TVR takes to two wheels

It's carved out a fearsome reputation for speed on four wheels. Now, British sports car maker TVR wants to do the same on two; it's bought Italian bike and scooter manufacturer Benelli.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

10th August 2005

The move shows how TVR boss Nikolai Smolensky has acted on his desire to create new motorcycles - a story we exclusively revealed in issue 841 in January. The Russian billionaire acquired Benelli for a reported ΂£62million, and the Italian firm's Tornado and TNT models - a superbike and an unfaired urban machine - are just the kind of products which were being planned. "This purchase is great news," said TVR's marketing manager Ian Law. "Benelli's range fits in well with our image."

Both Benellis are expected to be sold through TVR's dealer network next year. How they will be badged is unclear, although dual branding is mooted. For the next two years, manufacturing will continue in Italy, with sources hinting that production will then move to the TVR factory in Blackpool.

Ironically, Benellis don't have a strong reputation for reliability - exactly the problem that has plagued TVR in the past. But it's hoped that with increased investment by Smolensky this will improve, as it has done with the cars.