A first for Ireland, the TMC Costin is a lightweight sports car built in Wexford.
For almost two years the Thompson Manufacturing Company (TMC), a family concern in Castlebridge in County Wexford has been manufacturing the TMC Costin, a lightweight sports, road and racing car.
They have sold every car they've made but mind you they’ve only made 14.
One of the TMC Costin cars is owned by business woman and editor of 'Success’ magazine Noelle Campbell-Sharpe. Peter Thompson from the company producing the TMC Costin joins Noelle Campbell-Sharpe to bring a car to the RTÉ studios.
Peter Thomson set up TMC with his brothers Val, Sean and Anthony. He approached English automotive engineer Frank Costin, known for his work with the Lotus and Maserati car companies, to design the TMC Costin. TMC currently employs five staff.
The Thompson family has invested about £60,000 into the enterprise. They have sold everything they can to invest in the business. Peter Thompon reveals this includes his parents mortgaging their home and farm.
It’s break or bust.
Every morning Peter Thompson’s mother implores,
Please sell a car today.
The TMC Costin uses Ford engines, gearboxes, axles, and hubs but the bodywork and chassis work are constructed in Ireland using Irish-made components. The car is available for sale fully assembled or in kit form.
'The Late Late Show' was broadcast on 13 October 1984. The presenter is Gay Byrne.
