B. S. Stillwell & Co. was opened in Kew in 1949. Bib Stillwell was appointed as dealer for MG, Morris and Jaguar cars and the dealership was quickly recognised for excellence in sales and service.
As the business grew, so too, did Bib's involvement in motor racing. He competed successfully in a Jaguar XK 120, a Cooper JAP. By 1953 the high profile of his successful business had attracted the attention of General Motors. B. S. Stillwell-Holden was established that year.
Bib Stillwell became a member of the Albert Park Committee. Preparations were already underway for the first Grand Prix meeting to be held there in 1953. He competed in the event in an Austin Healey. By 1956 he was achieving great success with the wonderfully graceful Jaguar D type and managing to take the time away from his business commitments to race at various circuits in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
By 1957 he was also playing a dominant role in single-seater motor racing. His Maserati 250F frequently led the way in so many events: a Cooper Climax T43 bought in 1958 was a challenge to all the competition. During the European winter season, several of the Formula One and Sports Car drivers would come to the southern hemisphere to compete in the Tasman Series and Bib was always battling with the leaders. In 1960 he gained 3rd place in the New Zealand Grand Prix driving a Cooper Climax.
1961 was a particularly interesting year. Bib achieved several successes in Australia with the Aston Martin DBR4 which he had recently purchased. Then he and fellow Australian Lex Davison were invited by the John Oglier Essex Racing Team to drive a DB4 GT Zagato in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. Unfortunately the car did not complete the race, but it was an exciting experience to be involved in such an outstanding event with world-wide coverage.
Bib's racing results were particularly outstanding from 1960 - 1965. He was Australian Formula 1 Gold Star Champion in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965, Formula Two Champion in 1965, and Sports Car Champion in 1961 and 1962.
And the competition was not just the race track! The Stillwell dealership had become extremely successful and in 1966 an important decision was made. The company decided to accept another franchise, and become B. S. Stillwell - Ford in February 1966. (Stillwell - Ford was subsequently sold in 1994). Recognising the continuing growth of the company in the car market and the increasing need to dedicate concentration on management in a very competitive business, Bib Stillwell decided to retire from motor racing at the end of the 1965 season.
The family business continued to increase and expand over the following decades. In 1989 Bib Stillwell - BMW was established and rapidly became a leader in the market for prestigious cars.