in this arena that Lee discovered his true passion.

To give a bit of context on pre-war cars: back in the day, purchasing a car was a two-step process. You would initially buy the engine, main chassis, and wheels. Following this, you would approach a coachbuilder, who would then craft the body of the car for you. It’s fascinating to think that car manufacturers didn’t sell a complete, finished product like they do today, how the times have changed!

After 18 years, marriage, and the onset of Covid 19, Lee felt a strong pull back to Holmes Chapel. The pandemic heightened feelings of isolation, and with his wife’s extensive family rooted in Holmes Chapel, they yearned for closer connections. However, transitioning back wasn’t immediate, as Lee spent the first two years enduring a long commute back to South Wales.

The drive was unsustainable in the long term, and considering jobs in his specialized field are rare, Lee decided to establish Taylor Coachworks.

Many of the vehicles Lee works on carry a deep familial affection and sentimentality; they are much more than mere machines. His responsibility is to meticulously rebuild the bodywork to its original contours and match the original colours as closely as possible. For this delicate task, he collaborates with a local vehicle painting company, whose patience mirrors his own, to assist in the restoration process.

Lee loves to work on pre-war cars, especially prestigious brands like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Jaguar. However, as time progresses, the definition of what constitutes a classic car evolves. Lee is fully skilled in working with vehicles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, recognising the growing interest in these newer classics.

Taylor Coachworks serves a crucial role in preserving our social history. By restoring and maintaining early automobiles, they ensure that future generations can experience and appreciate the automotive world of the past. This connection to our history is not just about the cars themselves but about the ingenuity and craftsmanship that brought them to life.

Looking ahead, Lee is keen to pay it forward by offering apprenticeships, similar to the opportunity he was given. He believes strongly in passing on traditional skills to the next generation, ensuring that the art of classic car restoration continues. This commitment not only secures the future of Taylor Coachworks but also safeguards a significant part of our cultural heritage.

In essence, Taylor Coachworks and Lee are not just preserving cars; they are keeping alive a tangible piece of history, enabling us to touch, see, and understand a bygone era through these beautifully restored vehicles. The community’s enthusiastic reception of Lee’s return with such a noble venture speaks volumes of our collective desire to connect with and preserve our heritage. I wish Lee all the best for his new business, confident that his work will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.

All information correct as of May 2024.