About Us

Welcome to Owl Motor Services. We are an independent family business, based in Portsmouth, which started trading as a motor vehicle repair facility in 1983. Since then we have expanded to include a 24-hour recovery vehicle service. Our recovery trucks have become well known in the area for their distinctive bright green livery.

Although we advertise in various forms, our best advertisement has always been by our existing customers, some of which have relied on our services for more that 20 years. Many local companies rely on our services and have all their vehicles maintained under a single fleet contract, as part of this service we track details of each vehicle and alert the customer when a service or MOT is due.

Owl are pleased to say we are RAC approved, which means you are assured of fair pricing and an excellent level of customer service. We are a member of AVRO (Association of Vehicle Recovery Operations) and we are an ISO 9001 and PAS 43 certified company.

Years in the industry

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Accreditations

5 star ratings on Google

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Our Facilities

Owl Motors have a substantial 10 vehicle capacity workshop where our experienced engineers have worked on almost every make and model of vehicle.

Alongside MOT”s, servicing and repairs, all types of welding can be undertaken at our Portsmouth facilities.

You can’t miss our recovery fleet in their distinctive green livery. Our 24 hour national recovery fleet is for both cars and light commercial vehicles. We also offer a Homestart service.

Our Vehicles

Based at our Portsmouth workshop you can’t miss our recovery fleet, well known in the area in their distinctive green livery. From private cars to light commercial vehicles, our national 24 hour recovery service will get you, your passengers and vehicle safely form where it is either home or to the workshop for repairs.

Owl Motors are renowned for providing a professional, prompt and courteous service. To book call on 02392 736393 or Book in online

Our Team

As a family run business established in Portsmouth since 1983 we are proud of our team and their reputation.

We have a team of 11 and employ only fully qualified mechanics and engineers (not technicians) so you can be sure that all work is carried out to the highest standard.

If you have any enquiries or would like speak to us about having any work done, please call us on 02392 736393 or use our contact form.

Our Story

The story of Owl Motors from it’s beginnings in 1983 to the present day.

1983

Following the Falklands war and having been busy running the tool room for Vosper Thornycroft, John Skerratt became bored with repairing ships and hovercraft. On 1st April 1983, with the assistance of his wife Carole doing the book-keeping, John started trading as Owl Motor Services.

Initially as a mobile mechanic, he soon moved into premises in Southsea, Portsmouth and has never looked back. It quickly got known that if parts were not available, he was able to make them.

2012

As the business grew, their son Robert joined the team and developed the recovery side of the business. Robert’s son Ashley grew up with the Owl recovery trucks and also joined the business in 2012.

So here we are with three generations of the family currently working, and Ashley’s son Archie who is also mad about anything with 4 wheels, likely to join us when the time comes!

2021

John celebrated his 70th birthday in 2021 with the arrival of our new Iveco registration JS70 OWL in his honour, which came as a huge surprise. This year a second new Iveco joined the fleet and was named after Carole, CS53 OWL.

Who knows what the future may bring? One thing is for sure. the Skerratt clan will always be knee deep in trucks, engines and vehicles to be repaired. Is that blood in their veins or engine oil?

Our Accreditations

Owl Motors high standards have allowed us to gain high quality industry recognised accreditations.

Our Reviews

Our high levels of repeat custom over the years is a sign that we’re good at what we do and our customers have taken the time write testimonials for us.

Excellent service from this garage made enquiry , parts ordered there and then arrived as stated fitted the same day drove away just over an hour later. Friendly excellent garage highly recommend

Honest, professional, expert. These guys are a credit to their profession. Engine failure on trip from Sheffield to Southsea. Rob is great and very knowledgeable. Set my expectations but has just been as good as his word the whole way through. Inspected the issues next day, even though they were stacked with jobs. Best thing I can say is that you just instantly trust them, they're just very professional. Thanks for your help Owl Motors.

Highly recommended without reservation. I Had an engine warning light appear 48 hours before taking the ferry. They were able to immediately have look, diagnose the issue, loate the rare part and fit it in time for our sailing. All done with professionalism and courtesy and at a fair price. Thank you!

Honest approach from service, no hidden costs. Readiness to handle non standard tasks.

Breakdown chap came out within 5 minutes. Diagnosed the fault, fitted a new battery. All very efficient and cheap. Night time call out was under £50!!!! Absolutely brilliant service. Faultless

They sent someone out within an hour of calling to start my car. The mechanic was professional and helpful. He diagnosed the problem and replaced the battery at a reasonable price, as well as fixing an issue with my windscreen washer. Very happy with the service.