When the huge UK classic car sales and restoration company JD Classics went out of business in 2018, with founder Derek Hood being accused (and later found guilty) of fraud, it sent shockwaves through the business.
Now it’s happened again, to the proprietors who took it over in 2018. Mo Nicoconsari (known as Nico Consari) and Ali Khansari, as ZCC Investments initially launched the business under the new name of Woodham Mortimer, with former Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales continuing as CEO.
In 2020, Woodham Mortimer moved from the sprawling JD Classics site in Maldon, Essex, to a smaller 40,000 sq. ft workshop and 10-car showroom in Chelmsford, Essex.
Gales left in early 2022, just before Woodham Mortimer – to widespread consternation – revived the tainted JD Classics name in mid 2022. Why? Consari claimed at the time that: “As a classic car restorer and classic racing specialist, JD Classics was, and will be again, the best in the world.”
Companies House records show that there were trading losses and changes of directors every few months throughout the ownership of Woodham Mortimer and JD Classics. Another warning sign was a change from full accounts to less detailed micro company accounts in late 2021. Throughout this, the company continued to exhibit at major shows in the UK and Europe and recently released a book documenting the build of a Jaguar XJ13 recreation (pictured, top).
In late 2024 the company relocated again, back to Maldon. However, it’s thought that administrators visited the company at the end of January 2025 and sent employees home. Since then, there have been angry scenes at the premises with customers and employees attempting to gain entry.
The JD Classics website has recently been changed to say that JD Classics Autos Ltd is in administration, with administrators Antony Batty & Partners LLP’s contact details given for creditors and general enquiries, and insolvency agents Williams & Partners for car owners and for anyone interested in buying the company and assets.
Meanwhile, all those assets are currently offered for sale by online auction at GJ Wisdom & Co, from a complete Jaguar XJS, body jigs and tool boxes to enamel signs and posters.
It’s a sad but somehow inevitable end for the employees and customers. You can read more about the original decline of JD Classics here.
