For Paul Michaels, the love for cars wasn’t something learned — it was something innate. As his father often recalled, the very first word Paul ever spoke was “car.” From that moment on, the course of his life was set. Today, Paul stands at the helm of Hexagon Classics, one of the UK’s most respected names in high-end and classic car sales, especially for iconic Porsche 911 models. But the road to success was anything but ordinary.

Humble Beginnings: From Dale Mews to Highgate

At 17 years old, Paul knew exactly what he wanted — a garage of his own. “I decided I needed to get into a mews garage,” Paul says. When a unit became available in Hampstead’s Dale Mews, he jumped at the opportunity.

Within a few weeks, Paul’s ambition and knack for business meant he quickly expanded, running five mews garages side-by-side. But with rapid growth came challenges — mainly parking — and it became clear that a bigger space was needed.

Opportunity came knocking when Paul heard about a struggling garage in Highgate Village. He moved quickly, negotiated a deal, and transformed it into a thriving dealership — even shutting down the old petrol forecourt to make more room for cars.

It was just the beginning.

From Vauxhall to BMW — and Beyond

Not long after, Paul set his sights even higher. He made a bold move: purchasing a large Vauxhall dealership, with dreams of something different. When Vauxhall themselves informed him he couldn’t retain their franchise, Paul had a quick (and sharp) reply: “Maybe I’ve got bad news for you — I don’t want a Vauxhall franchise.”

Instead, Paul had his eyes on a brand with real pedigree: BMW. He transformed the dealership into a thriving BMW centre — until 2014, when the business evolved once again, leading to what Hexagon Classics is today: a hub not only for exceptional cars but also for fine dining and exclusive corporate events.

For those restoring, maintaining, or upgrading classic BMWs or Porsches, trusted parts suppliers like Design911.com are essential to keeping history alive.

A Love Affair with Porsche

Paul’s deep passion for Porsche started during his early days at Dale Mews. While he mainly sold Jaguar E-Types at the time, a part-exchange changed everything: a solid, beautiful Porsche 356.

“I had no idea a car could feel that solid,” he recalls. After just one drive, Paul knew Porsche had captured his heart.

Soon after, he secured a Porsche franchise, though timing and market factors meant it was short-lived. But Paul’s passion for the brand never wavered. Over time, Hexagon Classics naturally evolved into a 911 specialist, and today Porsche models form the core of their business.

“We’ve become a 911-driven company,” Paul says. “It’s always been about 911s — and it still is.” For Porsche owners looking to maintain or upgrade their beloved 911s, Design911 remains a trusted resource, offering everything from classic restoration parts to modern performance upgrades.

A Focus on Quality: Finding the Best Cars

Running a specialist dealership today isn’t just about selling cars — it’s about sourcing the very best examples. Paul shares that buying cars has become the real challenge: “People often don’t realise the condition their cars are in. We have to spend a fortune restoring and preparing them before they meet our standards.”

Luckily, Hexagon Classics has built an expert in-house team with decades of Porsche knowledge. From the mechanical workshop to the body shop and trim services, every department is focused on excellence, authenticity, and attention to detail — values shared by partners like Design911.com, who supply essential parts for classic restorations and performance builds.

Inside Hexagon Classics: A Passion-Driven Team

Bill Nathan, Sales Manager at Hexagon, explains just how comprehensive their operation is: “We’ve got a mechanical workshop, body shop, engine shop, and three valeting bays — and a brilliant team to match.”

While Hexagon Classics mainly focuses on Porsches today, they also work on Aston Martins, Jaguars, and even classic Alfa Romeos and BMWs. From full restorations to mechanical upgrades, there’s little the team can’t undertake — all delivered with the personal, customer-first ethos that defines Hexagon.

And of course, having access to the right parts, quickly, is crucial. Bill adds: “We pre-book parts for cars ahead of time so that service isn’t delayed. Having reliable suppliers like Design911 really helps us keep everything running smoothly.”Whether you’re restoring a 356, servicing a 911, or upgrading a GT3, sourcing the right Porsche parts is crucial — and that’s where Design911 can help.

A Life in Motorsport: From Silverstone to Formula One

Outside the showroom, Paul’s passion for speed wasn’t confined to selling cars — he lived it on the track. Starting in Formula 5000, Paul had ambitions of making it all the way to Formula One. And he did.

After a few early races — and some tough results — Paul teamed up with Bernie Ecclestone, tested at Silverstone, and quickly proved his pace. In no time, he was racing in Formula One, with his team achieving incredible results — including a fourth-quickest qualifying time at the Italian Grand Prix, a major achievement for a privateer team.

But as Paul learned firsthand, motorsport wasn’t just about speed — politics played a huge role too. When his private team started outperforming bigger outfits, resources dried up, and the challenge became even tougher.

Yet the experience shaped Paul’s drive for perfection — a standard that still defines Hexagon Classics today.

Lessons Learned: Buy Smart, Maintain Smart with Hexagon

Paul offers a final word of advice to anyone looking to step into the world of high-end car ownership: “Just double the money you think you’re going to spend,” he says with a grin. “These are expensive toys. Take your car to people who really know what they’re doing. It might take longer, but it’ll be done properly.”

That same philosophy guides both Hexagon Classics and specialists like Design911.com — ensuring every car, whether a classic 911 or a modern GT3, gets the care, parts, and expertise it truly deserves.

Today, Hexagon Classics remains based in North London — not far from where it all started. The passion, the focus, and the love for the world’s finest cars remains exactly the same.

Ready to Start Your Porsche Journey?

Whether you’re restoring a Porsche 356, maintaining a 911, or upgrading your dream GT3, find the parts you need at Design911.com — your trusted Porsche specialist.

Watch the full interview with Paul and the Hexagon Classics team here.