One of Yorkshire’s most iconic family businesses is hitting a major milestone this month, as Bradford-headquartered automotive retailer JCT600 celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Over the last eight decades, the business has undergone a staggering transformation, evolving from a humble, single-site garage into one of the UK’s largest independent motor retail groups, boasting more than 50 locations across the country.
The story began on 20 June 1946, when Edward Tordoff founded the business as ‘Tordoff Motors’ on Sticker Lane in Bradford. It was later transformed by his son, Jack, who went on to build JCT600 into a privately owned powerhouse. In later years, Jack’s sons, John and Ian, joined the ranks, helping shape the business for future generations.
Today, the fourth-generation family-owned firm represents some of the world’s most prestigious and leading vehicle brands – including Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen- across Yorkshire, the North East, and the Midlands. The company now employs more than 2,000 people and brought in massive revenues of £1.33bn in 2025.
The milestone celebration comes just weeks after JCT600 reported stellar financial results, with pre-tax profits hitting £20.1m. A significant growth in used vehicle sales and an excellent after-sales performance helped the firm completely outperform wider, more sluggish market trends.
To mark the exact month of the anniversary, colleague celebration events have been taking place across the entire dealership network throughout June.
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.”
In recent years, that ability to adapt has seen JCT600 successfully navigate seismic shifts in the automotive industry, notably the rapid rise of digital retailing and the transition toward electric vehicles. The company launched its online vehicle reservation platform in 2020, completing its first fully digital vehicle sale the following year.
Today, the firm continues to invest heavily in its dealership network, digital capabilities, and robust electric vehicle infrastructure.
“We’re really proud that, 80 years on, our fourth-generation family business is still leading the way,” added John Tordoff. “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.”
