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Stratstone History 

Over a century of excellence

Setting the Standard

Stratstone was founded in 1921 on the basis of offering a personalised, unrivalled service to customers who expected the very best. From humble beginnings to becoming the UK's largest luxury automotive retailer, the story of Stratstone is one of great success, made possible thanks to relationships between key partners and customers.

After almost a century of proud heritage, Stratstone is proud to still represent the values of its founders to this day, offering an unparalleled level of service across a range of premium manufacturers.

1920s

01 January

1920s

1920s

Stratton and Instone went into partnership and assumed control of the Daimler Company's London premises heralding the arrival of the motor distribution system as we know it today. Joseph Mackle assumes control in 1929. When our founders passed away Joseph Mackle, a former engineer with Daimler, took control and renamed the company Stratstone Limited.

1930s

01 January

1930s

1930s

Business surged following the launch of the Light 15 Daimlers. Stratstone extended its operations in England and became very much what it is today.

The Royal Warrant, first gained in 1921 was held by Stratstone until a change of ownership in 1982. In the thirties' slump in England the government considered that national interest in cars might be stimulated if the King had a new fleet.

Stratstone was commissioned to supply six new limousines to King George V.

1940s

01 January

1940s

1940s

Stratstone was acquired by the Thomas Tilling Group in 1938.

Following its acquisition and with war becoming likely, the leases on the Pall Mall and Euston Road Premises were not renewed and the head office was relocated to Berkeley Street.

Stratstone faced a change of venue during the war. The Berkeley Street showroom was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force.

As no cars were being manufactured, there was urgent demand for large cars that could be converted to ambulances. The company undertook these conversions, while smaller cars were sold to the police.

1970s 

01 January

1970s

1970s

Stratstone expanded in 1971 taking over a London service depot at Willsden, providing a specialist service north of the river.

James Smillie took the helm. Throughout the 1970s, rapidly rising inflation in England took its toll and tough measures had to be taken to cope with its effect on Stratstone. A fleet sales department was set up in 1973 to supply limousines to top companies, embassies and foreign governments together with the special requests of the funeral profession.

1980s

01 January

1980s

1980s

James Smille the Managing Director successfully acquired the equity and in 1982 Stratstone Limited became a private company after a break of 46 years.

Stratstone sets the standard. 1988 saw the largest and most advanced service centre in Britain open at Grays Inn Road, London WC I. There were 24 work bays covering an area of 279 square metres and occupying two floors, with a retail and trade counter. Stratstone commenced work to completely refurbish the Berkeley Street showroom.

1990s

01 January

1990s

Stratstone saw national coverage.

In 1992 Stratstone grew through acquisition to become the largest luxury retailer in the UK.

2000s and Beyond

01 January

2000s and Beyond

Blue Porsche 911 GT3 Exterior Front Static

The Stratstone brand sits proudly alongside 10 of the world's premium automotive manufacturers.

Stratstone delivers fantastic products and outstanding service in our unique Stratstone style showroom environments.

Stratstone has national coverage and this scale affords the group great opportunities to share its best practice and expertise of the luxury and specialist car markets and offer the Stratstone experience countrywide.

Stratstone

From brand-new premium cars, to quality used premium cars, Stratstone have been setting the standard for over 100 years.

We take pride in our history and look forward to welcoming you to one of our retailers in the near future.

Find out more about Stratstone, by navigating the links below.