Tributes have been paid to a “well loved” auto repair boss who has died aged 78.
Richard Chambers, who owned The Gear Box in Hartley for more than 50 years, passed away just before Christmas.
Tributes have been paid to “well loved” autorepair boss Richard Chambers
He had always had a passion for cars and motor sport, and during his earlier years he raced in the RAC rally with his co-driver and first wife Vera.
At the time, he was racing his Mini Cooper S until he joined a motor club where he competed in timed sprints in his Escort RS 2000.
After selling his escort he bought an AC Cobra and rebuilt the engine himself.
Richard went to America to source engine parts and brought the majority back over in hand luggage.
He married his second wife Caron in July 1996 and the pair had one son, Harry.
Richard had a passion for cars and motor sport his whole lifeRichard had a passion for cars and motor sport his whole lifeRichard Chambers with son Harry
Richard taught Harry to drive when he was 13 and took him racing – he then bought him his first car, a Fiesta, when he was 15.
He started out working in a car repair garage in Chatham before opening his own shop in Hartley in the 1970s.
Richard spent every moment he could up the shop making sure everyone had the parts they needed and if they didn’t have it, he knew who did and could get parts in “quicker than anyone around”.
The motoring enthusiast was ready to retire in early spring and settle down with his wife Sue to enjoy some well-deserved time off.
He was due to become a grandad for the first time in February this year and was counting down the days until he was due.
Richard Chambers with son HarryRichard Chambers owned The Gearbox in Hartley for more than 50 yearsRichard Chambers with son Harry
In a statement his family said: “Richard was a popular, well-loved man and a true gentleman.
“He will not only be missed by his family, but his friends, customers and locals in Hartley.”
Several of his customers have taken to Facebook following the news of his death, with one person saying: “An amazing cheerful gentleman, Richard will be sadly missed in Hartley. Such sad news.”
Another person added: “He’s been there since my family first came to Hartley in 1970. He always knew what, where and how. Even did it for me. Wipers. Bulbs. A true gent.”
His funeral will be held on Friday, January 24 at Thames View Crematorium in Gravesend, Shorne.