In 1999, Specialist Vehicles was formed with the aim of offering high quality used prestige brands with main dealer services and standards to the South West.
In 1999, Specialist Vehicles was formed with the aim of offering high quality used prestige brands with main dealer services and standards to the South West.
W.C.E. Orr (Grandfather). In 1916, Ted (as he was known) started working in the Drawing Office of Standard Motor Company. In 1924, he moved to Armstrong Siddeley but returned to Standard’s four years later as their youngest foreman – in charge of Experimental Engine Research. Eight years later, he joined Jaguar Cars Ltd as Works Manager, where he was instrumental in the introduction of the first production lines and production techniques that were the forerunners to the production lines we use today. During the War, he was engaged in the production of trailing edges for Stirling’s and refurbishing Whitly’s, and also worked on the development of the first Meteor Jet engines. Having become Works Director of Jaguar and spending two years on the Board, in 1957 he re-joined Armstrong Siddeley as General Manager. In this capacity, he was responsible for the introduction of the “Star Sapphire” and subsequently for the development and initial production of the “Sunbeam Alpine” made under licence for Rootes.
W.C.E. Orr – Ted retired in December 1967 after 52 years from his role as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Rolls Royce Industrial and Marine Engine Division.
M.C.E Orr (Father). Michael, who in the late 1960’s having worked for Alfa Romeo, moved on to BMW as National Sales Manager and was heavily involved in the very exciting early days of the brand’s successful introduction to the UK market. Whilst on a fact-finding trip to Japan, he was asked to take on the import of Mitsubishi cars. Upon his return to the UK, he formed a joint venture company called the Colt Car Company Ltd which was owned 51% by a consortium (Colt Automotive Ltd), which he became Managing Director (latterly Chairman and Chief Executive) and 49% Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In 1974, the first Colt Cars were launched onto the UK market. Michael, who became renowned for his flamboyant and at times antagonistic style, went on to run the company for 10 years whereupon he exhausted the available opportunities that a market that was quota restricted offered. The circa 12,000 unit total volume was always sold by October each year.
Establishing Specialist Vehicles in 1999, Simon has been in the industry from the age of 16, progressing from apprentice mechanic through sales to Dealer Principal of several brands. Moving from retail to manufacturer/wholesale, where he was SW Regional Business Manager, before going on to run a manufacturer joint venture finance company.
Since joining the family business in 2015, Tom has been involved in all aspects of our company, implementing new technologies and practices whilst retaining traditional core values in customer service. Tom oversees the daily running of the Sales and Aftersales departments.
With three successful generations before him and all the pressure that brings, we are pleased to welcome Tom Orr to the business. 2016 saw 100 years and 4 generations of the Orr’s proud involvement in the Motor Trade.