A Short History of M M Bellinger & Sons Ltd
“Bellingers” was first established in 1932 by Henry Francis Bellinger. The Business trading as “Blenheim Garage” was situated in Mill Street Wantage with a converted barn housing the workshop and stores. On the forecourt were 4 hand operated petrol pumps selling ROP (Russian Oil Products) petrol at eleven and a half old pence per gallon that equates to around 1 new penny per litre!
Henry Francis died in 1942. With her sons away fighting in the Second World War it was left to Henry’s wife Minnie Matilda and her daughter Irene to keep the business going.
After the war Les and his brother Frank joined the business.
Soon a new forecourt was built with electrically operated pumps, now selling National Benzyl fuel.
A large workshop was added followed by a 2 car showroom and the Austin franchise.
In 1948 the business was incorporated as M M Bellinger & Sons Ltd after Minnie Matilda Bellinger the first Managing Director.
In 1964 additional land was purchased to the front of the site allowing a second hand car display to be established.
In 1970 “Bellingers” joined the Vauxhall franchise with the New FE Victor and HC Viva filling the showroom.
In 1976 Mike Bellinger joined the Company to help his father Les Bellinger later joined by Mike’s sister Hazel in 1980.
The Company flourished with the New Astra and new Cavalier boosting car and workshop sales.
In 1989 the Company moved to their present location in Grove.
In 1996 the Company took over the Gowerings site in Ock Street Abingdon to establish a Vauxhall satellite business with new car showroom, space to display 30 cars outside and full workshop and parts facilities.
In 2005 an additional showroom was built on the Grove site to house General Motors new Chevrolet Franchise. The new and exciting models for sale increase the range and variety of vehicles available to customers.
In 2011 Mike died of Lymphoma aged only 59. His father Les died the following year aged 90.
The 4th generation of the family has now joined the business. Mike’s son in law Olly and son Joe not only maintain the enthusiasm and dedication that brings success but also enforces that Bellingers remains very much a family business.