Welcome to Automobilia-UK

Supplying vintage petrol pumps, globes, signs and general automobilia

Welcome to Automobilia-UK, the premier UK site for vintage petrol pumps and automobilia.

I began my love affair with cars 45 years ago when joining a village garage in Derbyshire. At the age of fifteen I started as an apprentice in the workshop and attended Derby College of Further Education to gain my qualifications as a vehicle technician.

Although I enjoyed working on vehicles my passion lay in the sales and business side and by the age of 20 I had become a director of the company.At around this time I attended the Jim Russell racing drivers school where I competed in formula ford racing until an ankle ligament injury sustained playing football cut short my involvement in both sports, a big disapointment as I had secured a sponsorship deal with British Leyland.

Having left the partnership, to branch out on my own, I ran my own business in Burton on Trent for many years. The business consisted of car sales, MOT station, body shop and general repairs. The business was built on contract work from the local breweries. On selling the business I concentrated my efforts on my passion for classic cars and memorabilia.

I have been married to my wife Jill for 40 years and we have three grown up children who all help in different ways with the business.

I became a grandad for the first time last year when my grandson George was born and early in 2015 my second grandson Reagan was born.

Our showroom in Burton on Trent is by appointment only.We also have workshop and bodyshop facilities.

We can restore your Vintage pump please ask for details.

We supply props for TV and film and our clients include A list celebrities and knights of the realm .

Visiting some amazing houses and collections around the UK we meet some very interesting custormers  all with a story to tell , but in our business we have to protect the privacy and for security the locations of such collections,  we often spend time with A list customers who are only too pleased to show us around but on leaving we have to respect their privacy and maintain a working relationship and they are greatful knowing we will do just that. Often we put in our adverts that our reputation means a great deal , our discretion also means we maintain the trust of our clients.  

Our vintage pumps and items have appeared at Chris Evans Car-Fest, London Classic Car Show press day, Goodwood Revival , BBC The One Show and on TV in Pawn Stars UK, Turbo Pickers , and The London Classic Car Show.  

I have taken part in TV productions for the History Channel , Quest and Channel Four and in 2014 I gave a talk on board the liner Queen Mary 2 on a cruise to Norway also on board giving a speech was Band Aid member Midge Ure.       

Wheeler dealers Mike Brewer and Ed China with me at London Classic Car Show launch.James Martin TV chef also joins the fun.

              

 

I pride myself on the fact that 45 years ago I was trained and encouraged to offer old fashioned customer service, honesty and to operate with complete discretion.

These are all qualities that I continue to practice in the running of

Automobilia-UK.

 

Rob Arnold
Sole proprietor of Automobilia-UK