Spencer Bernau Wilks(26 May 1891 – 10 March 1971) was an English manager, administrator and designer in the motor manufacturing industry. He served variously in positions including Managing Director, Chairman, and President of theRover Companyfrom 1929 until the 1960s. Previously he worked for theHillman Motor Car CompanyinCoventry.His younger brotherMaurice Wilksalso worked at Rover as Chief Engineer, Technical Director and Managing Director from 1930.[1]He is one of Land Rover's founders along with his younger brotherMaurice.
Spencer Wilks | |
|---|---|
 Spencer Wilks | |
| Born | Spencer Bernau Wilks 26 May 1891 |
| Died | 10 March 1971(aged 79) Glenegedale,Scotland |
| Nationality | English |
| Known for | Car design engineer |
| Relatives | Maurice Wilks(brother) |
Early life and education
editWilks was born in Rickmansworth, a town of south-westHertfordshireto Thomas Wilks (born Balham), a Director of Leather Co and his wife Jane Eliza (born St. Sepulchre, London), aSuffragette.He had one sister and four brothers includingMaurice.[2][1]
Career
editWilks was initially trained as a solicitor, but his wife Kathleen Edith was a daughter ofWilliam Hillman,founder of theHillman Motor Car Company,and so he became a joint manager in 1921 on the death of his father in law. In 1929, he left Hillman after disagreement with theRootes brotherswho took it over in 1928.[1]
In September 1929, Wilks began employment as Works manager at theRover Companyin Coventry, having been invited by the Managing DirectorFrank Searleto join the board. By 1930, he was joined by his brother Maurice as Chief Engineer.[1]
Land Rover
editIn 1947, he foundedLand Roveraround Maurice's design for a small, sturdy, economical, four wheel drive utility vehicle modelled on theWillys Jeep.[1]
Managerial career
editIn 1934, he was appointed managing director of Rover, and became Chairman in 1957. In 1962, although retired, he served as a non-executive director; and in 1967, he became President of Rover.[1]
Private life
editWilks married Kathleen Edith Hillman (b. 1891), one of the six daughters ofWilliam Hillman.He died on 10 March 1971, aged 79 in Glenegedale, a city of the Scottish Islay Island.[3]
References
edit- The Times- Saturday, 10 June 1967.
- Foreman-Peck, James (2004). "Wilks, Spencer Bernau".Oxford Dictionary of National Biography(online ed.). Oxford University Press.doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/48393.(Subscription orUK public library membershiprequired.)