PS: If you’ve seen the movie Swordfish, Travolta was driving one.
Posted on 07/27/2004 12:14:46 PM PDT by klpt
Blackpool-based sports car company TVR has been sold to a 24-year-old Russian investor, it has been announced. Former banker Nikolai Smolenski has said he wants to expand the firm, which currently employs 400 people at its site in Bispham, Lancashire.
TVR specialises in high-performance cars and is one of the few privately-owned car companies in the UK.
Mr Smolenski has already been to the TVR headquarters, where he told staff he planned to be a hands-on owner. 'Global player'
Mr Smolenski was a director with the Russian bank OVK until last year, when he sold his shareholding.
A statement from TVR confirms it has been sold by owner, Yorkshireman Peter Wheeler, who will remain on board as a senior consultant.
In a brief statement, the company says it plans to continue trading, invest heavily in new technology and production methods, and enhance the TVR brand to become a global player.
It also says there will be no large scale restructuring.
Mr Smolenski's father is the wealthy Russian businessman Alexander Smolenski.
Are there any British owned, British car companies left?
TVR had a small sportscar in the early 1970s with Ford 289 power. The company took a few shortcuts converting these cars to right-hand drive and dropping in the bigger motor for the US market. The steering column was offset several degrees too far left and heat from the motor would positively broil your feet.
I believe Morgan is, but I am not positive.
http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/index_frames.html
MG is back and has merged with Rover. Look on the web at MG's site in the UK. They really look good. Wish they would bring them back to America. MG/Rover mentioned they are British owned. Also I think Lotus still is British owned though I'm not sure.
TVR sold to Russians? That's terrible. The TVR with the Ford 289 was called the Griffith - a very quick car despite its flaws.
how does a 24 year old get to be banker with enough money to buy a car company? Russia the new internet bubble.
Russia has diamonds, gold, oil and other untapped resources. They also have some pretty good scientists who are looking for work.
Yikes...a British car being built by Russians!?! Wonder who is the Russian equivalent of Lucas?
Artimus Fowl is not gonna like this...
PS: If you’ve seen the movie Swordfish, Travolta was driving one.
my comment is about a reported 24 year old former banker who sold out his shares at 23 and can buy a car company. not a car but the company. he did not do that digging for diamonds, wildcat drilling but in banking. most American kdis are still trying to get to be a teller at 23 let aone a cash out in the millions at 23.
"Wonder who is the Russian equivalent of Lucas?'
LOL!
Bankers in Russia probably are confronted with all sorts of opportunities. What was once state property is being converted to private ownership sometimes legally, sometimes not. The country is also awash with Russian Mafia money looking for a way to make it legitimate. Opportunities to broker deals must make the American wild west of 125 years ago look pretty tame.
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