When TVR was resurrected under the stewardship of Les Edgar, we at DCB felt something was amiss about the whole operation. I was sceptical about the show car launch six years ago, but more than anything, I doubted Les Edgar himself. My unease with Edgar is purely intuitive; I understand it’s illogical to judge someone based on intuition without knowing or meeting the individual.

The biggest concern for me arose from watching Edgar’s interviews. He possesses an effortless ability to smooth-talk—such smooth-talkers can be extremely persuasive to those who are easily swayed. They are akin to addicted gamblers, constantly striving to convert doubters and propagate a reality that may never materialize.

Smooth talkers often exhibit traits of high-functioning sociopaths. TVR tantalized the predominantly British motoring press with visions of a glorious revival, and the hungry press devoured every word, returning eagerly for more.

The sociopaths announced grand plans, including aspirations to enter Le Mans, a TVR SUV and then abruptly leapt onto the EV bandwagon by announcing an electric TVR, all without divulging a clear product roadmap. The grift kept on grifting, perhaps simply to sustain the fantasy and garner free publicity.

They aimed to establish a production facility in Wales. Six years have passed, and TVR has little to show for its promises. The Welsh government, eager to create jobs, invested £14 million of public money in buying and refurbishing a dilapidated factory, a sprawling 180,000 square-foot facility in Ebbw Vale—larger even than Aston Martin’s production site in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Ebbw Vale was the biggest red flag, a statistical anomaly yet strangely, the motoring press neglected to question why a low-volume manufacturer required such a vast facility.

Ultimately, TVR opted against using Ebbw Vale, instead announcing a development centre at the Thruxton Race Circuit on their website, but providing scant details. Thruxton is situated in the middle of nowhere, Perhaps Edgar was swayed by the nearby picturesque vineyards that run through the countryside like a river.

But like all grifts, there is a sting in the tail for the easily swayed. The Welsh government recently disclosed its unsuccessful attempts to attract new tenants, and now plans to sell the Ebbw Vale site, potentially facing a loss of £4.85 million based on current market value—a loss that will unfortunately be borne by the public purse.