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Welcome to the Aston Workshop news section. This section will update regularly, enabling you to keep up to date of changes and new information relating to the Aston Workshop and the Aston Martin Marque.
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Every month we will be speaking to one of the team at the Aston Workshop to give you an insight into their lives. This month we spoke to Bill Gardener, Machine shop engineer at Aston Workshop.
What is your job title?
Machine shop engineer
Where did you work before Aston workshop?
I worked for British Coal where I worked on a vast range of mechanical equipment, from twenty foot engines to tiny hydraulic control systems. This was a repair and trouble-shooting role, and we quite often had to manufacture parts for all types of machinery. This experience gave me a good insight into working on the older Aston cars and engines.
How many years did you work there?
I worked for British Coal for 32 years after serving my apprenticeship there.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to modify and improve the performance and reliability of all Aston engines from the 1930s to 70s. Over the past 9 years we have steadily perfected the improvements we make on our vehicles, using modern parts and technology to increase the power and torque that the engines develop.
All of our engines spend at least 5 hours on the ‘Dyno’ where the value of our modifications can be proved and the ignition and carburation can be finely tuned in a way that is not possible in the car.
I get great pleasure from seeing the results of my repairs and I am joined by a great team of experienced mechanics who make coming to work a joy.
What car do you drive?
A Ford Focus C Max
What is your favourite car?
A Triumph TR4. Has anyone got a nice one for sale?
Where do you live?
I live in a village called Ushaw Moor on the outskirts of Durham City.
What is your favourite food?
A good fillet steak
Have you ever restored a car for someone famous?
Not that I know of.
Which songs would be on your driving soundtrack?
When I’m driving I like to listen to Smooth Radio for some old pop and Classic FM for a touch of culture.
What do you keep in your glove compartment?
A few CDs, an old mobile phone and an even older A-Z
Hobbies and interests
I have raced motorcycles since I was sixteen and have tried every aspect of the sport, including moto-cross, trials, solo and sidecar. I was forced to retire from road racing at the age of 52 by my wife, it was for my own good apparently! I have a fully equipped machine shop at home and as well as restoring classic and vintage motorcycles I also machine and modify parts for other restorers and racers.
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;)
