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One of the most prestigious spare parts yards in New Zealand can be found on Clayden Road, between Warkworth and Matakana.
The business, RJR Spares, owned by Rob Waters, sells both new and used parts for Jaguars, Daimler, MGF, Rovers and Land Rovers.
It began more than 50 years ago as a part-time effort between Des Waters and Jim Martin, who were both mechanics in Warkworth.
They worked from Jim’s garage on Matakana Road, salvaging parts from used vehicles and selling them on.
The business was originally called Rodney Wreckers and moved to its current site on Clayden Road in 1963, when the men turned it into a full-time venture.
Initially, parts were taken from all cars, but Des had a passion for Jaguars and Jim for Rovers, so they decided to specialise in what they saw as a gap in the market.
In 1995, Des’ son Rob bought his father’s share and the name changed to Rodney Jaguar Rover Spares.
Seven years ago Ken Marsh, who had bought Jim’s share, passed away leaving Rob as the sole owner of what is now RJR Spares, believed to be the largest seller of Jaguar parts in New Zealand.
“The business hasn’t changed much over the years, but there have been plenty of changes in the market we’re in,” Rob says.
The biggest change came when Ford purchased Jaguar in 1990 and then developed the X-Type and S-Type models, which were designed to appeal to a larger market, rather than just the high-end market, which they had previously targeted.
“Originally, there were only about 20 places in the country dealing in Jaguars, but now there are a lot more with a lot more models being released.
“This means we have to work closely with our clients so we know exactly what they need because there are so many options.”
Rob says the technology has also changed rapidly over the years, although RJR Spares still sells parts they collected in the 1960s to classic car owners.
Their range of second-hand parts has grown, with most of them sourced from vehicles that have been written off and sold at auction.
Rob says initially Rover parts were the most prominent part of the business, but following the collapse of Rover and the growing popularity of Jaguar the demand has changed.
RJR Spares sells predominantly across New Zealand, but does get overseas requests as well.
