Gary Sorrell talked to us about the Jardine Motors Group, which sells a large variety of different makes, including Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren and Maserati.
He told us about various current and forthcoming Porsche models, including the new Taycan, as well as the electrification of the range over the next year or so. Then we met the service manager and service reception co-ordinators, who booked 15 members’ cars in for the free service check and report. Also in the showroom was the Restoracing Boxster race car entered by Cambridge, Colchester, East London and South London Porsche Centres and Driver Paul Blakesley, who was introduced as “The Essex Stig”. The team did particularly well against some strong opposition.
After looking around the showroom Gary took us into the Porsche workshop and told us about some of the work being done on various cars, including a Gen 1 997 with rodent damage – the wiring looms on the engine/ gearbox unit had been badly chewed in places. The repair was expected to take around three months as a new wiring loom has to be made for the car, and the total bill would be in excess of £14,000. The insurance company will be paying for it because of the car’s low mileage, but let this be a warning to use your car rather than store it away without the correct precautions!
We also visited the Ferrari and Maserati showrooms before refreshments. Donations from members who had their cars checked, as well as proceeds from the sale of Porsche-themed cupcakes, raised £180 for Whizz- Kidzs, the Jardine Motors Group’s nominated charity.
To view a gallery of the visit, click here.