Sad News

Author
Discussion

VetteEd

Original Poster:

44 posts

99 months

Tuesday 31st October 2017
quotequote all
I've just read on the Claremont Corvette website that Tom is retiring next April with the closure of Claremont Corvette. As a past customer it is sorry news indeed as the service and knowledge were boundless. Happy retirement Tom and keep vetting.

anonymous-user

61 months

Tuesday 31st October 2017
quotequote all
That's the end of an era. The first Corvette I ever drove was a C5 which Tom had for sale back in 1998.

These extracts from Classic & Sportscar - October 1996 - an article which set me on the path towards owning an American car:

"Tom Falconer's love affair with the Corvette blossomed after a spell working in America in 1965. Five years later, on returning to Newcastle, he bought his first one from Animals lead singer Eric Burdon.

"Tom worked as an architect in Newcastle and began Claremont Corvette as a hobby sideline in 1977. But within five years it was virtually supporting his architectural practice.

"The name Claremont was taken from the name of the road where he lived, and sounded suitably American.

"Claremont expanded until 1985, when the opportunity came to move down south. This suited Tom because there are a lot more Corvettes in the south of England and the weather is better for driving open cars. Tom is still in his Kent premises, a converted Methodist chapel.

"Tom says he's been doing the job for so long he doesn't have any trouble understanding what people want when they ring up. He claims to offer the most extensive supply of parts outside USA and because he has been breaking cars for 20 years has an enormous stock of obscure parts. If you come in for something strange it's amazing how often he will have it.

"Falconer, who has written several excellent books on Corvettes, realises he is lucky to be doing something he enjoys and earning money out of it."

BlackZeD

802 posts

215 months

Tuesday 31st October 2017
quotequote all
I actually remember Claremont Corvette in Newcastle.
Used to pass it taking my brother to his Uni digs in Fenham.
I seem to remember a yellow C3 outside, long time ago now.
Good luck to Tom in his retirement.

xto

261 posts

181 months

Wednesday 22nd November 2017
quotequote all
ive heard he sold the company on.

Skyedriver

18,893 posts

289 months

Thursday 23rd November 2017
quotequote all
BlackZeD said:
I actually remember Claremont Corvette in Newcastle.
Used to pass it taking my brother to his Uni digs in Fenham.
I seem to remember a yellow C3 outside, long time ago now.
Good luck to Tom in his retirement.
I too remember when Tom ran his business from Claremont Road.
I also remember him turning up at Felton in Eric Burdons Vette. We used to run drag races up the old airstrip eighth mile not quarter IIRC back in the 70's

Friend of mine sold him his Vette and also the Dutton Van he used for a while.....

FerdiZ28

1,355 posts

141 months

Thursday 23rd November 2017
quotequote all
Sad news indeed, but brightened by the thought of Tom enjoying his retirement. Dad bought a C2, a C4 and a 1978 Thunderbird Diamond Jubilee Edition from Tom in Kent many years ago. The latter I would love to know the wherabouts of.

Loved going to Snodland to see the showroom - as a young lad the models, books and memorabilia on offer were as interesting as the cars! Busy workshop too with all sorts of fabulous things burbling in and out, loved it.

Good luck in your retirement, Tom.

Stuart70

3,988 posts

190 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
quotequote all
From the local paper, Tom is retiring and the sales business finishes with him, but the workshop will continue... I am sure others will know a lot more than me.

roscobbc

3,624 posts

249 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
quotequote all
Spares are to continue as on-line sales only - Tom with be running this business with Amy - In Tom words "I be aiming to supply Corvette parts at prices that will beat those on Ebay USA"

BLUETHUNDER

7,881 posts

267 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
quotequote all
Matt is taking over the servicing and mechanical side of things.