From the Beginning

The Park Garage in 1923, under the ownership of A. Pattinson

The garage has operated on this site since the earliest days of the motor car. A photograph from 1923 shows the original Park Garage, run by Mr. A. Pattinson. It served the first generation of motorists with Shell petrol, Osram lamps, and essential repairs—laying the foundation for a long-standing motoring business.

The Blain Family Era

Lionel and Muriel Blain, shortly after purchasing the garage

In around 1947, Lionel and Muriel Blain bought the business from Mr. Pattinson, using Lionel’s demob lump sum after WWII to help fund the purchase. With a lifelong interest in motoring and mechanics, Lionel had been maintaining cars since the 1920s. Together, the couple ran the garage in a hands-on fashion and became well known throughout Barnet.

The business became Park Garage (Barnet) Ltd in the 1950s and in the following years it developed into a Ford dealership. During the post-war scooter boom, the garage also sold Italian scooters, possibly including Lambrettas.

Modernisation and Expansion

The modernised garage front, 1960s – note the Texaco branding

The 1960s brought with it a new modern frontage and petrol branding, along with expanded services. The forecourt was eventually leased to a national fuel company, and after Lionel’s passing, parts of the workshop area were also leased out to independent businesses.

Today

Today, Straight Line Motors Ltd, run by Hapbinder Lohia, operates the site trading as Park Garage. While it is a separate business from the original company, it proudly continues the legacy and name built by the Blain family and Mr. A. Pattinson

Park Garage remains a symbol of reliability, care, and continuity in Barnet's motoring community—serving generations of local drivers with the same spirit and dedication as when it first opened its doors.