Key facts
- Years active
- 2000–2002
- Founded by
- Bruce Qvale
- Country
- Italy
- Headquarters
- Modena, Italy
- Famous models
- Mangusta
Brand Overview
Qvale was established in 2000 by Bruce Qvale, son of Kjell Qvale who had founded British Motors in San Francisco in 1947 and became a major importer of European luxury cars. The company focused exclusively on the Mangusta sports car, a vehicle originally developed as the De Tomaso Biguà. Production occurred in Modena, Italy, with the majority of the 284 units exported to the USA.
Qvale History
The story of Qvale begins with its founder’s family background in the automotive import business. In 1996 Alejandro de Tomaso unveiled the Biguà, designed by Marcello Gandini, at the Geneva Motor Show. Financial difficulties later led de Tomaso to partner with Bruce Qvale. By 2000 the Qvale Auto Group was founded in Modena, the Biguà was renamed Mangusta, and Qvale took full control of the factory and production after the partnership ended.
Production of the Mangusta ran from 2000 to 2002. Early cars were delivered with De Tomaso badges that were later replaced with Qvale logos. In 2003 the rights to the Mangusta were sold to Britain’s MG Rover Group. The following year MG Rover launched the MG SV and SVR models, both based on the Mangusta’s structure, suspension, engine, and gearbox.
Key events in the brand’s short timeline include:
- 1947 — Kjell Qvale establishes British Motors in San Francisco.
- 1996 — De Tomaso Biguà unveiled at Geneva Motor Show.
- 2000 — Qvale founded and Mangusta production begins.
- 2002 — Production ends after 284 units.
- 2003 — Rights sold to MG Rover Group.
- 2004 — MG SV and SVR launched using Mangusta platform.
Qvale Logo Evolution
2000 – 2002: Original Qvale Logo

The Qvale logo was introduced in 2000 at the time of the brand’s founding and the rebranding of the De Tomaso Biguà into the Qvale Mangusta. This emblem replaced the initial De Tomaso badges on early production cars and was used throughout the company’s brief existence.
- Design: Powerful dragon silhouette as central symbol with brand name “QVALE” in distinctive typography.
- Colors: Golden and white elements set against a vibrant blue background.
- Changes: No redesigns occurred during the brand’s short lifespan.
- Context: The logo was created specifically for the launch of the Mangusta and reflected the brand’s Italian manufacturing location in Modena.
The Qvale car logo featured a dragon that conveyed prestige, heritage, strength, and nobility. This Qvale symbol was designed to represent the power and luxury of the Mangusta sports car. Many enthusiasts still search for the Qvale logo png, Qvale logo transparent, and Qvale logo hd versions for reference and historical documentation of this short-lived brand.
The Qvale emblem appeared on the 284 Mangusta vehicles produced between 2000 and 2002. Its design elements drew from Modena’s storied car-making tradition and the brand’s transatlantic identity. The Qvale badge remains an important part of the car’s visual identity for collectors today.
This single logo era forms the complete Qvale logo history, as the company existed for only two years before its rights were sold. The dragon motif in the Qvale car symbol embodied the strength and nobility associated with Italian sports car manufacturing in the early 2000s.