TVR car tribute to firm's former stalwart

TVR reunion at the Morrisy House Hotel. Pictured are Martin Lilley, John Mleczek and David Hives who has died.

David Hives, described as “one of the TVR sports car company’s true characters” and the only man to work with every generation of the company since 1961, died on May 13 at his home in St Annes.

His funeral takes place at Lytham Crematorium tomorrow at 2pm and will be preceded by the cortege and parade of TVR cars which will leave the car company’s former Hoo Hill site at 12.45pm.

David’s son Martin said: “This will be a deserving tribute to my father. He did so much for TVR over many years. Anyone with a TVR is welcome to come along and take part”.

David was born into a motoring environment as his parents, Tommy and Joan Hives, ran a family garage business in Lord Street, St Annes.

He served petrol and mended punctures at just 12 years old. He served with the Royal Scots Greys and after being demobbed in 1951, got into motor sport, competing in an MG, often against TVR’s founder Trevor Wilkinson.

In 1961 he joined TVR at its former brickworks buildings at Hoo Hill, Layton. He was heavily involved in the production of the works cars that took part in the Le Mans 24-hour race and played a major role in the design of the original TVR Griffith.

He retired in 1997 but retained his interest, recently taking part in a reunion event in Blackpool in March was at Goodwood and was thrilled to watch his TVR Griffith win.

Anyone with a TVR who would like to take part in the parade from Hoo Hill to Lytham Crematorium, should contact 07860 255485 to confirm attendance.