An Introduction by Jeremy Oates
Classic Car Storage came about as a result of my lifelong love of cars and motorcycles. I’ve been a collector and restorer of mostly English, pre-war cars since the 1960s. As a 16-year-old I was buying three-wheeler Morgans from the scrapyard for shillings. I’ve loved buying, restoring and driving cars my whole life.
Classic Car Storage grew out of this love affair. As storage became an issue with my growing collection, I devised a system to protect and preserve my cars when not in use.
In 1998 I set up the storage business to provide the same care and attention to other people’s cars. I also wanted to help the network of craftspeople I’ve come to know and respect through my own restoration projects.
My team can now offer the best storage but also advice and help with restoration or maintenance projects at any scale. We’ve helped run large private collections with a rolling calendar of maintenance and restoration but also have contacts to help with minor repairs and fixes. Whatever storage you require I’m confident my team can help you.
Yours faithfully,
Jeremy Oates
Team
John Oates
I’ve been helping out the store since my father started it in the late 90’s. I’ve been lucky to have driven everything from cars on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run to a £20 van on the Plymouth-Dakar Rally. After 20 years as a technology reporter and news editor in London I’m now based in Portsmouth and helping out again.
You can reach me on john@classiccarstorage.co.uk or 01730 825 826.
Craig Bodenham
Service manager
I joined the CCS team after 30 years’ service with Hampshire Constabulary, where I earned advanced police bike and car qualifications.
I had number of roles including as an outrider accredited by the Special Escort Group (SEG) providing protection for the Royal family and visiting heads of state.
I have worked with manufacturers, like BMW and Honda in product development and testing, as well assisting with fleet management in my teams.
I’ve been storing vehicles at CCS for over 18 years, so it’s been great to join the team. You can reach me on craig@classiccarstorage.co.uk – or 07557 677 340 if you’d rather text or WhatsApp.
Amanda Smith
Finance manager
I am very happy to have joined the Classic Car Storage team especially because my husband has used CCS to his store his old Triumph motorbikes.
I’ve worked in finance and management at various businesses over the years, including several car and engineering firms. Believe it or not – my first car, aged 19, was a white Daimler Sovereign – it’s been downhill ever since!
Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help with. My email address is amanda@classiccarstorage.co.uk, or call the office on 01730 825 826, but please call me Mandy most do!