Scottish car billionaire Sir Arnold Clark has died, aged 89.

Sir Arnold, who opened his first dealership in Glasgow in 1954, passed away on Monday.

He served as the chief executive and chairman of the business for more than 60 years.

In a statement released on Monday, his family said: “Sir Arnold Clark passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family.

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“He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and employer to many. He was an inspiration and the family will continue to carry on his vision.

“He will be greatly missed. We wish to thank all those who have sent messages of condolence and appreciate your kind support.

“We ask for privacy at this difficult time to allow the family to grieve.”

Sir Arnold, who was reportedly worth around £1bn, got his start in business restoring and selling a Morris Ten Four he bought for £70 after leaving the RAF.

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Soon afterwards he launched his first showroom on Park Road in Glasgow.

Three more opened in the 1960s and the business eventually grew to become Europe’s largest privately owned car dealer, selling more than 200,000 vehicles a year.

In 2004, he was awarded a knighthood for services to the motor industry. He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “Sir Arnold was a truly inspirational business leader and influential public figure.

“His unsurpassed work ethic and strong family values led him to build a market-leading automotive retailer that continues to go from strength to strength.

“Sir Arnold’s entrepreneurial ideals continue to be at the heart of the business. His personal philosophies will continue to inspire everybody who works in the business, and will be the cornerstone of its future growth and continuing success.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Businessman: Arnold Clark became a huge organisation. © Arnold Clark

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Both Sir Arnold and Arnold Clark were closely associated with the Kiltwalk charity.

Chief executive Paul Cooney described him as “one of Scotland’s greatest business figures”.

“Sir Arnold was someone who embodied the ethos that business success should be used as a force for good in society,” he said.

“He and the organisation he built have been enormously supportive of Kiltwalk and the growth of the charity has been due in no small measure to the kindness and enthusiasm which they have shown towards us.

“Our thoughts are with his family and his many, many friends at this difficult time.”

Dr Bridget McConnell, chief executive of Glasgow Life, praised Sir Arnold’s contribution to the city.

She said: “Sir Arnold was a true friend of Glasgow and an enthusiastic contributor to our cultural life.

“For decades he and the company which bore his name supported what was the old Museum of Transport and latterly the Riverside Museum, where he served as a trustee on the fundraising appeal which raised almost £5m for the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed gallery on the banks of the Clyde.

“Sir Arnold also had huge affection for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and was a trustee on the refurbishment appeal which raised £12.9m, as well as the hugely successful organ programme.

“His contribution cannot be understated and he will be very sorely missed by his family and all of his friends and colleagues across Glasgow and Scotland.”