About Us
Over 40 years of heritage
Portland Autos is a family run company that has been supplying prestige cars since 1983. Our experienced and friendly team will handle every part of the buying process for you including assisting with your initial enquiry, test drives, finance, delivery and transfer, or allocation, of personalised number plates.
Driven with family values
For over 40 years
Our history
Here’s a look at Clive and the Portland Autos journey.
Where it all started
Clive Watson showed an interest in cars from a young age and was an apprentice tool maker at International Harvesters when he started buying and selling cars at the age of 17 years old. He has been the backbone of the business ever since and has seen it grow in size and stature making it into the successful business Portland Autos is today.
We opened our doors
In 1983, Clive decided to take his redundancy from International Harvesters to set up a VAT registered company buying and selling cars. He started as a sole trader, mainly buying from and to the motor trade. Over the following five years strong foundations were established across the Yorkshire motor trade allowing him to move onto the next chapter.
We moved to Sheffield
An opportunity presented itself to move to an ex Datsun showroom in Sheffield on Rutland Road. This was a change in direction from supplying the motor trade to retailing cars to the general public. The previous owners gave Clive the trading name and that is where Portland Autos was born.
We moved to Bawtry
By now, The business was flourishing and Clive decided to move the business to land adjacent to his home where the business still operates on today. Once again, The business vision shifted slightly incorporating more upmarket cars and importing and exporting.
Adam and James join the business
After University, both Adam and James decided to join the family business to give Clive a much needed helping hand. Portland now retails over 80 cars per month and is one of the leading independent car dealers in the country.
New storage facility
Enabling us to expand further, we gained planning permission for a 40-car indoor storage facility.
Continued growth
The company is a very proud family run business which employs 13 full time members of staff. It sells over 800 cars a year to customers in the UK, Europe and across the globe. We pride ourselves on providing a fantastic customer experience that is supportive and hassle free.
Meet the team
Clive Watson
Adam Watson
James Watson
Rob Wright
Josh Daniels
Matthew Smethurst
Gavin Shawcroft
Dan Brooks
Matt Amsden
Julie Gibson
Maggie Watson
Alex Shawcroft
Bella
Solo
Come & Visit us
If you’re interested in purchasing a prestige car, simply click the buttons below for directions to our showroom or to contact us today.
Customer Reviews
Sell your car to us
Sell your car to us
Are you looking to sell your prestige car? We are specialist buyers of sports, prestige, 4x4 and high performance cars.
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Finance options
Finance options
Portland Autos are able to provide finance options on all vehicles tailored to suit your needs
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View our Gallery
View our Gallery
View our gallery of customer handover photos from over the years.
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