Bradford-headquartered automotive retailer JCT600 is celebrating its 80th anniversary this month.
In the last eight decades the business has grown from a one-site garage into one of the UK’s largest independent motor retail groups with over 50 locations across the country.
Founded on 20 June 1946 as Tordoff Motors on Sticker Lane in Bradford, the family-owned business today represents more than 20 vehicle brands and employs more than 2,000 people, with revenues of £1.33bn in 2025.
The milestone comes weeks after JCT600 reported pre-tax profits of £20.1m, with growth in used vehicle sales and aftersales performance helping the business outperform wider market trends.
John Tordoff, executive chairman of JCT600, said: “Reaching 80 years is a significant achievement and reflects the contribution of generations of colleagues, customers and partners who have supported the business over the years.
“Our colleagues are the key to our growth and we’re really proud to have remained a family-owned business, which allows us to keep our employees and customers at the heart of every decision we make.
“The automotive industry has changed dramatically over those eight decades and continues to evolve rapidly. Remaining successful through those changes has required the business to adapt while staying true to the values on which it was built,” he added.
Founded by Edward Tordoff in 1946, the business was later transformed by his son, Jack, who went on to build JCT600 into one of the UK’s largest privately-owned automotive retailers. In later years, Jack’s sons, John and Ian, joined him in helping shape the family business for future generations.
“We’re really proud that, 80 years on, our fourth-generation family business is still leading the way. With our Yorkshire roots firmly intact, we’ve been embracing the move to electric vehicles and an exciting wave of new brands into the UK market. We’re looking forward to what the future holds,” added John Tordoff.
