Originally started in 1968 by Gerald & his wife Rita, Braithwaites Garage began life in a small workshop adjoined to the house which they still live in today.

Initially Gerald only serviced and repaired cars from the workshop, but over the years he began selling vehicles and as the business started to expand a new purpose built Workshop, Bodyshop and Showroom were also added.

His two sons, Mark and Nigel joined Gerald with Mark starting off in the workshop where he now looks after its day to day running. Nigel after serving his time in the Bodyshop then moved on to the Sales side of the business.

Over the years different family members have been involved in various forms of motorsport, Gerald started off in Autocross before moving into Saloon Racing, following which he then became involved in rallying.
Since then he has recently started to compete in Historic Rallying using a Talbot Sunbeam which he has rebuilt himself.

Mark went on to compete in Grass Track Racing but Nigel decided to take to two wheels in Motocross.

Following in the family tradition Gerald’s grandson Sam is following in the motorsport footsteps, competing in Motocross both locally and nationally.
Sam has achieved a flying start having already been Northern Centre champion and North of England champion, in addition to which he has had several Podium finishes at the British Championships!

Over the years the family have collected and restored a variety of classic cars including an Audi quattro – the same model which has recently shot to fame in the hit TV show “Ashes to Ashes.”

Also pictured is an original mini which before being restored at Braithwaites was home to some interesting plant and wildlife – but went on to race in the Monte Carlo Rally!