I’ve had all year to prepare for this week, yet here I am, sat in a roadside Starbucks (although wait till I tell you what’s outside) frantically putting the finishing touches to your festive newsletter. Not to mention having not started my Christmas shopping, changed the tyres on Sid, fitted the new car seat, etc. etc. – know the feeling? 🤯

Meanwhile, it’s been another mad year and I am very aware that I broke my promise to write more. However, I come with jingle bells and aim to make up for it with your latest instalment from GQ HQ.

Let’s dispatch the boring stuff first and guide you to our festive opening hours so we can cut to the chase; window shopping your fellow owners cars for sale! It’s been 18 months since we started saying yes and helping you avoid the tyre kicking public, snarky auctions and general sinister point of view on anything used being sold.

Two highlights in particular spring to mind – selling the 900 mile Aventador and reconnecting a previous owner and her husband with their 1981 Mercedes SL380 (Photos below).

The fortuitous event with the SL came about merely via a late night google and has since ended up being reunited with the lovely couple, Mary and Wyn, and their now c40 year old children! One comment during their viewing stuck with me – “One Summer, we didn’t put the hood back up for 2 months as the european adventure rolled on”. Oh, the joys of pre ISOFIX.

On from there, and depending how large your stocking is you might wish to check out our latest product review. And if there is still space left, the Tipo184 should help fill a gap – she is big!

For anyone that keeps missing our meets, here is another reminder of our last and next event – Sunday 5th January. We are very much looking forward to getting up and out with you once again. (Mind you, slightly less so cleaning up the week after!).

Much like leaving Fergie’s Man United until last on Match of the Day, I can confirm that The Penthouse, is open! It has been the most anxious of times during the whole 10 year GQ journey making such a bold move. Naturally, if one has ‘Daddy’s trust fund’, these things could be done off the bat. But, when moving and shaking as best you can, an expansion can only be timed when a window presents. It was literally a now or never moment from a space point of view.

However, from what you are telling me, your trust and support is still growing. The icing on the cake was being able to use British steel which has been proudly pressed into the side of each RSJ. ...and what better way to test the load ratings than sending Sid up into the gods with our fingers crossed! (See below).

To help repay all the support, we wanted to find a way to thank you properly for referring your friends. This time with more than just a coffee – a proper paying referral scheme. Some of you will have already received yours so thank you, again.

Ooo, and while I have you – if anyone is looking for a new read this Crimbo I can recommend Chris Harris’ Variable Valve Timing. No spoilers, but I will say that it brought me to nostalgic tears. Twice. And for anyone reading this on the day, looks like it’s also available for download on Audible.

Sat here sipping the remainder of my third cold coffee, the first of the Starbucks staff have started looking at me funnily, I really must start wrapping this up with a few shout outs. Firstly, to the GQ Crew. They have been relentless in getting each and everyone to the party on time and looking their best – it really is a lifestyle job this and one has to fully embrace the completely random logistics that come our way each day. They are all up for it, and have exceeded expectations – take a bow, gang.

The other, and I have something in my eye again here, is you – the owners. Referring, feeding back, suggesting, supporting, even offering to come and work at times. I am genuinely blown away. Thank you once again for your trust.

OK, the staff here are now flickering the lights and I can’t nurse another coffee for much longer. So, as I close the MacBook on 2024 and before I move off to the next maintenance wash – Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter.

Tim and the GQ Crew.

P.S. Ran out of time to tell you about the current wheels – see final pic below. Full thoughts coming soon.