Major UK Car Dealership Collapses: Customers 'Ghosted' and Left Out of Pocket
A prominent UK car dealership, Targa Florio Cars, has officially appointed liquidators following a sudden and mysterious collapse that has left customers feeling abandoned and financially disadvantaged. The company vanished seemingly overnight, with its website taken offline, phone lines going dead, and premises stripped of vehicles.
Liquidators Appointed Amidst Customer Outcry
According to Car Dealer Magazine, insolvency practitioners Thomas Charles Russell and Sandra Lillian Mundy, both of James Cowper Kreston, were appointed as joint liquidators on March 9, 2026. This action followed a winding-up order, with a resolution stating that the company be wound up voluntarily.
Customers have reported being "ghosted completely" by the dealership, with many left out of pocket. One motorist told the BBC News team that owner William Kirkham had assured him the company would reopen on January 5, but this never materialized.
Owner Cites Difficult Trading Conditions
In a statement issued by his solicitor, Kirkham explained the decision to place the company into insolvent liquidation. He attributed the collapse to very challenging trading conditions, including:
- Black book realignment
- Increases in business rates
- Rising national insurance contributions
- Other escalating business expenses
Kirkham stated, "These increases have meant that it is impossible for the business to continue to trade." He added that he intends to apply for bankruptcy following the Christmas period.
Customer Frustration and Financial Impact
Another affected motorist expressed his frustration, noting, "It looked like a fairly substantial company and they'd been around for a while, so we didn't particularly worry until nothing was happening. And then they disappeared and we started to search for them."
His wife shared the emotional toll, saying, "I mean we're just not sleeping at night, you know, it's always on your mind."
Liquidators Confirm Appointment
A spokesman for the liquidators confirmed to Car Dealer Magazine, "We can confirm that Tom Russell and Sandra Mundy of James Cowper Kreston were appointed as joint liquidators of Targa Florio Cars Limited on March 9, 2026. Information will be publicly available at Companies House in due course."
The collapse highlights the precarious nature of the automotive retail sector and serves as a cautionary tale for consumers dealing with major purchases from dealerships facing financial instability.
