Just a stone’s throw from Eagle, Idaho, Royal British Motorcars stands as a one-of-a-kind destination for luxury and classic car enthusiasts. Owned and operated by Tyrone and Liz Flower, this specialty auto shop has quickly established itself as the premier service center for Jaguars, Land Rovers, Rolls-Royces, and Bentleys in the Treasure Valley.
The Flowers’ journey to Idaho was sparked by a visit to the area, during which they sat at Rembrandts in Eagle and casually counted the number of Jaguars and Land Rovers driving by. Realizing the lack of specialized service for these vehicles in the Treasure Valley, they decided to bring their decades of experience to the area. “We had been in business in Carlsbad, California, for 27 years, and we were too young to retire,” Liz explained. “While Tyrone was in California selling our business, I was up here designing this one. For three years, we were apart, with him visiting every six weeks for ten days at a time—it was a big transition.”
A Wealth of Experience and a Passion for British Engineering
Between them, Tyrone and Liz possess an incredible depth of knowledge. “I have a lot of knowledge, too, but mine is mostly on vehicles from 2011 and newer.” “Tyrone has about 100 years of knowledge,” Liz joked, referring to his extensive expertise with classic models. Tyrone was English Factory trained in Coventry where he won many awards including “Distinction” on Jaguar Electrics. Royal British Motorcars has invested tens of thousands of dollars in factory diagnostic equipment and tools to ensure that proper diagnosis and repairs are completed
Their team includes Tim, a seasoned factory trained technician from Ireland who ran his own shop in San Francisco before moving to Idaho after discovering Royal British Motorcars in Eagle Magazine. Ian, an aircraft engineer by trade, brings his precision and expertise to our collection of classic British icons, specializing in vintage Austin-Healey’s, Triumphs, and MG’s……..
Unlike dealerships that tend to work only on newer models—typically from about 2010 onward—Royal British Motorcars caters to owners of classic vehicles that might otherwise struggle to find service. “The dealer doesn’t work on anything earlier than about 2010,” Liz noted. “We get all those cars, and we stock the parts they need, so we don’t really have to adapt—we’re filling a niche that already exists.”
Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Business Together
Running a business as a married couple presents unique challenges, but Liz and Tyrone have found a way to make it work. “The biggest challenge is making him keep everything tidy,” Liz laughed. “But we really love working together. I keep the office running, and he handles everything in the shop. I also make sure he stays within budget.” Their complementary skills have helped them grow their business while maintaining a high standard of service.
While working in California, the Flowers had the opportunity to prepare exclusive vehicles for prestigious automotive events. Their meticulous work earned top honors, including a Blue Ribbon at the prestigious Pebble Beach for “Best in Class” on a 1961 Rolls-Royce Sedanca. Additionally, their preparation of a 1936 Delahaye, valued at $13.5 million, secured another Blue Ribbon at the renowned La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.
Their reputation for honesty and expertise has earned them strong industry connections. When they ran their shop in California, Jaguar North America even entrusted them with dealership-level warranty work after shutting down a local dealership. “They sent in cars to test us, to see if we could diagnose them properly and if we were honest,” Liz recalled. “When we passed the test, they came in and offered us the warranty work for about a year and a half until they were able to open a new dealership.” That level of trust has followed them to Idaho, where they continue to receive referrals from manufacturers and industry insiders.
A Life Built Around Cars—And Each Other
The Flowers’ love story is just as intertwined with cars as their business. “He rebuilt my rear end,” Liz quipped, laughing at the double meaning. She explained that they met when a friend’s Jaguar needed electrical work, and she was sent to Tyrone’s shop to book an appointment. “One thing led to another, and I ended up taking my Camaro in for service. He told me I needed my rear end rebuilt, and the next thing I knew, we were going out for drinks—and here we are.”
Over the years, their work has led them to some of the world’s most prestigious cars with many prestigious clients. “When we were in California, we also serviced Bugatti’s and the occasional Ferrari,” Liz recalled. “Here, we’ve had everything from classic Rolls-Royces to modern supercars.” Their work has also taken them around the world. Liz won the Masters Guild award twice and was certified as a Master Sales Consultant for Land Rover and Jaguar, the couple was rewarded with a trip to England, where they toured factories, test-drove different models around the countryside and even visited Tyrone’s family.
Looking Ahead: Car Culture and Community
Beyond servicing luxury and classic cars, Tyrone and Liz are passionate about fostering a car-loving community in the Treasure Valley. “In California, we were part of a “Secret Car Club” in Rancho Santa Fe,” Liz explained. “We’d meet for breakfast, and you wouldn’t believe the cars that would show up. We’ve talked about starting something like that here—where we announce the meet-up location just a day before the event.”
As their reputation grows, Royal British Motorcars continues to attract more luxury and exotic vehicles, including Maserati, Rolls Royce and Bentley, which otherwise would have to be transported and serviced out of state. Their mission remains the same: to provide expert, honest service while preserving the beauty and performance of the world’s finest automobiles.
For those in the Treasure Valley looking for specialized service, Royal British Motorcars is not just a repair facility—it’s a destination for enthusiasts who want their vehicles in the best hands possible.
