By James, Founder of Gentlemen’s Garages
From playful childhood memories to lifelong passion, I’ve always felt that my story — and my heartbeat — runs on engines. I was born with motor oil in my veins. Gentlemen’s Garages grew out of that same love — a space for men who appreciate everything on wheels, from vintage restorations to rugged 4×4s and caravans built for adventure.
For me, it’s never been just about the cars — it’s about craftsmanship, conversation, and the open road that connects us all.
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Born with Motor Oil in My Veins
I can’t remember a time in my life when cars weren’t part of my story. Some kids grew up with toys and cartoons — I grew up surrounded by the sight, sound, and smell of beautiful machines. My dad is an attorney by profession, but a car enthusiast at heart. He’d buy cars, have them restored by skilled mechanics, and bring them back to life before selling them on. It wasn’t about profit; it was about passion.
Those early years shaped everything that came after. They taught me to respect the grind, the grease, and the glory that comes from creating something that moves — both literally and emotionally.
Car Shows and Childhood Wonder
Some of my fondest memories are of tagging along to car shows with him. We’d spend hours admiring the craftsmanship, the stories behind each build, and the pride that came with every polished fender. Even as a kid, I could feel it, that special connection between man and machine.
The Handstand and the Tamiya Pumpkin
One story that still makes me laugh is the day I got my very first RC Tamiya Pumpkin. I must’ve been about ten years old when my dad made me a deal and said, “You can have it if you can walk all the way around the garden on your hands.”
Challenge accepted. I don’t know how I did it, but I made it — wobbly, upside down, determined, and true to his word, he got me one. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of a car in my life. That silly, fun moment wasn’t just about getting a toy — it was the start of a lifelong love for cars, and for the joy they bring. Looking back, I realize I really was born with motor oil in my veins.
Roots in Pongola
Another memory that always takes me back is from my grandfather’s farm in Pongola, in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. He was a sugar cane farmer — hardworking, humble, and full of grit. I remember racing my little Hot Wheels through the house, pretending I was behind the wheel of something legendary. In truth, those moments defined me — proof that my story was born with motor oil long before I ever turned a key.
A Passion That Evolved
As I’ve grown older, my love for cars has only expanded. It’s not just the classics that capture my attention anymore — it’s the full spectrum of motoring life. From the roar of a vintage muscle car to the strength of a 4×4 built for the wild, or the quiet thrill of a caravan road trip with no fixed destination, every journey reminds me why I was born with motor oil in my heart.
Why Gentlemen’s Garages Exists
Gentlemen’s Garages was born from that same spirit — it’s my way of celebrating men who live and breathe the drive. Whether you’re restoring a classic, upgrading a 4×4, or planning your next open-road adventure, this is your space. Because a true gentleman’s garage isn’t just where he keeps his car; it’s where he keeps his stories, his freedom, and a part of his soul.
About the Author
I created Gentlemen’s Garages for those who share my passion for machines, craftsmanship, and the open road. To me, a garage isn’t just where a car is kept — it’s where memories are made, and where every story begins, born with motor oil and fueled by purpose.