Chris Middlehurst, a fourth-generation local businessman, has proudly announced the rebranding of his family-owned car dealership, J. Middlehurst & Sons Ltd, located on Jackson Street. Now known as Middlehurst Road Race & Classic, the new corporate identity reflects the dealership’s rich history in automotive sales and motorsport, honouring the family’s legacy while embracing a modern vision.

2024 marks 95 years of competition in motorsport for the Middlehurst family across four generations (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) Founded in 1957, J. Middlehurst & Sons Ltd. has been a cornerstone of the St. Helens community for over six decades, specializing in road car sales and maintenance. However, the Middlehurst family’s connection to motorsport dates back to the late 1920s when Chris’s great-grandfather, Jack Middlehurst, made a name for himself as a speedway motorcycle racer representing Great Britain. This deep-rooted passion for racing has been a significant influence on the family business and has inspired the new direction of the dealership.

Company founder Jack Middlehurst raced speedway motorcycles for Great Britain in the late 1920's, pictured here in Germany in 1929Company founder Jack Middlehurst raced speedway motorcycles for Great Britain in the late 1920's, pictured here in Germany in 1929 (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) “This marks an exciting new chapter for our family business, we have rebranded not only to modernize our identity but to honour our rich heritage in both road car sales and motorsport.” The new name reflects our commitment to offering a diverse range of every day vehicles, to classic cars and competition-ready race cars.”

Phil Middlehurst, son of Jack was multiple race winner in the mid 1960's and competed in the British Saloon Car Championship in numerous Mini Cooper S' which were both entered and prepared by J. Middlehurst & Sons Ltd Phil Middlehurst, son of Jack was multiple race winner in the mid 1960's and competed in the British Saloon Car Championship in numerous Mini Cooper S' which were both entered and prepared by J. Middlehurst & Sons Ltd (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) The newly rebranded dealership features a modern showroom that is designed to celebrate the family’s legacy in automotive history while providing customers with a unique buying experience. The showroom features a bespoke built bar and lounge area, which provides a warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere.

“We have collaborated with Motorsport Coffee and serve barista quality coffee, as well as a variety of teas and soft drinks.”

This year Chris' father Andy won the Monaco Historic Grand Prix for the fifth time in May and the Goodwood Revival 'Glover Trophy' for the 9th time in September in the ex. two time world champion Jim Clark's Lotus 25 Formula 1 carThis year Chris' father Andy won the Monaco Historic Grand Prix for the fifth time in May and the Goodwood Revival 'Glover Trophy' for the 9th time in September in the ex. two time world champion Jim Clark's Lotus 25 Formula 1 car (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic)

In addition to car sales and vehicle maintenance, Middlehurst Road Race & Classic aims to become a hub for the local car community. Plans are underway to host events, including classic car meets. Chris hopes to foster a sense of community among car enthusiasts and provide a platform for sharing knowledge and passion for classic cars in the area.

“Rebranding to Middlehurst Road Race & Classic allows us to connect with a broader audience,” Chris explained. “We want to attract not only those looking for reliable road cars but also those who share our passion for racing and classic automobiles.”

Andy also won overall at Silverstone in October in the ex. factory Nissan Motorsport 'Kyoseki' liveried Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Group A touring carAndy also won overall at Silverstone in October in the ex. factory Nissan Motorsport 'Kyoseki' liveried Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Group A touring car (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) In excess of £500,000 has been invested into the newly re-developed site, with no stone unturned in terms of the quality of the renovation and attention to detail. At the heart of the showroom is a Nissan Skyline GT-R engine coffee table and one of the toilets even features a Snap On toolbox sink designed and fitted in house by Chris and the team.

Chris has been victorious multiple times this season in the Middlehurst Road Race & Classic sponsored Van Diemen Formula Ford 1600 single seater, as well as finishing in 2nd place at the prestigious Formula Ford FestivalChris has been victorious multiple times this season in the Middlehurst Road Race & Classic sponsored Van Diemen Formula Ford 1600 single seater, as well as finishing in 2nd place at the prestigious Formula Ford Festival (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) Community members expressed their excitement about the rebranding and the potential it holds for St. Helens. “It’s fantastic to see a local family business evolve while keeping its roots intact,” said Sharon Evans, a long-time customer of the Middlehurst’s. “The rebranding is a brilliant idea that will undoubtedly attract a diverse range of customers.”

Just like his father Andy, Chris won in both single seaters and touring cars this year, taking victory at Oulton Park and Silverstone in the ex. British Touring Car Championship winning Toyota Corolla AE86 which prepared and run by the family teamJust like his father Andy, Chris won in both single seaters and touring cars this year, taking victory at Oulton Park and Silverstone in the ex. British Touring Car Championship winning Toyota Corolla AE86 which prepared and run by the family team (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) As Chris Middlehurst looks to the future, he remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and honouring the family legacy that has made J. Middlehurst & Sons Ltd, affectionately known locally as ‘Miggys’ a beloved part of the St. Helens community. “Our newly developed site on Jackson Street also includes a newly refurbished workshop and brand new MOT testing facility, as part of our ‘Any Car, Any Brand’ servicing and maintenance strategy.

Trophies from Phil, Andy and Chris proudly on display in the showroom’s bespoke trophy wall Trophies from Phil, Andy and Chris proudly on display in the showroom’s bespoke trophy wall (Image: Middlehurst Road Race & Classic) “We can’t wait to share this exciting new chapter with you and look forward to welcoming you soon”  

Address: Jackson St, Saint Helens, WA9 1AW

Phone: 01744 26681

Email: sales@middlehurst.co.uk

Website: https://www.middlehurst.co.uk/