Walter Edwin Sturgess was never regarded as an adventurer, having been born into a family that had deep roots in Leicester. However, he decided to emigrate to Australia during the 1880’s and planned to stay there for some considerable time, maybe even permanently. But, purely by coincidence, he met a girl from Leicester there, they married, settled and had two children. The plan for fortune did not materialise so the family left Australia and headed back to England and Leicester.
In 1897, Walter established his bicycle sales and repair shop in the west end of Leicester, moving into cars at the turn of the 20th Century, as they became more widely available.
Since that time the business, still in Sturgess family ownership, has ridden the waves of history and continued to serve the local and indeed national motorist and today, still endeavours to provide quality products and services.
1897 Walter E. Sturgess establishes business in Leicester, selling Raleigh and Austral cycles
1904 Appointed agent for Rover motor cycles
1911 Purpose built premises built in Braunstone Gate, Leicester
1922 Walter’s son, Frank Sturgess (2nd. Generation) joins business, aged 16 years old
1947 Appointed as agents for Jaguar cars for Leicestershire & Rutland
1953 New showrooms opened in Charles Street, Leicester
1957 Frank’s son, Robin (3rd Generation) joins the business
1961 New premises opened on Walnut Street, Leicester for service and repair work
1971 Acquired of Newton Baker Ltd., Austin Morris Wolseley MG dealers in Leicester
1972 Acquired of County Garages Ltd
1975 Acquired of Palmer & Ward Ltd., Austin Morris dealers in Evington, Leicester
1986 Sturgess gains Toyota franchise
1986 New premises for Jaguar and Land Rover on Almond Road, Leicester
1989 Robin’s son, Christopher (4th Generation) joins the business
1990 New, purpose built premises opened for Land Rover
2002 Volvo franchise awarded
2002 New purpose built premises opened for Jaguar on Narborough Road, Leicester
2003 Toyota sales franchise relinquished – Toyota after-sales retained. Nissan franchise awarded
2005 Robin’s younger son, Barney joins the business.
2008 Fiat franchise awarded
2009 Alfa Romeo franchise awarded
