Anger after brakes put on gift deal

But people have been stopped in their tracks in claiming their day out after insolvency experts were called in to manage the affairs of the firm behind the offers.

Supercar Lifestyle Ltd showcased their glitzy cars at shopping centres including Merry Hill in Dudley, in a bid to entice customers to part with money. Around 500 people paid up with the promise they would be able to take up to three cars for a spin during an 'experience day' at a test track.

Many had bought 'The Ultimate Driving Experience' through vouchers bought from sales staff at the shopping centre in the run up to Christmas.

A range of deals were on offer advertised on literature handed out to potential clients. People could buy a one car driving experience for £89, two cars for £129 and three cars for £149 with a deal on to drive the open-top Ariel Atom for £99.

Vouchers instructed people to book a place at events held at the MIRA test circuit in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, within a few weeks of purchase.

But dozens of people have spoken of their frustrations through the company's Facebook page after phone lines started going to voicemail or went unanswered. Supercar Lifestyle's own website has also been down for several days. Today it emerged that a meeting has been held for creditors by insolvency firm O'Haras Limited, of Cleckheaton, in Yorkshire. Office worker John Bateson is among the customers left disappointed after a family member bought him one of the experiences. They paid £99 by debit card while shopping at Merry Hill for a Supercar Lifestyle Three Car Experience.

But Mr Bateson, aged 31, who lives in Wolverhampton, said: "I tried ringing up at the start of January but I just kept getting the answer phone message. "I tried and tried but I just couldn't get through. For a petrolhead like me I was really looking forward to this as I had been on a similar event with a different company before." Supercar Lifestyle's headquarters is listed at an address in Davenport Street, Longport, Stoke. Stoke City Council spokeswoman Laura Webster said: "We are aware of the situation and received some complaints. We are assisting any affected consumers."

They have asked anyone who wishes to be added to the list of creditors to write to the insolvency firm at O'Haras Limited, Moorend House, Snelsins Lane, Cleckheaton, BD19 3UE.

Dudley Council's lead member for trading standards, Councillor Stuart Turner, said they had received one complaint. They asked people to call Citizens Advice on 0845 040506.

No-one from Supercar Lifestyle has been available for contact. Westfield Merry Hill and the MIRA circuit declined to comment.