Stratstone History 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stratstone saw national coverage.

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

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.