Sturgess Jaguar has said a fond farewell to the company’s longest serving employee, Balu Mistry, who will retire after 48 years with the car retailer.

Back in 1970, the Jaguar E-Type, Morris Minor and Ford Zephyr were still in production, the UK’s top selling car was the Ford Cartina MK 3 and Mistry started his career as a parts advisor at Sturgess Jaguar, Leicester.

Sturgess Motor Group’s group chairman, Chris Sturgess, said: “Balu has been a part of the fabric of our business for many years and we are all extremely sorry to see him go.

“However, he has worked very hard during his time with our Company and his retirement is richly deserved. I know he has got lots of adventures with his family planned over the coming months and I am sure he will enjoy that time to the fullest.”

In the years since 1970, he has worked with three generations of the Sturgess family and has served Jaguar owners far and wide with their parts and accessories needs.

His accumulated knowledge of Jaguar’s past and present was limitless and he will be a great loss not only to Sturgess but to the wider Jaguar scene.

Sturgess said: “Balu has built up a wide circle of friends including Jaguar owners and specialists. It is not unusual for people associated with the brand to enjoy many years of loyal service to Jaguar and its customers.”