Specialist design firm calls in administrators
The specialist car design company ceases trading
HPL Prototypes, a company known for designing and engineering prototype cars, has ceased trading, resulting in the loss of 65 jobs after calling in administrators.
The Coventry-based firm, which had previously worked with prestigious companies such as Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Land Rover on concept vehicles, experienced financial distress leading to this decision.
Founded in the 1920s, HPL Prototypes has a rich history, including hosting Triumph's Le Mans racing team in the 1950s and serving as the prototyping division for Triumph cars from 1960 to 1980.
Tyrone Courtman and Gareth Harris from RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators on 3rd March 2026.
They are currently assessing the state of ongoing projects, but the business has stopped trading.
As a result, the 65 employees have been made redundant.
In a statement sent to us, the administrators confirmed: "Tyrone Courtman and Gareth Harris of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of HPL Prototypes Limited on 3 March 2026, following a period of financial distress and economic uncertainty.
"Based in Coventry and Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Company specialised in the design and engineering of concept vehicles and prototypes for car manufacturers including Bentley, Rolls Royce and Land Rover.
"The Joint Administrators are currently formulating their strategy and assessing the position with regard to current projects on various work sites.
"However, as the business has ceased trading, 65 employees have been made redundant following the Administrators’ appointment."