Billionaire motoring tycoon Sir Arnold Clark dies aged 89
● Tributes to entrepreneur who used success as ‘a force for good’
Sir Arnold Clark, the billionaire motoring tycoon, has died at the age of 89.
The businessman, who founded his Arnold Clark car dealership in Glasgow in 1954, died yesterday surrounded by his family.
He was knighted in 2004 for services to the motor industry and last year became Britain’s first billionaire car dealer, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
Announcing his death, his family said: “He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and employer to many.
“He was an inspiration and the family will continue to carry on his vision. He will be greatly missed.”
Sir Arnold started his company after leaving the RAF in 1954.
He is said to have used his demob money to buy a Morris Ten Four for £70, before restoring it and selling it on for a profit.
He soon opened the first Arnold Clark showroom in Glasgow’s Park Road, going on to establish hire car schemes, repair centres, franchises and a car finance and insurance business over the next decades. He opened his first site in England with a retail centre in Liverpool in 1994.
Adding to his knighthood, awarded by the Queen, and numerous business honours, Sir Arnold also collected an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow in 2005.
The entrepreneur has been remembered as a giant of the business world in tributes following his death.
The Arnold Clark Group described its founder as a “truly inspirational business leader and influential public figure”.
Paul Cooney, chief executive of charity Kiltwalk, which has been sponsored by Arnold Clark, said: “Scotland has lost one of its greatest business figures and someone who embodied the ethos that business success should be used as a force for good in society.”
Dr Bridget Mcconnell, chief executive of Glasgow Life, the cultural arm of the city council, praised Sir Arnold’s contribution to the city.
She said: “Sir Arnold was a true friend of Glasgow and an enthusiastic contributor to our cultural life.”