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San Francisco resident and founder of British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., Kjell Qvale has led a life marked by numerous successes in business and sports.
For most of his life, San Francisco-based businessman Kjell Qvale has maintained involvement in a wide range of industries, including automotive sales and manufacturing, finance, computer chips, and much more. Since his early days growing up in Seattle, Washington, Kjell Qvale has devoted much of his time and energy to entrepreneurial interests both large and small, and counts paper routes, a period as a sales representative for Hovde Skis, and working on an Alaskan fishing barge among his formative experiences. While an undergraduate at the University of Washington, Kjell Qvale imported Norwegian goods for resale in the U.S., in addition to his heavy schedule of athletics and schoolwork. Upon his return from the Pacific Theater of World War II in 1945, Kjell Qvale entered the world of automotive sales. Through Qvale Motors and later, British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., Kjell Qvale became one of the first distributors on the West Coast for such major automakers as MG, Jaguar, and Volkswagen. Over the course of his 60-plus years as a dealer and distributor of vehicular imports from Europe and Japan, Kjell Qvale has brought luxury cars to numerous customers across the United States. At present, Kjell Qvale owns and operates British Motors in San Francisco, selling Bentley, Land Rover, Lotus, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and other fine automobiles. Kjell Qvale also sponsored a racing team that participated in the 1963, 1964, and 1965 Indianapolis 500, placing eighth in the latter. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Kjell Qvale cofounded the Women’s International Tennis Association and funded the first women’s professional tennis tournament. In addition, Kjell Qvale spent many years as Director and President of the Pacific Racing Association and was Chairman of the Board of the California Jockey Club. The owner of First National Bank of Marin, computer chip manufacturer Cirtec, Britannia jeans and sportswear, and more, Kjell Qvale has always strived to maintain a diverse slate of investments. In his free time, Kjell Qvale enjoys golf, and has played at numerous courses around the world.
Kjell Qvale's Publications
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Kjell Qvale's Love of Horses, Kjell Qvale
September, 2010
While growing up in Norway, Kjell Qvale spent his summers at different farms throughout the countryside. During these farm visits, Qvale became acquainted with the majesty of horses. While the farm horses were chiefly used for labor, Qvale would ride them bareback every chance he could get. This privilege was in large part lost when Qvale moved to America. Yet, he remembers saving his money for the intermittent and brief horse ride in Seattle. As soon as Qvale obtained the land and resources, he invested in raising and racing thoroughbred horses. Kjell Qvale boasts 50 years of experience working with thoroughbred horses. Over the course of this time, Qvale has worked with 250 horses, including several stake winners, that have won roughly 800 races in total. Kjell Qvale’s most prized horse was Silveyville, who continued to be a champion horse even after splitting his pastern bone on one of his forelegs and receiving an operation from the University of California, Davis. He won his first race back and received stake wins at his subsequent three races, which included the Hollywood Derby. In addition to racing hundreds of horses, Kjell also owned an interest in the Golden Gate Fields racetrack, serving as its President for five years.
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Golden Gate Fields, Kjell Qvale
November, 2010
By: Kjell Qvale
Golden Gate Fields, the last major racetrack in Northern California since the closing of Bay Meadows, opened in 1941. Extending over 140 acres of land northwest of Berkeley, Golden Gate Fields has an excellent view of the iconic Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. In addition to holding live races, Golden Gate Fields features a number of events that incorporate other favorite activities, such as Dollar NFL Sundays, when attendees can bet on races and watch football games. During Dollar NFL Sundays, patrons enjoy general admission, general parking, programs, hot dogs, sodas, and beers, all for $1 each. Throughout the summer and into early fall, Golden Gate Fields holds a summer concert series on certain Dollar Sundays, when fans can listen to live music with paid racetrack admission. On non-Dollar Days, admission to Golden Gate Fields is relatively cheap: Grandstand seating costs $4, Club House access is $6, Club House Box Seats are $3, Top of the Stretch seats are $8, and Turf Club entry costs $10. Senior citizens over the age of 62 who have a THOROUGHBREDS Card receive discounted admission, and children 17 and under (accompanied by an adult) get in for free. Group rates for luncheons and dinner parties of 10 or more can be secured for discounted rates as well. Facilities at Golden Gate Fields are available to rent for non-racing private events and can accommodate parties ranging from 50 to more than 1,500 people. The Turf Club requires a dress code of smart casual attire. As a past President and part owner of Golden Gate Fields, I highly recommend the venue for fun family outings and entertainment.
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