From the beginning to the present day - find out about our history here.

Over 80 years of service

‘Driven by You’

We are proud of our 80+ year company history. At the same time, we are continuously evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, providing a range of services our customers want and need.

1930s

How it all began

Musbury Garage was founded in the 1930’s by Mr George Snell. Closing its doors during World War II, Mr Snell later returned to the site and reopened for business. At this time the site featured a simple wooden workshop and an open forecourt. Petrol pumps dispensed many different brands of fuel.

1960’s

Change of ownership

In the early 1960’s, Musbury Garage was purchased by Mr Jim Hendin. The old wooden workshop was removed and replaced with a new concrete workshop and showroom area. A canopy was also built to protect customers fuelling up their vehicles from the unpredictable British weather. Specialising in MG sports cars, Mr Hendin later held a franchise to sell the TVR brand. In terms of fuel, Musbury Garage sold Cleveland and then later, Esso petrol.

1981

New owners purchase business

Nearly twenty years after Jim Hendin purchased the business, Musbury Garage was bought by Frank and Barbara Rinaldi. At this time, the site was run down and in desperate need of some attention. There was also only one member of staff working at the premises. Eager to turn things around and to make their mark, the husband and wife team set about rebuilding the business, bringing it into the modern world. After switching fuel brands from Esso to National and then later a move to selling BP fuel, the mid 1980’s saw the first diesel pump on the forecourt.

1988

Family business expands

Seven years after Frank and Barbara Rinaldi acquire Musbury Garage, their son Julian (current owner) joined the growing family business.

1990

Musbury Garage is modernised

In 1990, ambitious plans were unveiled to modernise the garage. A new workshop was built including an MOT test centre which provided a range of car services to those in the Musbury and wider East Devon region. The forecourt also moved from attended to self-service, and a small shop was constructed.

1995

Car and van hire services offered

In 1995, a Practical Car and Van Rental franchise was added, bringing a new dimension to the services on offer at Musbury Garage.

2009- 2013

Further redevelopment

In 2009, a further redevelopment saw the old showroom converted to accommodate a Spar convenience store including an off licence. Three years later, this was followed by the opening of a Post Office Local branch within the Spar store in 2012. During late 2013, the onsite MOT test centre was modernised further, allowing the testing of Class 7 light commercial vehicles for the first time.

2016

Forecourt re-branded to Spar

In 2016, Musbury Garage changed its forecourt branding to Spar, making it the first garage on the South West peninsula to do so. This decision demonstrates Musbury Garage’s continual commitment to spearheading new ideas and harnessing opportunities when they arise.