Martin Wilson of M Wilson & Co retires after five decades

Martin Wilson owner of M. Wilson & Co, sold his garage earlier this month after almost 52 years at the helm. The 71-year-old joined the industry at just 14 as an apprentice.

Throughout his career, the mechanic built a loyal customer base in Darlington and has a reputation for hard work, often grafting long days well beyond the nine to five.

Martin Wilson (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Mr Wilson began working in the 1970’s, at a time where the motor trade was very different from today.

The retiree said businesses use to rely solely on practical skill and experience rather than technology.

The 71-year-old said: “Cars used to be straightforward. You could take them apart and see what was wrong, but now they’re more like computers, and you need specialist equipment just to diagnose a fault nowadays.”

Mr Wilson also said customer expectations have shifted significantly over the years.

He said: “Years ago, people just wanted the car fixed and trusted you to do the job.

“Now it’s often about how quickly it can be done – everyone seems to be in a rush nowadays and is used to everything being instant.”

Martin Wilson (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

But despite the pressures of running a demanding business, Mr Wilson said his career gave him many opportunities to meet new people, with some becoming lifelong friends.

These connections opened doors for him to a wide range of hobbies including county-level badminton, water skiing and motorcycle trials riding.

He said: “Trials riding has let me travel all over the world, such as Thailand and Brazil. None of this would have been possible without the people I met through my job.”

Now living in High Coniscliffe, Mr Wilson said he is looking forward to a slower pace of life and spending more time enjoying the countryside, driving his classic cars, as well as travelling and pursuing his hobbies at his own pace.

Reflecting on his long career, he said the most important lesson he would pass onto the younger generation is to be interested and passionate in your work.

He said: “You’ve got to be interested in what you do.

“If you’ve got that, you’re halfway there. The rest can be learned and taught.”

Mr Wilson said he is proud of what he has built over the years and can look back on his career with pride.

He added: “I’ve worked hard all my life, but now I’m ready to slow down and enjoy the countryside views from my living room.”