Published Date:
03 November 2006
MORE than 100 TVR owners converged on Blackpool today to show their support for the sports car maker's doomed workforce.
Cars from across the country, many from as far afield as Essex, arrived in the resort at midday to drive to the company's Bispham factory.
Many of the cars were draped in union flags as traffic came to a standstill on the Promenade.
The flags were emblazoned with the logo "TVR - workers we salute you".
The rally, which was organised through TVR fan website Pistonheads.co.uk, is one of the biggest to make its way through the resort's streets in recent years.
Owners met at Pontins on Clifton Drive North before making their way up the Prom to the factory to meet workers.
Among those taking part, Dave Smith from Chelmsford in Essex said: "It's overwhelming.
"I don't think I've ever seen so many TVRs in one place at one time.
"We're all here to show our support for the workers. They've been through a lot in the past few months."
Message board members are angry at the decision by UK's last luxury sports car manufacturer to leave the resort.
Company owner Nikolai Smolenski announced two weeks ago he planned to "out-source" production abroad.
More than 250 workers will lose their jobs at the Bispham factory. The move overseas ends 59 years of TVR in Blackpool.
Italian carmaker Bertone is rumoured to be hot favourite to land the contract to build TVR's 2007 models.
Russian millionaire Smolenski is in Blackpool this week taking part in talks with unions and the council.
It is hoped a deal can be brokered to save jobs with a possible management buyout of the factory.
* Full story and pictures, see Saturday's Gazette.
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Last Updated:
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Blackpool