PGO

PGO Automobiles was founded in 1980 by brothers Patrick, Gilles, and Olivier Prévôt, with the brand name derived from their initials. The company initially gained recognition by manufacturing high-quality replicas of classic sports cars, most notably the AC Cobra 427 Mk. VI, which they showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. This period established their reputation for craftsmanship in small-series production. In the early 2000s, PGO shifted its strategy from replicas to developing its own proprietary vehicle designs. The Speedster II, introduced at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, marked this transition, featuring a neo-retro design inspired by the Porsche 356. This was followed by the expansion of their lineup to include the Cévennes roadster and the Hemera coupe, all sharing a common chassis architecture. In 2005, the company received a significant financial boost when subsidiaries of the Kuwait-based Al Sayer Group acquired a 51% stake in the business. This investment supported further research and development, allowing PGO to modernize its engines—notably integrating PSA/BMW 'Prince' engines—and improve interior technology. Despite these efforts, the company faced challenges with the high costs of small-series production and tightening European safety and emissions regulations, leading to a decline in production volumes over the following decade.