Navigating the world of classic car restoration often leads enthusiasts down intriguing paths, especially when sourcing authentic parts. Online forums become invaluable resources, filled with discussions, recommendations, and sometimes, lingering questions. A thread on MGA Forum, a popular community for MG enthusiasts, brought to light one such vendor: Empire British Car Parts. But who exactly is Empire British Car Parts, and what can customers expect?
Initial inquiries within the forum sought to understand the legitimacy and reputation of Empire British Car Parts. Forum member Blueosprey90 initiated the discussion, simply asking, “Who is Empire British Car Parts? Has anyone dealt with them? Any positive or negative feedback?” This straightforward question opened a thread of shared experiences and pieced-together information, revealing a vendor with a history and a particular business model.
Responses within the forum thread provided some key details. Larry Wheeler (Bandersnatch) pointed to a southwestern Ohio area code (937) and referenced a comment from another forum (Triumph Experience) praising “Jim at ‘Empire British Car Parts'” for his guidance and expertise, highlighting Jim’s racing background and deep knowledge of British cars. This positive anecdote suggested a knowledgeable individual at the helm.
Further investigation by Barney Gaylord (barneymg) unearthed registration information from whois.com, identifying the registrant for EmpireBritishCarParts.com as James L Waltrip, located in Dayton, Ohio, with a phone number (937-554-6000) and email address. This discovery provided concrete contact information and a name associated with the business.
However, another forum member, Ted R (englishstuff), offered a different perspective based on past experiences. Ted recalled purchasing parts from Jim Waltrip decades prior when the business was known as BAP. According to Ted, the business operates from a residential address and doesn’t maintain its own stock of parts. Instead, orders are reportedly fulfilled by larger suppliers, primarily from Michigan. This insight suggests Empire British Car Parts functions as a reseller or dropshipper rather than a traditional parts warehouse.
While the forum thread doesn’t definitively conclude whether Empire British Car Parts is the ideal vendor, it paints a picture of a business run by an experienced individual (Jim Waltrip) with a history in British car parts, potentially operating as a reseller sourcing from larger suppliers. For potential customers, this information is valuable. It suggests that while direct inventory might be limited and shipping times could vary, the expertise and guidance attributed to “Jim” could be a significant asset, particularly for those needing advice on specific parts or restoration processes for their British classic cars. Further direct engagement with Empire British Car Parts would be necessary to form a complete and personal assessment.
