History, Corporate and People

Born in Glasgow, Arnold Clark joined the Royal Air Force as soon as he was old enough at age 17. He quickly rose in rank as he developed the education, self-discipline and leadership qualities which were to lay the foundations for his future career. He left the RAF in the early 50s as an NCO Motor Mechanics Instructor, the perfect preparation for a career in the motor trade.

He started trading under his own name in 1954 and by 1956 he had opened his first proper showroom at Park Road, Glasgow.

Quickly making a name for himself as an honest and reputable trader, he was awarded his first franchise (Morris) in 1959. The Company now represents over 20 different New Car Franchises and continues to provide top quality, nearly new and low mileage used cars at each of its 120 plus retail sites throughout the UK.



Mr Clark is still at the helm of the Company which he built and is now supported by a young and energetic Board of Directors ready to take Arnold Clark Automobiles to the next level of performance and customer service.


The history of the Company is about much more than retail car sales though. Today, Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd is one of the UK’s largest privately owned companies with a staff of over 6,000 all dedicated to looking after your full range of motoring needs.


The Company has always had a commitment to staff training and development and specific activity in this area can be traced as far back as the early 70’s when Mr Clark provided financial backing to establish the Glasgow Training Group (GTG). GTG run the Modern Apprenticeship programmes for junior staff members in all disciplines from craft through to management. They also run a full range of professional development courses for managers and staff at all levels. Click here www.gtg.co.uk for more details.