Young Blood Boost For TVR

He doesn't look much like a car company mogul, but this is the new man at the helm of TVR. Rumours that the Blackpool firm was set to change hands had been circulating for weeks, but the buyer was a surprise to everyone. Nikolai Smolenski is a Russian - and only 24 years old.

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04th August 2004

"I'm very enthusiastic about the potential of TVR," the new man revealed. "I've always been a fan of British car manufacturing, and believe the best automotive designers and engineers are in this country."

Former owner Peter Wheeler, who took control 23 years ago, will remain on the board. "It has been fascinating," he said. "But it's time to hand the reigns over to a younger man, and I look forward to helping Nikolai with his exciting plans."

These are as-yet unknown, but a spokesman told us: "Nikolai is going to be very hands-on, and there are schemes for investment and expansion into new global markets - including America." Cars such as the Tuscan 2 convertible - unveiled at the recent British Motor Show - will continue in development.

Smolenski - a friend of Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich - toured the Blackpool factory last week and met some of the 400 employees. His father is Alexander Smolenski, who amassed a huge personal fortune during the Boris Yeltsin era in the Nineties.