About Ian Kellett - IK Classics and Racing Holmfirth
IK Classics was borne out of a passion for vintage race cars. Ian Kellett founded the business in 1998 and he still loves coming to work. The company, located in Jackson Bridge, just outside of Holmfirth on the edge of the Peak District, is a business that promotes its services for every type of car from Micras to Mustangs.
However, after a short conversation with Ian, it’s not difficult to see where his heart lies. The workshop employs three technicians, one of whom is devoted to the servicing of modern vehicles and offers an important service to this tight-knit local community.
Ian and his third engineer devote the rest of the working week – and many hours beyond – to prestige cars, race tuning and restoring classics.
Tucked away in a former textile mill, IK Classics is a tardis of four-wheeled delights from the past and present. Ian offers a classic car storage service for private clients and a local vintage car hire company, which combined with restoration work, Ian’s own projects and the fact that the workshop is immaculate, makes you feel a bit like you are walking into an auto museum.
Look left and there’s a brand new Aston Martin DB9 in for servicing, look right and there’s a vintage Ferrari, covered, and resting next to a recently restored Mark1 Golf.
Ian started his career on the more mainstream side of the auto industry, with an apprenticeship at a Vauxhall garage. He spent 11 years with this company before moving on to a BMW dealership to become service manager.
Sourcing parts
“The biggest challenge we face is getting parts for all the cars, whether they are classic or modern.
We work with some specialist dealers on some of the older parts, but modern genuine parts are so competitively priced that it is often worthwhile just to buy the manufacturer’s parts.
Sometimes a prestige manufacturer like Mercedes will really surprise you with its pricing.
“We have had some spurious parts in the past that bore no resemblance to the original and we only fit recognised parts today.
We do not fit junk – even if our customers ask for it.”
He then went to work as service manager for a company that specialised in Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche and Lotus. After a taste of the prestige market, Ian decided to move on and went to work for a classic car company in Huddersfield, eventually branching out by himself.
Today IK Classics has a superb reputation in the classic racing circuit. The combined passion and experience of the team ensures that all projects are completed to an outstanding level.
