Rally bid to save sports car jobs

Hundreds of TVR sports car owners will drive through London tomorrow to try to set a new record, and help save workers’ jobs.

A petition will be handed in to 10 Downing Street calling on the British government to help save the firm’s factory in Blackpool, where production is set to end with the loss of 260 jobs.

The firm, owned by Russian oligarch Nikolai Smolensky, plans to outsource work to another European country.

There had been hopes that the company would move to another site in Blackpool, but some workers have already been laid off and the site is set to close.

Workers from the factory will ride as passengers in some of the cars during the rally tomorrow, which will aim to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest parade of a single car model, which currently stands at 249 Mazdas, set in New Zealand.

A Transport and General Workers Union official from the Blackpool factory said: “The London rally, and the attempt to urge the Government and other relevant bodies to use all their power to keep TVR in Britain, where it belongs, is a tremendous gesture of support by the car owners for the workforce in Blackpool, the true home of TVR.

“In this time of uncertainty, the gesture is very, very much appreciated by the workforce, and the owners are to be applauded for their efforts.

“I am sure that plenty of tears will be shed on what I’m sure will be a nostalgic and very emotional day for everyone concerned.”

Dave Chant, organiser of the rally, said: “Since the age of 10 years old I have adored the looks and performance of the TVR marque. The shape, the noise and the power of these magnificent cars still send tingles down my spine.

“TVR is the last major manufacturer of true, race-bred, sports cars left in Britain. The skills and craftsmanship of the people who build these machines will be lost for ever if production is moved abroad. I applaud the entire workforce for their passion and dedication to the marque.”