User:Deebeelondon
An acclaimed racing driver, Jack Barclay formed a partnership and started trading in 1922 as Barclay & Wyse, selling Rolls-Royce and Vauxhall motor cars.
In 1927, after he had earned eight motor racing World Records in the International Three Litre Class,
In 1931 Bentley introduced the 3½ litre ‘Silent Sportscar’. This was indeed fortuitous since it ensured a continuing association between Jack Barclay Ltd and the marque. In January 1935, two years after the ‘Silent Sportscar’ had been on sale and the effects of the Depression had hardly eased, Jack Barclay received a letter from the Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Ltd. In it he confirmed that not only had Jack Barclay a greater turnover in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars than any other appointed retailer, but that the results for 1934 represented an increase of 40% over those for the previous year. This is made all the more remarkable considering it happened during a time when many luxury car manufacturers in both Europe and America had been bankrupted by the recession.
It was 1953 when the company moved to the Berkeley Square showrooms and offices it occupies to the present day. In
1900 February 7, London, the birth of John Donald Barclay, affectionately known as ‘Jack’
1922 Barclay & Wyse established, selling Rolls-Royce and Vauxhall motor cars and the term ‘Service after Sale’ was borne
1927 Jack Barclay Ltd established with two showrooms and a service centre in central London. Jack wins the inaugural 500 Miles Race at Brooklands in 4½ litre Bentley @ 107.33 mph. At the time the fastest motor race in the world 1935 Outgrowing the he original Conduit Street premises, Jack Barclay Ltd. Expands with the purchase of No. 13 George Street.
1945 Jack bought Gurney Nutting & Co Ltd, and the company carried out a major project to get back on the road all the Rolls-Royce & Bentley motor cars that were stored away during the War years
1953 The company moved to the present Berkeley Square showrooms
1958 Jack’s son Victor Barclay joins the business
1967 November, Jack retired and sold business to Dutton-Forshaw
1968 July 9, Jack died following a long illness
1977 Dutton-Forshaw sells Group to Lonrho. <
