John Zemlik
John Zemlik
John Zemlik is a qualified motor vehicle engineer and proprietor of W.B. Motor & Engineering, an independent automotive and engineering garage located in Normanton, West Yorkshire, England. With a career spanning over four decades, Zemlik is known for his technical expertise, dedication to customer service, and active involvement in the local community.
Early Life and Career
John Zemlik’s passion for mechanics and engineering began early in life. He commenced formal technical training in 1973, focusing on motor vehicle engineering. By 1975, he had entered the motor trade, building a solid foundation of hands-on experience in vehicle repair, diagnostics, and maintenance.
His interest in precision mechanics extended beyond the automotive world into aviation. Over the years, John became a licensed pilot and an accomplished aircraft restorer. He has dedicated significant time and effort to restoring vintage aircraft, such as the North American Harvard, a 1941 military trainer plane, and the de Havilland Chipmunk, a classic post-WWII RAF trainer aircraft. His restorations have been noted for meticulous attention to detail and have been featured at various UK airshows, demonstrating not only his technical skill but also his passion for preserving aviation history.
John’s blend of automotive expertise and aviation craftsmanship highlights his versatile engineering talents and lifelong dedication to mechanical excellence.
W.B. Motor & Engineering
W.B. Motor & Engineering is a well-established independent automotive and engineering garage located on Church Lane in Normanton, West Yorkshire. The business was founded in 1922 by the Walker brothers and became Normanton’s first official MOT test centre, serving the local community with trusted vehicle servicing for nearly a century.
In 1988, John Zemlik took over ownership of the garage, continuing the legacy while expanding its service offerings. Under his leadership, W.B. Motor & Engineering has maintained a reputation for technical excellence, integrity, and personalised customer care.
The garage provides a comprehensive range of automotive services including:
- MOT testing for vehicle Classes 1, 2, and 4, ensuring compliance with UK safety standards
- Engine diagnostics and repairs utilising both traditional mechanical skills and modern diagnostic technology
- Brake, clutch, suspension, and exhaust system maintenance and repairs
- Tyre fitting, balancing, and wheel alignment for optimal vehicle performance and safety
- Routine maintenance services such as oil changes and inspections
- Specialised motorcycle servicing and repairs
- Bicycle servicing and sales, particularly focusing on well-known brands such as Raleigh and Diamondback
John’s commitment to the community is reflected in the garage’s customer-first approach. Stories from long-term clients illustrate his willingness to go above and beyond, including staying late to complete urgent repairs, lending his personal vehicle to customers facing delays, and occasionally opening the garage on Sundays for emergencies. He is also known for offering flexible payment options and waiving minor labour charges for trusted customers.
W.B. Motor & Engineering stands as a local institution — not just a place for repairs, but a trusted partner in the community’s daily life, where customers feel valued and supported.
Aviation Restoration
John Zemlik’s engineering talents extend well beyond automotive repair into the specialised field of vintage aircraft restoration. As a licensed pilot with a deep passion for aviation history, John has dedicated many years to restoring classic planes to their former glory.
Among his notable projects are the restoration of a 1941 North American Harvard, a legendary World War II-era military trainer aircraft used extensively by Allied air forces, and the de Havilland Chipmunk, a post-war RAF primary trainer renowned for its agility and reliability. Both restorations demanded exceptional technical precision, an in-depth understanding of vintage aeronautical engineering, and patience.
John’s meticulous work on these aircraft has earned recognition within the aviation community, with the restored planes regularly showcased at UK airshows and aviation events. These displays not only highlight his craftsmanship but also serve to preserve and celebrate Britain’s rich aeronautical heritage.
His aviation restoration work complements his automotive career, reflecting a lifelong dedication to mechanics, history, and hands-on craftsmanship across multiple disciplines.
Community Impact and Reputation
John Zemlik is widely respected in the Normanton community not only for his technical expertise but also for his genuine dedication to his customers and his willingness to go the extra mile. His approach combines professional skill with a strong sense of empathy and integrity, earning him a loyal and appreciative customer base.
Numerous local stories highlight John’s commitment:
- After-Hours Support: On several occasions, John has stayed late or opened the garage outside regular hours to complete urgent repairs for customers, ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy when needed most.
- Personal Assistance: He has been known to lend his own car to customers facing delays caused by rare or backordered parts, helping them maintain their mobility.
- Flexible Payments: Understanding that financial difficulties can arise unexpectedly, John has offered flexible repayment plans and occasionally waived labour charges for trusted clients.
- Community Engagement: Beyond the garage, John participates in local events, including airshows where he displays restored vintage aircraft, contributing to Normanton’s cultural life and fostering community pride.
John’s reputation extends beyond Normanton, with many customers describing him as trustworthy, fair, and approachable—a rare combination in today’s fast-paced service industry. His consistent professionalism and kindness have made W.B. Motor & Engineering a pillar of the local community, where customers feel respected and valued.
