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What began as a small venture by Leslie Vanassche, has grown into a trusted name on the Island, now spanning three generations of dedication and passion. From Leslie’s pioneering spirit to the leadership of his son Graham, and now his grandson Louis, the Leslies Motors journey is a testament to the enduring values of quality, service, and family. Join us as we take a drive down memory lane, highlighting the key milestones that have shaped Leslies Motors into the business it is today.
Leslies Motors humble beginnings start with a Taxi Service. Leslie Vanassche opened his own company in Ventnor taxiing local residents across the Island. Eventually he started selling those taxi's, and in 1949 purchased his first garage in Albert Street, Ventnor.
Over the next few years, Leslie's empire grew. By 1954 he owned 5 garages in Ventnor - 2 workshops and 3 petrol stations. Within those garages Leslie managed a number of car manufacturer franchises; Austin, Morris, British Leyland & MG.
Pictured left you can see an image of the Ventnor Garage, taken in more recent years.
Next came the garage that would still be going strong today. A long time ago, Northwood was home to Fountain Coaches, an Isle of Wight coach business that was formed in 1913. Overtime they were acquired by the state-owned Transport Holding Company. With the formation of the National Bus company in 1967, they became part of Southern Vectis Omnibus Company (SVOC), Southern Vectis being the company many of us use to get around today.
After Fountain Coaches, Wadham Stringer took over the building and sold car brands such as Austin Rover and MG.
We've dug out lots of old photos to mark our big anniversary. Recognise that man in the middle of the group photo there? Yes, that's the late Lionel Blair - choreographer, dancer and TV host. He came down to Leslie's Garage to hand over an oversized check to a lucky lottery winner.
The other picture shows Leslie receiving an award in Ventnor from a Director from British Leyland.
Then, in 1973, Leslie Vanassche acquired Northwood Garage, and continued to sell these brands until 1989, when Mazda came to the Island.
In the front row of this picture (far left) you will spot the late Leslie Vanassche himself. You will also see quite a few people in this photo that you can still see around our Leslies sites today! You'll spot our current managing director, Graham Vanassche on the far right. You'll also spot in the back far left, in his overalls, Colin Kill - our current Toyota Aftersales Manager, Brian Sampson - our Used Car Preparation Manager, and Simon Clarke - used car valeter.
And those with a keen eye will also spot our Suzuki Sales Manager - Keith Ashdown, but we'll forgive you if you didn't spot him as we're sure most of you aren't used to seeing him with hair.
Leslie Vannasche then acquired what is now known as Leslies Suzuki. Hale Common was bought in the mid 1980's, but back then it was an Esso Garage. Then shortly after Leslie made Hale Common the home to Hyundai (pictured left). After stopping trading Hyundai cars shortly after this, Hyundai would make its way back into Leslies Motors in 2015, after Graham acquired Wight Motors Hyundai in Sandown from Roy and Barbara Butler.
Then, in 1999, Suzuki was introduced to its new home on the Island, and would be where it still lives to this day (pictured far left).
Jumping back in time now, back to 1991, Kia arrives into the Leslies empire, setting up in Ventnor initially, then moving to Somerton and finally ending up at its current home of Northwood Garage.
Did you know? Leslies Kia is one of only four original Kia dealers left in the UK!
Around the same time as Kia arrived on the Island, Graham took over day to day running of the business from his father. On this anniversary year, Graham has been at Leslies Motors for 49 years, a remarkable achievement reflecting his dedication to the automotive industry and his family business.
Leslies Motors can proudly say that 18 employees have been with us for over 20 years. We are very proud of this, and we'd like to take the time to thank them for their many years of service. These employees are:
