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