Kjell Qvale |
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| Founder | |||
| British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. | |||
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United States |
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About Kjell Qvale
Professional Summary:
Entrepreneur and automobile distributer Kjell Qvale was born in Trondheim, Norway. At age 10, Kjell Qvale immigrated to the United States with his family, where he was reunited with his father after a period of separation. From an early age, Kjell Qvale excelled in sports and business: he maintained a paper route throughout high school and was selected to represent the Norwegian ski manufacturer Hovde Skis. He attended the University of Washington on an athletic scholarship, where he was a champion runner and majored in business administration.
Upon America's entry into WWII, Kjell Qvale enlisted with the Navy and became a captain and pilot of a four-engine transport aircraft in the Pacific Theater for the Naval Air Transport Service. Kjell Qvale was discharged from the Navy in 1945 and soon after established a Willys Jeep dealership in Alameda, California. On a trip to New Orleans, Kjell Qvale became enthralled with British sports cars and made plans to make the switch to importing, selling his Willys dealership for the rights to distribute MG.
In 1949, Kjell Qvale moved the dealership from Alameda to San Bruno, California, and changed its name to British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. BMC continued to expand over the next twenty years to establish hundreds of privately-owned dealerships across the country and sell a variety of luxury and practical vehicles.
In addition to importing and distributing cars, Kjell Qvale took part in designing and manufacturing autos as well. In 1968, Kjell Qvale joined forces with car manufacturer Don Healey and established the Jensen-Healey car factory. Kjell Qvale designed and manufactured the Jensen-Healey and the Jensen GT, while also producing the Jensen Interceptor until the factory closed in 1976. More recently, Kjell Qvale forged a relationship with De Tomaso Modena S.p.A. to manufacture the Mangusta sports car.
Kjell Qvale continues to operate BMC in San Francisco, where he sells Jaguars, Land Rovers, Lamborghinis, Lotuses, and Bentleys. Kjell Qvale also breeds and raises thoroughbred horses on his farm in Napa Valley, California.
Professional Experience:
British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd.
Founder
San Francisco, California
Education:
University of Washington
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