BELL & COLVILL
Discussion
Usually their forecourt and showroom are displaying many new Lotus cars, including a number of Eletre models.
When passing the premises recently, I don't think any new Lotus stock is displayed. On the frontages which face both roads, I could only see three (older) Lotus cars. A few months ago, those frontages were full of cars.
I just wondered why there might have been such a noticeable change?
I only know the West Horsley premises, but have just looked up their history (below).
Think they now also have premises in Guildford, for aftersales work, which includes McLaren.
'Martin Colvill began selling Lotus cars in South West London in 1966. In March 1970 he was joined by Bobby Bell to form Bell & Colvill. They sold and serviced cars from West Horsley and Caterham for over forty years, before selling the business to an enthusiast and local businessman in 2012. Bobby and Martin remained as enthusiastic non-executive directors until their deaths in 2017 and 2022.'
BertBert said:
baconsarney said:
That s a blast from the past Jon, IIRC they had a showroom in Purley when I worked for Caterham
Completely off topic, but what did you do at caterham?
This was just before Caterham got the rights to build the 7 in-house.... happy days.....baconsarney said:
It was Caterham Car Sales up on the hill, circa 1969/70.... I'd bought a rather poorly 7 and was in the process of rebuilding it so was a regular in the parts department. The sales guy didn't have a driving license and they offered me a job as general dogsbody but also taking prospective buyers out for test drives This was just before Caterham got the rights to build the 7 in-house.... happy days.....
Fabulous! I bought my first one from up the hill but in the 90s! This was just before Caterham got the rights to build the 7 in-house.... happy days.....BertieBasset said:
Bell & Colvill premises in Horsley has been up to rent since before Christmas and I understand it is a Gym company that has outbid the other offers. I presume the site in the Slyfield Industrial Estate will now be the main premises.
It does makes sense from a business viewpoint but it isn't a big site and its right next to the household waste dump.They don’t sell new Lotus cars anymore following a falling out with the factory re the direct sales model. That speaks volumes about the current direction of the brand. B and C look to have spent a fortune on revamping West Horsley to look lotus corporate, only for Lotus to change the selling model. Which appears to have failed.
John Henry said:
They don’t sell new Lotus cars anymore following a falling out with the factory re the direct sales model. That speaks volumes about the current direction of the brand. B and C look to have spent a fortune on revamping West Horsley to look lotus corporate, only for Lotus to change the selling model. Which appears to have failed.
I think this model was adopted and unadopted by a number of manufacturers. I spoke to one of the guys there a while ago and he said that buying Eletre's for £XXX,000 (or whatever the amount) and then trying to competitively finance them and make money was nigh on impossible. The numbers just didn't work for them, which makes me wonder how they work for other dealers, many of which have similar challenges with high value/high depreciating vehicles.
all a bit woeful really. Lotus, Morgan, Subaru and McLaren. You can buy one of 4 used Lotuses or 1 used McLaren. Looks like you can also buy new Morgans (or perhaps get on a long waiting list). And the rest is service, doesn't feel like a growing thriving business. Hope they survive ok.
B&C are finally closing at Horsley. No doubt the site will be redeveloped as more housing. End of an era.
After 56 wonderful years at our Horsley home, we are writing to share an important update about the future of Bell & Colvill.
As our business has evolved, so too has our vision for delivering the very best experience to our customers. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we will be moving our sales operation, led by Jamie Matthews - Sales Director, to join the rest of our business at our Guildford site, which many of you will already know has been home to our Aftersales teams for nearly six years.
While we know Horsley holds many special memories for both you and our team, this transition represents a positive step forward. By consolidating our operations, we are better positioned to enhance the level of service, convenience and expertise you have come to expect from us.
Importantly, what will not change is our commitment to you. You will continue to receive the same exceptional customer care and attention to detail that Bell & Colvill is renowned for. The familiar faces you know and trust will still be here to support you, now with the added benefit of having all departments together.
The sales and accounts teams move to Guildford on Thursday 2nd April and will be up and running on Tuesday 7th April. Our service and parts teams will continue functioning as normal.
We look forward to welcoming you to Guildford and continuing our journey with you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued loyalty and support.
The Bell & Colvill Team
After 56 wonderful years at our Horsley home, we are writing to share an important update about the future of Bell & Colvill.
As our business has evolved, so too has our vision for delivering the very best experience to our customers. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we will be moving our sales operation, led by Jamie Matthews - Sales Director, to join the rest of our business at our Guildford site, which many of you will already know has been home to our Aftersales teams for nearly six years.
While we know Horsley holds many special memories for both you and our team, this transition represents a positive step forward. By consolidating our operations, we are better positioned to enhance the level of service, convenience and expertise you have come to expect from us.
Importantly, what will not change is our commitment to you. You will continue to receive the same exceptional customer care and attention to detail that Bell & Colvill is renowned for. The familiar faces you know and trust will still be here to support you, now with the added benefit of having all departments together.
The sales and accounts teams move to Guildford on Thursday 2nd April and will be up and running on Tuesday 7th April. Our service and parts teams will continue functioning as normal.
We look forward to welcoming you to Guildford and continuing our journey with you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued loyalty and support.
The Bell & Colvill Team
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