Nigel Sandell started his apprenticeship at H A Fox on 6th August 1979. He attended Kingston College of Further Education on day and block release for 4 years gaining Mechanics parts 1, 2, 3 & National Craft Certificate.

In the workplace Nigel gained experience in all aspects of Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars: mechanical, electrical and air-conditioning. On completion of his apprenticeship he was sent to Rolls-Royce Motors, Hythe Road for an introduction to the recently released Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Motor Cars.

Nigel Sandell Service Award

In the latter part of 1983, Nigel moved to Weybridge Automobiles gaining further experience as a fully qualified technician. He received more dealer training in 1984, including an air conditioning course at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Crewe. Nigel enjoyed being involved in some major crash repairs and some very extensive restoration work, also being part of the team that won the National Regional Service Award for 4 consecutive years. This period included continual dealer training.

Nigel moved in March 1990 to Royce Service & Engineering to gain even more experience at an independent Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialist, learning more about the older Rolls- Royce and Bentley models that are not seen by the main dealers. His experience was tested to the limit during this time by carrying out overseas work. In October 1998 Nigel decided to take the big step to 'go it alone' and moved into the Isleworth premises which he still occupies today. The workshop space was doubled in size in 2010 to cater for the substantially increased demand for N Sandell's services.

Nigel Sandell is a keen and active member of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club. He is a Committee Member of the Middlesex Section of The Club and opens his workshop for Technical Seminars every year.

These days, Nigel can be found judging at the R-REC Annual Rally and Concours. In 1996 Nigel's own car, a 1979 Silver Shadow II, won class 15 (Shadow II Class), and 'Best Car in Show', being the youngest person with the most modern car ever to achieve this distinction - please see the Awards page.