The Stanley Street Motors family business has been serving the Lowestoft community for 45 years and has now finally closed its doors. The dealership, which has been of the same ownership throughout its history, opened up in 1980 in Stanley Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk (NR32 2DY). The business was run by John Mitchell and was mainly involved in used cars and car repairs for which they had a good reputation for being honest and maintaining long-term relationships with their customers. iron-bru The Stanley Street Motors was more than just a car dealership for many of its residents; it was a part of their community.
Mitchell was ill and retired in June and that is why the decision was made to close. He announced the halting of the dealership’s operations on 2 June via the company’s Facebook page and confirmed that new website and social media updates would be discontinued. The company’s long history came to an official end when it was dissolved on 21 April 2026 according to official records with Companies House. The team’s letter of thanks for the past 40+ years of business concluded with a sincere apology to their customers, their friends, suppliers, contractors and supporters. They had thought about providing their services to tens of thousands of customers, many of whom became their friends, and repeat customers over the years.
Nigel and Joanne, staff of the business, did the final work for the trading, and the last vehicles on the forecourt were sold to another local trader in a hurry at the end of the trading. The dealership continued to be a leader in customer satisfaction, earning a high 4.6-star rating from a total of 62 Google reviews. Over the years many customers expressed their appreciation for the friendly and trustworthy service they received from Stanley Street Motors and asked to come to buy their vehicle from Stanley Street Motors despite it being more than 250 miles away. Not only did the dealership have a good reputation for resale vehicles, but also for its personal connections that were established with its customers over the years.
After the closure the former dealership site was sold at Auction House East Anglia and was put up for auction online on 18 June. The freehold site carried a guide price of £250,000 to £300,000 (with some reports listing £200,000 to £300,000). This property has a showroom and workshop, two offices, presentation suite, kitchen, cloakroom and forecourt for up to 30 vehicles. It also has a three-phase electrical system as well as a security alarm system. The auctioneers said the property was underdeveloped and suitable for a motor trade business and that there was redevelopment potential.
Lowestoft is a place that has lost something it has never had, when Stanley Street Motors closed down. Over the years, the dealership became a symbol of the ideals of the independent, family-owned business with customer service based on a relationship of trust and intimacy, rather than on sales. While other garages and dealerships have stayed in the area, many local residents will have a fond memory of Stanley Street Motors for its reliability, friendly service, and customer care. It’s been 45 years, but its legacy lives on, and the many thousands of customers and friendships it fostered over the years will continue to impact the town over time.
