Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

websnail · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 78 Location: West Sussex

Hi all. I am after a photo/info of a car dealership called Coombs of Guildford.

My Landrover has a badge from said garage on the back and a period (1972) photo would be great Confused

....it might also be impossible Exclamation

Thanks in advance for any info Smile

Peter_L · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:18 am Post subject:

Hi, Websnail. Maybe this will do for a start ?

http://www.jaguarmk2.info/coombs_register.html

Minty · Joined: 04 Feb 2010 Posts: 32

Hi Websnail,

Coombs of Guildford are a Very well known Dealership - known mostly for their Jaguar Mk-2 tuning conversions...

One of their most famous customers was the 1950's racing driver Mike Hawthorn - tragically killed in '59 whilst driving a Coombs Mk-2 on the Guildford bypass, after skidding out of control and hitting a tree.

As far as I am aware, Coombs still exist - but have a connection with Vines of Guildford now, who are BMW Mini dealers...

Regards - Guy. Wink

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'38 Lanchester LA14-2 'Roadrider' DeLuxe and lover of all things 'WW2 - Jeep'!!!

victor 101 · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 446 Location: East Yorkshire

I remember well over twenty years ago when I was in the breakdown /recovery game I picked up a RangeRover and caravan from the continent and took the family home, when the guy opened his garage peering out from a pile of garden chairs and stacks of other stuff was a Coombs Jag, he told me that when he first got it and took it into Coombs a gent pulled up next to him in an E Type, in conversation the man said that the his Mk2 was the quickest car he had driven, not bad from someone driving an E Type.

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4850 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

websnail · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 78 Location: West Sussex

Thanks guys. Smile

Interesting garage. For them to design and make, a cast aluminium badge in the form of the original Landrover one costs money. My one is, currently, the only one I've seen.

More research is required methinks Confused

3xpendable · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 222 Location: USA

Hi Websnail,

I called my dad about this, as he grew up in the area and actually worked for a small garage near Coombs called Swanhill/Hook Heath Service station in the late 60's and 70's. The owner was an Ex-Coombs Landrover Salesman so the place my dad worked was similar to an aftermarket Land Rover dealership and dealt with Coombs a lot. He is going to look through some old photos and things he has to see if he can find (or remember) anything of use to you.
_________________
2013 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi
1965 Ford Anglia 106e Estate (LHD)
1964 Ford Anglia 105E 1500 GT (Dad)
1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa (Uncle)
1971 MGB GT (V8 project) -SOLD 2016
2005 MINI Cooper S JCW - SOLD 2016

websnail · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 78 Location: West Sussex

Welshie: That will be great, thanks. Smile

websnail · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 78 Location: West Sussex

3xpendable · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 222 Location: USA

Hi Websnail,

I spoke to dad about it and he has some memories of the garage and dealings he had with them but we could not find any photos sorry. However if you wish to talk to him I can forward some contact details?

Let me know
_________________
2013 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi
1965 Ford Anglia 106e Estate (LHD)
1964 Ford Anglia 105E 1500 GT (Dad)
1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa (Uncle)
1971 MGB GT (V8 project) -SOLD 2016
2005 MINI Cooper S JCW - SOLD 2016

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

websnail · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 78 Location: West Sussex

Thanks for trying (and the offer) Welshie. I'm trying other avenues also for info. If I get an interesting outcome, I'll pass it on, on here. Smile