Friday 12th June 2009

Peter Wheeler Dies Aged 64

Former TVR boss succumbs to illness

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PistonHeads notes with sadness the death yesterday of former boss of TVR, Peter Wheeler.

As the owner of TVR between 1980 and 2004, Wheeler was responsible for turning out some of the most outrageous and best-loved British sports cars. During his tenure at TVR, the Yorkshire-born chemical engineer transformed the tiny Blackpool company into a maker of supercar-rivalling exotica that, at its peak, was producing thousands of vehicles a year.

Wheeler died last night in hospital after a short illness at the age of 64. As one of the great characters of the British sports car industry, his loss will be keenly felt.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and all those who knew him.

[Housey]

To me he was an annoying stick in the mud with a crap view on what a customer should expect, some call it a single minded vision I call it distorted. Having said that he is one of the legends of British motoring and his death is a real shame.

RIP old boy, keep the engines loud up there!

[Newromancer]

[stainless_steve]

RIP

[B17NNS]

RIP PW

[Graham]

I think even my battle hardened tuscan shed a tear when I told her today..

Thanks for the Cars Peter

Cheers

Graham

[retroptvr]

Yep agree something in this indeed.

He failed to realise that the people most likely to buy new, were the present owners, who he alienated.

But let's not speak ill, respect is still needed.

RetropTVR

Edited by retroptvr on Friday 12th June 19:19

[TVR Dan]

RIP PW

Thoughts To Friends and Family.

[s111dpc]

A sad sad day. RIP

[The Pits]

Very sad to hear this news. RIP Peter. 64 is too young. But what a life!

Many live longer but so few achieve so much or live so fully.

A true legend of the motor industry and his like won't be seen again. Alas.

[DaveR]

RIP big man. You've brought so much pleasure to so many.

My Cerb will certainly be given a damn good hiding tomorrow in celebration of your life and what you gave us.

Thank you.

[pies]

Thanks fr the cars Peter,may you RIP

[Pwig]

Well my name is never more apt

[RedLeicester]

RIP Peter, and thankyou for the joy your creations have given me these last six years of ownership, and 20 years of posters, adverts, lusting, scheming and planning.

[Englishman]

I'm old enough to remember Peter as the person that saved TVR in the 80's and brought in the golden age of TVR IMHO - the large engine wedges and the Griffith.

RIP, you made your mark.

[jonnylayze]

I think this is very sad. Whatever happened to TVR after he sold the company (and arguably because of the structure of the deal) you would have to agree that he presided over TVR during a period in which it came right to the forefront of public consciousness.

Would it be appropriate to organise (I'm not necessarily volunteering!) some sort of parade/ drive by of TVRs to commemorate (not on a hot day - we don't want any overheating issues)

[ourchris]

Thanks, PW for my Griffith 500.....

[chimi500]

very sad news, rip pete, thanx for everything

[T66ORA]

I`m shocked and saddened by his death, I had no idea of his illness.
PW took the company from glorified kit car manufacturer to working class super car builder.
RiP Peter Wheeler

[Driller]

RIP

[MadeInEngland]

Very sad news, condolences to Peters family. IMO he was the best steward of TVR, all the best designs were done in his time. He obviously loved TVR for the cars rather than the money.