Iconic Dorset Care Dealer Still ‘Championing’ The Business at 91

Sixty years on from founding one of the area’s best known car dealerships, Merv Hannam is now 91 and retired, but still proudly ‘keeps his hand in’ at the family business.

Merv’s is a name synonymous with the local motor trade, with the family-run dealership having occupied a prime position in Wallisdown, Bournemouth for over 60 years.

Merv still lives independently, but now divides his time between visiting the dealership, his family and The Aldbury Dementia Care Home in Poole, where he entertains the staff and residents with tales from his fascinating life.

Merv’s son Ashley said: “Dad was born in 1931, the youngest of 10 children, and grew up on Cranbrook Road in Parkstone.

“After finishing his national service, he began a five-year apprenticeship at the Ford main dealer English’s in Branksome – at the same time his motorsport career started with cycle speedway at Newton, Parkstone, with his nephew Brian Crutcher.

“Whilst still at English’s, Dad worked with his brother Graham from a small workshop in North Road, Poole repairing and selling cars.

“Soon, he wanted to go it alone, so after marrying my mum Shelia in 1960 he moved to Rose Cottage in Wallisdown and started his own car sales.”

Merv’s talent for cycle speedway turned into motor speedway and his career flourished throughout the 1950’s, when he represented not only Poole Pirates, but also Eastbourne Eagles and the Wembley Lions in London.

After outgrowing Rose Cottage in 1966, Merv Hannam Motors moved into its now well-known site on the corner of Wallisdown roundabout, Bournemouth, from where the business still operates.

During the 1970s the brand acquired its first new car franchise, Polski Fiat.

The 80s saw the franchise change to the Japanese brand Colt (later Mitsubishi).

After Ashley took over the day-to-day running of the business in the early 90s the company started specialising in the luxury prestige end of the market with BMW, Audi, Porsche and Mercedes becoming the top sellers.

When Merv retired in 1999 at the age of 70, Ashley took the business in a new direction, becoming one of the UK’s most successful Range Rover Specialists turning over £15 million last year.

Ashley continued: “Dad still visits ‘the office’ two or three times a week and The Aldbury twice.”
Merv spends time with the other residents, enjoying time in the garden and sharing stories about his life.

“The motor trade is in Dad’s blood and always will be. What he has built is amazing, a real legacy for our family,” Ashley added.

“He still loves to feel part of it all and see it thriving around him and he’ll often just wander around with a broom, keeping the place looking smart, like he did in the old days!

“He is also a very sociable man, so The Aldbury has been great for him, especially since we lost Mum. He enjoys going there. He calls it ‘The Club’.”

The Aldbury’s Companionship Team Leader Sue Miles said: “Merv loves to wear his Merv Hannam branded jacket and is immensely proud of his business.

“He is a cheeky chappy, always fun and friendly and loves nothing more than to tell us about his career in car sales over a cuppa.

“He has led a fascinating life and we love having him as part of The Aldbury family.”

Asked about his success, Merv tapped his nose three times.

He said: “This is what my teacher did to me.

“Then he said I would “amount to nothing.”

“Well, look what I achieved!”