A prominent luxury car dealership in the United Kingdom has collapsed into administration, leaving numerous customer agreements in jeopardy and prompting serious concerns among motorists who report being completely ignored by the company.
Dealership Director Files for Bankruptcy
William Kirkham, the director of Targa Florio Cars based in Chichester, West Sussex, has confirmed that the business is being placed into liquidation and he is filing for personal bankruptcy. This announcement follows weeks of mounting complaints from drivers and road users who alleged the dealership had effectively vanished without explanation.
Customers Report Being Ghosted and Owed Payments
Numerous customers have come forward with disturbing accounts of being ghosted by the dealership, with some claiming they are still owed significant payments from vehicle sales. One elderly couple in their eighties, who had an agreement to sell their classic Morgan sports car through Targa Florio, expressed their distress over the situation.
The retiree husband told reporters: "It looked like a fairly substantial company and they'd been around for a while, so we didn't particularly worry until nothing was happening. And then they disappeared and we started to search for them."
His wife added: "I mean we're just not sleeping at night, you know, it's always on your mind."
Business Closure and Communication Breakdown
The dealership ceased operations at the end of December, just before the Christmas period, taking its phone lines offline and shutting down its website. The Google listing for Targa Florio Cars was updated to read "Permanently closed", leaving customers with no means of contact or recourse.
Financial Pressures Cited as Cause of Collapse
In a formal statement released through his solicitor to the BBC, Kirkham explained the decision to enter administration resulted from "very difficult trading conditions" that made continued operation impossible. Specific challenges cited include:
- Black book realignment affecting vehicle valuations
- Significant increases in business rates
- Rising national insurance contributions
- Other escalating business expenses
Kirkham's statement concluded: "These increases have meant that it is impossible for the business to continue to trade."
Police Investigation Underway
Sussex Police have confirmed they are aware of multiple reports concerning payment issues related to vehicle sales through Targa Florio Cars and that their enquiries into the matter are ongoing. This development adds a legal dimension to the business collapse that may have implications for affected customers.
Sixteen-Year Legacy Comes to an End
Targa Florio Cars had operated for sixteen years from its showroom at Walnut Farm Science Park in Sidlesham, West Sussex, specializing in high-performance vehicles, executive cars, and classic automobiles. The sudden collapse of this established business has sent shockwaves through the luxury car market and raised questions about the stability of similar dealerships facing current economic pressures.
The administration of Targa Florio Cars represents a significant development in the UK automotive retail sector, highlighting the vulnerability of even established businesses to shifting market conditions and regulatory changes. Customers affected by the collapse are advised to seek legal counsel regarding their agreements and any outstanding payments owed to them.
