London’s shopping streets offer more than just retail therapy—they’re living museums of heritage where the values of precision engineering and timeless design mirror those of our favorite classic cars. From Mayfair’s gunmakers to Holborn’s umbrella craftsmen, these establishments have catered to kings, rebels and motoring legends alike. Here’s our curated route to the capital’s most extraordinary emporiums, each worthy of a detour in your finest classic.
Smith & Son Umbrellas: The Porsche of Umbrellas
Founded in 1830, James Smith & Son in Holborn is where British weather meets timeless engineering. Their umbrellas—handmade on- site—are as durable as a vintage Bentley, with Derby handles and walking canes that double as driving accessories. The shop’s Victorian charm, complete with antler-adorned walls and a ghostly workshop, makes it a pit stop for those who appreciate form and function.
Purdey: The Bentley of Firearms
Since 1814, Purdey has crafted firearms for kings and collectors from its Mayfair HQ, Audley House. The Long Room, where Eisenhower once planned D-Day, displays bespoke shotguns with gold inlays and the iconic “Purdey Rose” engraving—akin to the coachlines on a Rolls- Royce. With a legacy spanning Queen Victoria to King Charles III, Purdey’s “forever aftercare” ensures even 19th-century guns remain in service, much like a well-maintained classic car.
Lewis Leathers: The Triumph Bonneville of Motorcycle Jackets
A mecca for motoring rebels, Lewis Leathers (est. 1892) has outfitted everyone from Steve McQueen to modern café racers. Their Bronx and Lightning jackets—designed for bikers but adopted by rock stars—are the sartorial equivalent of a vintage Triumph: rugged, stylish, and built to last.
Dunhill: The Aston Martin of British Luxury
At Dunhill’s Bourdon House, Art Deco lighters and leather driving jackets share space with bespoke tailoring. Founded in 1893, the brand’s motoring heritage includes dashboard clocks and the cheeky “Tweenie Devil” hood ornament—a nod to Alfred Dunhill’s need for speed. For
collectorscarworld readers, it’s a reminder that style and speed have always gone hand in hand.
Berry Bros & Rudd: The Sommeliers to Your Lagonda V12 Rapide
London’s oldest wine merchant (est. 1698) is the perfect place to stock your touring trunk. Their Prohibition-era tales—like smuggling Cutty Sark whisky into America—pair well with a curated selection of vintage bottles. Think of it as the finest pit-stop refreshment.
Bentleys: The 2CV of Curiosities
Tim Bent’s Chelsea emporium is a cabinet of motoring wonders: vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, ejector seats, and driving gloves with turn-signal cuffs. A magnet for those who appreciate the golden age of travel, it’s the ideal spot to find luggage worthy of your classic.
Why collectorscarworld readers Will Love These Shops
These establishments aren’t just shops—they’re time capsules where every purchase carries a story. Whether it’s a Purdey shotgun engraved with a family crest or a Lewis Leathers jacket steeped in racing history, these objects transcend utility, becoming heirlooms of artistry and attitude. For collectorscarworld readers, they offer a tangible connection to London’s past—and a stake in its enduring legacy.
In a world of disposable trends, London’s finest shops remind us that true luxury is measured in craftsmanship, character, and the occasional ghost story—much like the cars we cherish.
Next time you’re in London, make these your essential pit stops!
Horst Friedrichs, photographer and the founder of bowlerhistorytours.com
