Sixty years ago, a lone engineer restored a Rolls-Royce engine in a small garage in Nottingham. His high standards made an immediate impact amongst discerning motorists and Ristes reputation was born. Then, twenty year old Ghosts were in daily use, Phantom IIIs and Wraiths were nicely run in, and the MKVI and Silver Wraith were but prototypes.

Motoring since has changed and developed. We have expanded too, and now embrace all the skills and technology involved in restoration. But we still hold dear two basic principles: we specialise exclusively in Rolls-Royce and Bentleys, and we strive to abide by those standards set by Henry Royce.

Steve Lovatt, the Managing Director of this company, left school at the age of 15 and worked for Ristes Motor Company as full indentured apprentice, training under two well respected and highly skilled engineers. When I had completed my training some 5 years later, becoming a skilled motor engineer, I was employed with the company until the owner, Mr Kenneth Hucknall died. As manager, I ran Ristes Motors for his wife, Janet, for a further 7 to 8 years, when I then bought the company and developed it to today’s present standard, employing approximately 30 employees in much larger premises.