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James W Dinnage

James W Dinnage

Dinnages - A History

In February 1935 Dinnages came into being at Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, started by James W Dinnage.

From the early days we have been associated with Ford Motor Co, holding a Retail Dealership in the years before the war.

When war was declared in September 1939 our Garage premises were promptly requisitioned. The army authorities considered them ideal for a stores depot and for the service and maintenance of military vehicles. When the Canadian Army moved into Sussex in preparation for the Second Front, they turned our Wivelsfield Road premises into a command workshop. Many of the lorries and trucks used by the Canadians in Normandy after the D-Day landings in 1944 were prepared for that hazardous experience at Dinnages.

After the war Dinnages re-opened as a Ford Dealer, and soon needed to expand and develop to cope with the demands of a growing business.

In January 1956 we were awarded Ford Main Dealer status and the foundations were laid for a flourishing business.

Dinnages in 1935

James W Dinnage

Dinnages Ford Dealer

In 1980 Dinnages underwent a radical building transformation, investing in constructing a large new showroom and re-developing the service reception area and parts department of the business. This created the current Haywards Heath site that we know and love today.

Dinnages Ford Dealer Dinnages Ford Dealer Interior

Keeping it in the family since 1955

Dinnages team in 1984

The Dinnages Team photographed in 1984


(First on right) Dinnages current Managing Director, Daniel Broyd


(Third from right) Todays Chairman, Michael Broyd, who began his career with Dinnages in 1955

Keeping it in the family since 1955

Dinnages team in 1984

The Dinnages Team photographed in 1984

(Third from right) Todays Chairman, Michael Broyd, who began his career with Dinnages in 1955

(First on right) Dinnages current Managing Director, Daniel Broyd

Haywards Heath

At our Haywards Heath branch we are a Renault Authorised Repairer. With our joint service reception and separate Renault workshop, Dinnages is the ideal spot for servicing, maintenance, MOT’s and bodyshop repairs.

Ford Dealership in Worthing

Our Ford dealership in Worthing

In March 2001 the business grew further still with acquisition of our dealership in Brougham Road, Worthing. The Ford showroom and customer areas were completely rebuilt ensuring that we can now offer an exceptional retail experience in exceptional surroundings.

Dinnages Ford in Brighton

In August 2012, Dinnages increased its presence in Sussex with the addition of our Ford dealership in Brighton. Located in Victoria Road, Portslade, it has subsequently been enhanced. With a state-of-the-art workshop to cover all your Ford servicing and aftersales needs. The magnificent showroom offers the full compliment of new Ford cars, including the Ford Performance range.

Ford Dealership in Brighton
Transit centre in Worthing

Transit Centre in Worthing

In July 2020 our Ford Transit Centre moved from Brighton to a new home. A brand new showroom dedicated to displaying our new Ford commercial range is now available at Worthing.