A Wiltshire vehicle dealership is celebrating its 50th anniversary in business and five decades of being a Peugeot franchise holder.

Fussell Wadman of Devizes was formed in 1973 after Tom Fussell and Basil Wadman met for a beer at Devizes Motor Club the previous year.

The dealership was launched after they obtaining the Peugeot sales and service franchise and celebrated its 50th anniversary on Thursday, April 20.

It also celebrated its 50 years with the Peugeot Motor Company, representing the Peugeot brand in central Wiltshire.

Basil died in 1993 following a rally car crash in India and his son Mark Wadman, is now the company’s dealer principal.

Wiltshire Times: Mark Wadman, dealer principal, at the firm’s premises in Devizes with the poster celebrating 50 years. Photo: Trevor Porter 69792-2Mark Wadman, dealer principal, at the firm’s premises in Devizes with the poster celebrating 50 years. Photo: Trevor Porter 69792-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Wadman said: “We are very proud of our staff and of our achievement. There are not many car dealerships in Wiltshire that have been in business for 50 years.

“When Basil and Tom met for a beer at Devizes Motor Club in 1972, we don’t think they envisaged the creation of a business that would achieve such longevity.

“Their partnership has grown from strength to strength and has become the substantial business you see today.”

This year also represents 100 years since Percy Fussell, Tom’s father, started the Fussell garage at Chirton in 1923. The site has since been developed for housing.

It's also 75 years since Harold Wadman, Basil’s father, started the Wadman garage at West Lavington in 1948. That site is now a GP surgery.

Wiltshire Times: The Fussell Wadman car dealership at Devizes. Photo: Trevor Porter 69792-4The Fussell Wadman car dealership at Devizes. Photo: Trevor Porter 69792-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Fussell Wadman is now located at Hopton Road, Devizes, and is still a local family-owned-and-operated business selling Peugeot vehicles and Isuzu pick-up trucks.

Mr Wadman, 60, now runs the company with his son Jorge Wadman, 32, as sales manager.

Mark’s brother Kim Wadman, 64, runs the company’s bodyshop on Nursteed Road in Devizes.  

Mr Wadman said: “Our aim is to consistently deliver a high level of service at a fair and transparent price. We will always do our utmost to deliver what you need and only what you require.”

Fussell Wadman has won the prestigious Peugeot “Gold Lion award” for customer service seven times since its re-introduction in 2010, the last one being in 2020.

“We pride ourselves on consistently meeting our customer needs across all facets of our business,” Mr Wadman said.

Throughout the 50th anniversary year, Fussell Wadman will launch special offers and deals for its customers.

All the staff are being treated to a day out at the New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge in Hampshire in mid-May.