A Spyker C8 Spyder. Image: Karrmann
The Spyker C8 Aileron was something of a mystery to buyers. On the one hand, its 600 horsepower, curb weight of just 2,750 pounds and top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour certainly qualified it for supercar status. On the other hand, Spyker never pitched the C8 against the likes of Ferrari or Lamborghini; instead, they billed the $220,000 ride as a “luxury sports car”, aimed at a more refined clientele. I’m not sure this strategy ever paid off, because outside of concours d’elegance events where Spykers were available for test drives, I’ve never seen one on the road.
Many people feared that the Dutch manufacturer was getting in over their head when they acquired Saab last year, but Spyker appears to be making all the right business decisions. There’s a rejuvenated Saab product line in the works, and CPP Global Holdings, Ltd. has just announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Spyker to acquire their luxury sports car business. Never heard of CPP Global Holdings? You’re not alone, but they’ve been a behind-the-scene partner to Spyker for years. Initially, CPP manufactured chassis components and body panels for Spyker, but have branched out in recent months to begin full assembly of C8 Aileron automobiles. In other words, it makes perfect sense for the Coventry, U.K. based company to acquire the C8 Aileron business.
The MOU, which will ultimately result in a full sale of the company over the next six years, has no impact on Saab Automobiles, which remain under control of Dutch parent Spyker.
Source: Autoblog
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
