Des Smail Olney

[reddiesel]

I noticed Desmond J Smail Ltd went into liquidation earlier on in the year though as far as I was aware Kensington and the Showroom at Olney were still operational . the Showroom now appears to have been emptied of Cars and all the Aston ephemera that adorned the walls stripped . A little saddened by this as I am sure the people of Olney will be too . A wonderful highlight to a pretty mundane High Street .

[Simpo Two]

I'd never heard of them but the website is still live: https://www.astonsaleskensington.com/

But the people and skills will go somewhere (unless they're retiring) and also the stock - a nice clearance sale for some lucky dealer with a pile of cash no doubt.

[TRfan]

Desmond was a director of both ‘desmond smail’ at Olney, and ‘Aston service kensington’. Only the olney business seems to have gone under, and i guess a s kensengton will have gained the assetts of the olney company.
I have bought an aston from Desmond in the past, and have mixed feelings. He is a likeable and charismatic fellow, it was a lovely car, but its MOT it came with was gained by a bit of deception, i think. Cost me quite a fair sum too get it right in its first year.

[BFG1234]

Unfortunately this guy has been trading off of his reputation for years, a good team of people there but the quality of work is substandard. Its akin to a back street garage with a a premium label. Shame but was always going to get found out eventually.

[Bobbywboy]

Desmond got me into Astons over 20 years ago by spending a half day showing me round his stock which at that time was held in various locations around Olney.
He was a most knowlegable, hospitable, Aston enthusiast and give his time graciously.
Its a shame if he is no longer in the circuit a good old fashioned person who did many a favour - although of course he did deal in old cars and therefore there are bound to be some stories!!!!
I only think fondly of him