In the ebb and flow of the Porsche world, one of the constant reference points has always been Autofarm. Growing up reading Cars and Car Conversions, the Autofarm adverts were the thing I looked for. Articles about Autofarm 2.7RS racers, 935 Turbo race cars and other icons made an indelible impression on me. In today’s expensive Porsche classic marketplace, with specialists springing up monthly, Autofarm are the constant that many of us refer to for information and quotes. Yet it was only around five years ago that I actually met Josh Sadler, the man responsible for steering Autofarm this past forty years. A calm, soft spoken gent with his trademark checked jacket, he reminds you of your favourite metalwork teacher at school. Yet his huge personal knowledge of individual Porsche 911’s, plus the Autofarm archive, the Autofarm knowledgebase probably rivals that of the factory in some areas.
But nothing lasts forever and today, we read a press release that Josh is gently relaxing his grip on Autofarm, passing it on in a management buyout to the people who’ve been working alongside him. The deal will see Sadler continuing to work at Autofarm as heritage director, drawing upon his almost unparalleled knowledge of Porsche cars such as the RS2.7 to manage the Sales and Heritage side of the business. Mikey Wastie, who has worked at Autofarm for over 15 years, will oversee the burgeoning Engines, Projects and Restoration division whilst long time supplier and former Carrera Cup racer Steve Wood will manage the Service and Storage. Together they will continue to lead the company’s ongoing expansion, whilst retaining the character and personal touch that typifies the Autofarm customer experience.
Josh isn’t going far, however. His new role is Heritage Director, where his vast database will continue to serve for some time yet. Perhaps now he’ll have time to get back to some more of those racing circuits he where to be so accomplished. We wish Josh and his team well, I’m sure that Mikie and Steve will make him proud and that retirement is the last thing on his mind.
