Welcome to the VINTTRO Member Interview!
It’s another Member Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible community we protect by sharing the extraordinary journeys of the drivers behind the wheel.
To kick off part four of our series, we’re thrilled to introduce a standout young entrepreneur with a deep passion for motorsport.
Dive into our exclusive interview to get to know the man behind the machine.
Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with your name:
James Barron
Where are based and what does a typical day look like for you?
Ipswich, Suffolk. Traveling location to location to install various security products such as Trackers, Immobilisers and Dashcams.
The First Pay check: What was your very first job, and how did your career path evolve into what you do today?
I was weekend Valeter at BMW with James Lambert from WheelHouse. I guess being around the new model BMW’s at the time definitely pushed me towards a career in the Motor Trade.
What was the “spark” that led you into your current industry?
COVID gave me the opportunity to get into some much cleaner and methodical work compared to what I was previously doing.
Company Info. What is the company name you work for now, and what position do you hold?
I am the Director and owner of JB Autowerx
What services do they provide, and what is the website address?
Autowerx. – We supply and fit premium vehicle security products and accessories. Our expert services include Thatcham and insurance-approved trackers, Ghost immobilisers, dashcams, Apple CarPlay upgrades, reverse cameras, and parking sensors.
The Automotive Obsession
What age were you when you first realised you’re a petrolhead?
As young as I can remember, if it had wheels I was interested!
What was the first car you ever owned, and how much did you pay for it?
1998 VW Polo and I paid £900 for it.
What cars do you currently own (including your daily driver)?
Fiat Abarth 595, Renault Clio Sport 172, Classic Mini, BMW E30 (currently going through a V8 swap), VW Amarok (Daily Driver) Kawasaki ZX6R, 1980s Husqvarna CR250
Which car do you most regret selling or losing?
MK3 Gof GTi 16v.
If money and garage space were no object, what is your ultimate “dream” car and why?
Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, raw sound and just a mechanical car compared to the newer cars.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning drive, where are you going, and what’s playing on the radio?
For me, nothing beats the B Roads up the Suffolk coast, no music just engine noise.
Manual or Automatic?
Either, a good Automatic is a fun drive.
Electric cars – Yes or No? (Give reason)
No, but I do get the appeal of them at the moment, cheaper running costs compared to a combustion engine, but I don’t think they are here to stay. Just a stopgap until something else comes along. Hydrogen, maybe?
Hard Roof or Convertible or both?
Hard Roof.
Track Day or Weekend Cruise?
Track day every time.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to buy their first classic/performance car?
Do your research and make sure everything checks out. Look for a reputable garage or servicing provider. For me, the main giveaway is tyre choice, if a car has cheap tyres, it’s a sign it probably hasn’t been looked after as well as it could have been.
Finally, Beyond the Car Obsession
When you aren’t behind the wheel or under a hood, how do you spend your time? (Hobbies, other interest’s etc).
It’s got to be motorsport. Having been involved with teams for the last 10 years, from club-level racing like the Fiesta Junior Championship all the way up to the BTCC, it’s always been my main passion.
Thank you, James, and to all our community members and policyholders, if you require any services from James, please contact Autowerx. on 07740 192947.
Would you like to feature?
Want to be featured next? If you enjoyed James’s story and want to take part in the VINTTRO Member Spotlight series, drop us an email at info@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll get right back to you.
