The Crosslé Car Company Limited, the UK’s oldest constructor of racing cars, has undergone a change in ownership and management that entails exciting plans for its future. Last November, Arnie Black handed the company over to long-time Crosslé customer and enthusiast Paul McMorran, who brings 32 years experience as an engineer and executive in the global oil industry. McMorran intends to take a fresh approach to the business while still safeguarding the values on which Crosslé was founded.
A regular competitor in historic racing across Europe, McMorran’s collection of Crosslé cars includes the 12F that boosted exports by winning the U.S. Formula B Championship in 1968, and the unique 1970 17F Formula Three car originally raced by John Watson. Paul drove the 17F to 3rd place at the Monaco Historic meeting in 2010.
“I’m very excited by the opportunity to lead this iconic company,” noted the new owner at the announcement. “Historic motor racing continues to grow in popularity and Crosslé, with over 50 years of continuous manufacture, has a very special place in that history. The company continues to provide an unbroken link between the people who designed and built Crosslé cars here in Northern Ireland, and the many enthusiasts who continue to enjoy them worldwide. Crosslé has a famous past, a unique position in the market today, a great team of people and, I believe, a very bright future.”
“This is wonderful news for the company and its staff,” said Black, who took over ownership and management of Crosslé in 1997 from its founder, Dr. John Crosslé. In its 55-year history, the Crosslé Car Company has built over 1,000 competition cars, the majority of them for export.
McMorran will enjoy the support and advice of company founders John and Rosemary Crosslé, while their daughter Caroline remains an active director of the company. “I’m delighted to see Paul take the company forward, building on the successes Arnie and his loyal team have achieved over the last 15 years,” said Dr. Crosslé. For more information visit www.crossle.co.uk.
