Autoblog

Trevor Wilkinson, TVR founder, dead at 85

Alex Nunez — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

TVR Grantura. Click above for model history and more photos.

Trevor Wilkinson, who founded the British sports car marque, TVR, has died at the age of 85 in Minorca, Spain, where he lived in retirement. Mr. Wilkinson had apparently been seriously ill, according to reports. He built his business in his hometown of Blackpool, and the company name, TVR, is just an abbreviation of his first name. It's first production car was the Grantura (above).

Wilkinson left TVR in 1962 but remained owner until 1965, when the first in a succession of subsequent bosses took the reins. The one constant, however, has been the name -- his name -- that Trevor Wilkinson gave the company all those years ago, which has since appeared on some pretty impressive cars along the way. Rest in peace, Mr. Wilkinson.

[Sources: BBC, TVR Blog]

Trevor Wilkinson, TVR founder, dead at 85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIP: James Robert Stewart, 1931-2008

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

We're saddened to report the passing of James Robert Stewart, former racing driver, eldest member of the Stewart racing family and older brother to triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart.

Although his own racing career was rather unremarkable, he would later act as the inspiration for his younger brother Jackie to begin racing. The brothers grew up in Dumbarton, Scotland, where father Bob was a Jaguar dealer. Jimmy began racing at hill-climb events, later moving up to sportscars, racing Healeys, Bristols, Coopers, Jaguars and Aston Martins in numerous racing series. He raced at the 1953 British Grand Prix for Ecurie Ecosse and several times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.After a number of crashes, breaking the same arm twice, Jimmy retired from racing. Ten years later he helped his younger brother Jackie get into racing, who went on to win the world championship three times.

Sir Jackie reportedly cut short a vacation to be by his brother's side when he died this past Thursday, January 3, at age 76. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, January 8, and a traditional Scottish thanksgiving service will be held next month in Scotland. Jimmy is survived by his son and daughter; our condolences to the entire Stewart family.

[Sources: The Daily Telegraph]

RIP: James Robert Stewart, 1931-2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jack Odell (1920 - 2007) - Creator of the Matchbox car

Alex Nunez — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Matchbox cars. We collected them. We played with them. We loved them. Heck, a lot of us still do. And over the weekend, the man responsible for making these simple, inexpensive pleasures a reality passed away. Jack Odell was 87 years old.

The inspiration for the Matchbox car came after he created a miniature toy steamroller that fit inside an actual matchbox for his daughter. Odell was co-owner of Lesney Products, which subsequently began manufacturing and selling the miniature toys to the public, and the rest is history. Many of our fondest childhood memories can ultimately be traced back to Mr. Odell's creation. We are eternally grateful, and may he rest in peace.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Telstar Logistics via Jalopnik]

Jack Odell (1920 - 2007) - Creator of the Matchbox car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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