One for the Boss

Richard Grimmond’s first job was at the legendary Coombs Garage, says Mick Walsh, who tells the story of how the former apprentice painstakingly rebuilt his late guv’nor’s souped-up Mk2 Jag.

Most enthusiasts have a close bond with a make that sparks their passion, be it a first car or their parents’ transport of choice. For Richard Grimmond, it’s Jaguars – a lifelong affair that began with a first job at one of the marque’s most famous dealers.

Grimmond started his apprenticeship at Coombs Garage in 1961 when he was just 16 years old. “I was mad about Jaguars and knew early on about the famous garage in Guildford,” Grimmond recalls. “My dad ran a chicken farm and wasn’t mechanically minded, so my mum used to get me to do all the jobs and bought me tools. I used to run our grey ‘Fergie’ tractor on the local tracks and Dad eventually taught me to drive in an Austin Seven Ruby that had a wicked clutch. He wasn’t really interested in cars but did take me to Goodwood from ’58. Mike Hawthorn was a hero and I vividly remember being in the playground when we heard the news of his big crash just up the road on the A3.”

When Grimmond joined Coombs, he still hadn’t passed his test: “I cycled at first from dad’s farm in Wood Street to Portsmouth Road. It was a really good apprenticeship. All the guys were helpful and friendly, which is probably why we’ve kept in touch. The garage loaned me the ‘works’ Ford 100E van for my test, but I don’t think the examiner was very impressed when I turned up at the centre. He looked at the silver sign writing on the side and drew a deep breath. Worse still, he opened the passenger door only to discover that he had to sit on a box but at least I’d brought a cushion. Unsurprisingly, he failed me.”