The story of The Light Car Company Ltd started in the early 1990s when ex-Grand Prix driver Chris Craft and McLaren legend Gordon Murray designed and built the most iconic motorcycle-engine car ever produced: The Light Car Company Rocket.
This car set the standard for future lightweight cars to come, with its incredible power-to-weight ratio and breath-taking road handling. Hand built, using the lessons learnt from years of F1 design, the Rocket remains a must have for many private collectors including famous names such as Jay Leno.
During this period, the Light Car Company was involved in several research and development projects, progressing on from the Rocket with lightweight chassis development taking on new challenges such as building a LeMans 24hr race car from scratch. It was during this time that Chris Holley joined the business, focusing full-time on the fabrication of the complex elements that make the Rocket so special.
Many clients at the time had connections with classic motorsport either as drivers or owners and The Light Car Company was given the opportunity to prepare many historic cars to compete in events in the UK and across the globe. As time passed, this part of the business developed to not only offer race and road preparation but also the rebuilding and restoration of classic cars.
As the world changed and the manufacture of the Rocket became bogged-down with red-tape, the core business shifted to the preservation and restoration of all marques of classic cars and motorcycles.
Whilst the company specialises in pre-80’s Ferraris, we are able to breathe new life into any forgotten and neglected vehicles, be they road or race. We have prepared cars for some of the world’s most prestigious Concourse events and competitions.
Today, Chris Holley is Director and oversees the day-to-day operations along with his son George who is Workshop Manager. George grew up watching his father working with a range of beautiful and historic vehicles; so after he completed his degree in Motorsport engineering and design, he joined the company and 10 years later they manage the daily running of the business together.
Over the years, the company has expanded and in 2019, we moved into a larger workshop on the same premises in Oxfordshire. At any one time we will have over 150 classic cars in our care. Everything from a Citreon 2CV through to Ferrari 250s, 275s and everything in between.
We are always looking for highly skilled and experienced mechanics. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Chris Holley at [email protected].