Customers have been left confused after a top car dealership suddenly closed. Targa Florio Cars, located in Chichester, West Sussex, is known for selling top-of-the-range cars, including Audi SUVs, Ferrari supercars and classics.
However, customers have been left in the dark, with some even saying they have lost money and cannot retrieve cars that they have entrusted to the company after their website has mysteriously been taken offline, the telephone line is no longer in operation, and it is being shown as "permanently closed" on Google.
According to Car Deal Magazine, Targa Florio Cars' site at Walnut Farm Science Park also appears to be empty, with the landlord advertising it to let again.
And if that's not enough, the firm's Auto Trader advertising page has also been removed, though older adverts can still be found on alternative platforms such as PistonHeads.
Some of the Targa Florio motors were reportedly sold on a "sale or return" basis, meaning customers placed their cars with the dealer to be sold on their behalf and expected payment once the sale was completed.
Customers have been left concerned as a result, with some alleging online that their cars were sold but they have not yet received the proceeds, and attempts to reach the business have gone unanswered.
A reviewer on TrustPilot claimed that the company sold their car and then "ghosted" them, while another person stated that they were informed in November that their car had sold, but received no responses to repeated emails and WhatsApp messages through December and early January.
Customers have also alleged that warranty-related invoices remain unpaid. While over on Facebook, others have shared that they are attempting to trace the director William Kirkham, but have been left "high and dry".
No official announcement regarding the business's status or, but according to Car Deal Magazine, the company appeared to hold substantial value in its cars, but had very little cash available.
Mr Kirkham told the Express: "The company is insolvent. Liquidators are in the process of being appointed and they will follow the usual process. They will contact effected individuals in due course."
