Mr. Kjell Qvale |
| Founder |
| British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., San Francsisco Bay Area |
|
United States |
About Mr. Kjell Qvale
From the moment he opened his first dealership in Alameda, California, Kjell Qvale has left an indelible mark on the automobile industry and car culture nationwide.
Kjell Qvale was one of the very first dealers on the West Coast to import the British MG. Though he was turned away from the bank when he requested financing for the cars, Kjell Qvale grew operations at the fledgling British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. into several locations and formed relationships with the world’s most outstanding car manufacturers. Over his career, Kjell Qvale has represented models by Maserati, Jaguar, Lotus, Bentley, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Austin, and Porsche, to name a few.
Over the years, Kjell Qvale has also been recognized as an innovator and one of the great forces behind the improvement of American car manufacturing. By importing Europe’s finest vehicles, Kjell Qvale emphasized the need for elegance and performance in American cars. In addition, Kjell Qvale and his business partner, Kay Currie, organized the first race at Pebble Beach. Growing interests in the races at Pebble Beach eventually resulted in the construction of the Laguna Seca Raceway.
Kjell Qvale’s accomplishments are by no means confined to the automotive industry. Together with Jerry Diamond and Billie Jean King, Kjell Qvale founded the Women’s International Tennis Association. Kjell Qvale also financed the production of a European feature film, Attack on Agathon, and has invested in finance, clothing, and computers.
Kjell Qvale attended the University of Washington, where he majored in business administration. Kjell Qvale was also a star sprinter and the captain of the varsity track team during his undergraduate years.
Mr. Kjell Qvale Links
