Founded in 1937 in Ryland Street, Birmingham by H W (Harry) Whale as Ryland Garage, the company’s beginnings were in trucks and coach building. In 1951 Ryland became a limited company and developed under the chairmanship of the founder’s son, W J (Bill) Whale changing the focus to include passenger cars. 1971 saw the arrival of the Group’s first specialist dealership with the establishment of Rydale Cars BMW operation in central Birmingham.
The next twenty years were devoted to expansion into other geographical regions, increasing in size through acquisition and organic growth......
.........The early 90’s saw a strategic, broad expansion as the company steered towards flotation and Ryland Group became a plc in 1994 under the chairmanship of P W (Peter) Whale, grandson of the company’s founder.
The company eventually returned to private ownership with a management buy-out in September 2003 led by chairman Peter Whale. Established once again predominantly as a family business, the company is primarily focussed on the specialist and luxury car sector.
Since then the concentration has been on the specialist car sector. 2006 witnessed the formation of Rybrook Holdings Ltd., with Chief Executive Henry Whale declaring Rybrook's aims for future expansion in this sector.