Targa Florio Cars: A Dealer’s Downfall and Customer Distress

A luxury car dealership in Sussex, Targa Florio Cars, has left a trail of disappointed and financially distressed customers in its wake as it heads into liquidation. Situated near Chichester, the dealership, known for high-performance and classic vehicles, closed its doors at the end of December amidst growing concerns over its business practices.

Sudden Closure and Disconnection

As Targa Florio Cars shut down its operations, it left customers with empty forecourts, disconnected phone lines, and a feeling of abandonment. Many individuals who had entrusted their valuable vehicles to the dealership found themselves unable to contact the owner, William Kirkham. Reports surfaced indicating that Kirkham blamed “difficult trading conditions” for the abrupt closure, signaling a dark turn for a business that had been operational for 16 years.

Allegations of Fraudulent Activity

Customers have accused Kirkham of selling their cars without their knowledge, and many have reported being tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. The Sale or Return (SoR) service, which allowed clients to leave their cars with the dealership for sale, has come under scrutiny. Numerous clients discovered, through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), that their vehicles’ logbooks had been transferred to new owners, yet they had not received any payment.

Kamrul Husan Sumon, a taxi driver from St Albans, is among those who felt betrayed. He had signed a SoR agreement with Targa Florio Cars to sell his Volkswagen ID.7, but after persistent silence from the dealership, he learned that the vehicle’s logbook had been issued to someone else in December. The revelation left him feeling anxious and financially vulnerable, as he was depending on that sale to cover a significant loan he had taken from friends and family.

The Case of the Dowsetts: A Personal Tragedy

Frank and Millie Dowsett, a couple in their late 80s, also shared their concerns regarding Targa Florio Cars. They had entrusted the dealership with their classic Morgan sports car. Despite Kirkham assuring them of a sale, the DVLA confirmed that the vehicle’s ownership had been transferred without their knowledge. The Dowsetts were counting on £19,000 from the car’s sale to fund an urgent private operation for Millie, heightening the emotional stakes.

“It’s not just the money; it’s the worry,” Millie expressed, highlighting the mental toll this situation has taken on them as they grapple with uncertainty regarding their finances and health.

Investigating the Claims

Sussex Police are now investigating allegations of fraud associated with Targa Florio Cars. The force confirmed that they were looking into several reports of payment issues related to vehicle sales. This scrutiny speaks to a broader concern among customers who no longer trust Kirkham’s management of their assets.

Kirkham’s Response and Future Plans

In a statement from his solicitor, William Kirkham disclosed plans to initiate insolvency proceedings for the company, citing rising business costs and a problematic market environment. He expressed regret over the situation but did not directly address allegations of misconduct regarding the sale of customers’ vehicles.

Despite his assurances of impending bankruptcy, many customers remain skeptical of his claims. Bradford Law, a former customer who had his Volkswagen Touran sold under a SoR agreement, raised significant concerns about the whereabouts of the funds generated from the sales of their vehicles.

Customer Settlements

Following the initial publication of this story, some customers—including Law, Sumon, and the Dowsetts—reported having reached financial settlements after being contacted by representatives of Kirkham. This development, albeit late, has alleviated some of the immediate financial burdens, yet it leaves deeper issues regarding trust and accountability in the luxury automobile market unresolved.

The Aftermath

For impacted individuals, the emotional and financial impact of Targa Florio Cars’ collapse is profound. While some may receive the financial relief they desperately needed, the lingering doubts surrounding Kirkham’s management, coupled with a growing number of similar allegations from other clients, reflect a troubling narrative within the luxury car sales industry.

The unfolding situation serves as a cautionary tale for consumers and raises questions about regulatory oversight and the responsibility of dealerships in ensuring transparency and fair dealings.