Tom Lenthall Ltd

Independent Jaguar and Land Rover expertise in Reading

Tom Lenthall Ltd is an independent specialist for Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, based in Reading and serving customers across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. The company presents itself as an alternative to the main dealer network, offering the same range of services with factory-trained technicians, authorised online access to factory information and the use of genuine manufacturer parts or original equipment alternatives.

The workshop covers 6,500 square feet and is equipped with diagnostic tooling and a full paint and body shop. According to the company, the operation has been running since 2007 and has built a loyal base of Jaguar and Land Rover owners.

Servicing, diagnostics and repair

Tom Lenthall Ltd carries out servicing and repair work on both modern and classic Jaguar and Land Rover models. The team includes Jaguar and Land Rover Master Technicians who have worked within main dealer networks and other specialists. The workshop handles routine maintenance as well as diagnostic work, supported by current tooling and factory technical information.

Restoration and fabrication

A dedicated restoration arm of the business looks after classic Jaguars. The restoration technician, Conrad Boyer, joined in October 2018 after 15 years restoring Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Bentley cars for specialist firms, including Hofmanns of Henley. Fabrication technician Steve Henesey has spent over 40 years working on Jaguars and supports the restoration team with complex fabrication of parts that are no longer manufactured for cars over 60 years old, as well as welding sills to meet MOT requirements and various bodywork repairs.

Tuning and performance upgrades

The company lists tuning among its core activities. Tom Lenthall himself oversees ongoing restorations, tuning and performance upgrades, and maintains his own race cars, an XJS and a 1963 Mk II.

The team behind the workshop

The team has grown since 2007 and includes technicians with long careers at Jaguar and Land Rover main dealers. Adam Price, Service Manager and Jaguar & Land Rover Master Technician, joined in 2013 after 12 years at the Farnham-based Jaguar main dealer Swain & Jones; he became Service Manager in 2019. Steve Harms, a Jaguar & Land Rover Master Technician, joined in February 2020 after 23 years with H A Fox in Guildford and holds electric vehicle qualifications and ATA certification. Tony Stoye, a Jaguar & Land Rover Technician, joined in 2019 after 12 years as an independent mechanic and was previously an MOT Tester. Rhys Thomas is the longest-serving member of the team, having worked with Tom from the start in 2007, and handles work ranging from SU carburettor balancing on a Jaguar E-Type to a standard 16,000-mile service on a Jaguar F-Pace.

Background of the founder

Tom Lenthall studied mechanical engineering at college and completed a four-year apprenticeship with classic Jaguar restoration specialists RS Coachworks. By his mid-twenties he was building concours-winning vehicles and preparing race cars. He later moved to a Jaguar main dealership, became a Master Technician and won the Jaguar Masters finals, leaving after 12 years to set up his own business. Meg Lenthall is listed as a director and supported the founding of the company in 2007.