History of Ely Service Motor Co.

The business first opened sometime in 1930, but the important date is March 1st, 1931, when Mr Charles Hull purchased the business. The following years saw the Company go from strength to strength, enjoying a number of franchises, including those of the well-known Rootes Group and Austin.

The war years came and went and trading continued. The Company name became very well known over a large area for its excellent service to customers. People would refer to the garage as “Ely Service”: more of that later!

Tony Hull, son of the afore-mentioned Charles, took over the Sales Department and finally the running of the Company following National Service and training at Rootes.
An important decision was forced on the company in that it could not enjoy both franchises, so Rootes (by now known as Chrysler) had to go. Problems at and with British Leyland are well documented: with this in mind another very important decision was made when Austin was replaced by Fiat. This move proved popular with the younger generation.

Tom Norman, who had joined the Company in 1950, decided with Tony Hull to expand into Rover restoration. This turned out to be a very good move indeed. Ely Service Motor Co. became a household name for Rover restoration not only in this country but abroad, too. New and used spares were shipped all over the world. Sponsorship and judging were also part of the Rover package.

Tony Hull was invited to sell the complete garage site in Lynn Road, Ely which - after much debate - he did. However, with the Rover work still in great demand, it was decided by Tony Hull and Tom Norman to form a new business, to be called “Ely Service”. A partnership was set up and opened for business on 5th April, 1994, at Lancaster Way, which was by now a developing site on the old RAF Station. This business continued more or less as at the old Company, with a good balance of Rover restoration, servicing on Austin and Fiat vehicles and general maintenance. Tony Hull decided to retire in 2000, with Tom Norman retiring the following year.

The firm then passed on to Tony Gipp, who had been a junior partner for a number of years in the new set-up. In due course, the business was sold to Jim Brown, who was also well-known in Rover circles, and so Ely Service continues in April 2008.