OUR STORY
The Spark: A Synchronised Passion
Our ATB journey truly began in January 2015 with a remarkable moment of synchronicity.
Whilst I (Manoj) was heading to view a classic Mercedes in London, and unbeknownst to me, Trishul, my nephew, was simultaneously en route to see a BMW E34 518i in Leeds. We both burst out laughing, amazed that we were independently pursuing classic cars on the very same day & time!
This shared passion for "the true drivers' machines" from the golden era of cars, quickly led to a proposition: to pool our resources and start a hobby saving, restoring, and driving old cars.
With zero funds but boundless enthusiasm, we reinvested profits from our car sales, never looking back. This was the true beginning of ATB and the strengthening of our family bond.
Our "Can Do" Spirit
We are still very much a start-up, so we've got our fair share of hurdles – no commercial unit, limited tools, and often working out on the driveway. But we've got this "Can do" attitude that just keeps us going. It's something I picked up from my father, Mr. Khandu Lad, and it's definitely rubbed off on Trishul too.
Trishul has a Engineering degree, and I've spent over a decade in corporate life as a Business Consultant, plus I've built a few businesses from scratch. Add to that our self-taught passion for cars, and you've got a pretty unique team. We practice a "Do Something Methodology" – less chat, more action!
And we are always learning, always pushing, and always dreaming big. For us, it's genuinely not just about the finish line; it's every single step of the journey.
For us, it's truly about the journey.
Our Mission: Restoring & Connecting
At ATB, our core mission is to "save as many old cars as we can".
Our YouTube channel showcases our style of restoration projects on classic BMWs like the E23, E30, E34, E36, E38, and more. We balance authentic restoration with our unique "ATB touch," sharing tips and helping source parts to keep these timeless vehicles on the road.
Our motto, 'Driven by Classics. Powered by Passion!', isn't just a phrase; it's the genuine enthusiasm that fuels our work and our efforts to build a vibrant community through events like the "UK's Largest 7 Series Event".
We are not trained mechanics, we are self taught and driven to excel by our passion for cars & our desired lifestyle
Beyond Cars: Men's Mental Health
Our commitment extends beyond the cars to a deeply personal cause: men's mental health. Having experienced a mental breakdown myself (Manoj), we understand the silent struggles many men face.
On our social media platforms, we openly address this topic, encouraging men to talk and normalising vulnerability. We highlight how our cars or open road can be therapeutic, and crucially, our direct messages are always open for anyone who needs to talk, without judgement.
We hope sharing my journey to recovery will inspire and show others that is truly possible... there is always a way forward, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Our Future: Driven by Dreams
We have exciting dreams & visions for ATB. We plan to continue growing our classic BMW enthusiast community, expand our "7 Event" to include other BMW models, launch our e-commerce brand, and further develop as automotive content creators.
Above all, we will continue our vital work in raising awareness for men's mental health.
You are welcome to follow our journey on YouTube as we reveal our exciting future plans!