Kjell Qvale

Commended for his achievements in athletics, automotives, and entrepreneurship, Kjell Qvale celebrates more than seven decades of business savvy and personal spirit.

Moving from his native Norway to America at the age of 10, Kjell Qvale established an admirable sports record as a top-rated high school and college track athlete. Kjell Qvale took first place for the men's 100-yard dash at the 1941 Pacific Coast Conference Championships while a student at the University of Washington. Although poised for an Olympic future, having won sprint races against two of the 48 Games participants, Kjell Qvale decided to fight in World War II as a Navy pilot. Being stationed in Alameda for training proved fortuitous for Kjell Qvale; for there, he was introduced to auto dealership ownership.

Kjell Qvale first founded Qvale Motors, later renamed British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., after taking notice of a unique MG-TC sports car in New Orleans. Immediately taking action as the California distributor for MG, Kjell Qvale launched his prolific career in foreign car sales. At one point owning several dealerships, Kjell Qvale began to diversify his interests. Kjell Qvale put his auto expertise to the test by entering MG Liquid Suspension Specials in the Indianapolis 500 two years in a row. In 1965, Kjell Qvale?s MG finished in the top ten. For many years after, Kjell Qvale held the title of the largest manufacturer of racecars in the United States.

Even with these accolades, Kjell Qvale continued to foster the spirit of competition by sponsoring the first women-only professional tennis tournament, still played today as the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford. Kjell Qvale also joined Jerry Diamond and Billie Jean King to establish the Women's International Tennis Association. As a recreational golfer, Kjell Qvale played Bing Crosby?s Pebble Beach pro-am 20 times, frequently partnering with pro Jim Colbert. Rounding out his athletic interests, Kjell Qvale has served as majority owner of Golden Gate Fields and Chairman of the Board of the California Jockey Club. Kjell Qvale maintains several of his interests today from the San Francisco Bay Area.