It’s been almost a decade since a new vehicle has rolled out of a TVR factory. Several recent attempts resurrect the brand have failed. However, with new ownership in place and a new car design in development, a legitimate rebirth of the legendary British sports car company - opens in new window or tab. appears to be underway.
A 1967 TVR Griffith 200 competed at Brands Hatch racetrack in Kent, UK. (Photo by Paul Woloschuk via Wiki Commons)
The automaker has a tumultuous past, with the marque changing ownership three times since the early 1980s. At one point, it was the third largest specialized sports car manufacturer in the world. Over nearly seven decades, the British automaker produced several truly remarkable machines, securing numerous motorsport victories across various racing disciplines—using competition-spec versions of its road-going models. The early 1970s were particularly productive, as evidenced by this award-winning example of the 1974 2500 model - opens in new window or tab. now taking bids on eBay.
This 1974 TVR 2500M coupe, fitted with a Triumph 2.5L inline-six engine, is now listed on eBay.
Peter Wheeler, a chemical engineer and industrialist, took over the company in 1981. Subsequently, TVR had success with a series of fiberglass bodied, V8-powered sports cars. Wheeler sold TVR to a Russian firm in 2004, which led to the company folding after just three years. Despite several attempts to resurrect the marque, it languished.
Modern TVRs like this 2005 Sagaris offered 380 horsepower in car with roughly the same curb weight as the original Mazda Miata.
Les Edgar, a video game entrepreneur, bought the company in 2013—and is attempting to bring back the TVR in a big way. The new TVR chairman said the company has a 10-year plan that includes the introduction of four new models with designs provided by Gordon Murray, the engineering guru behind the iconic McLaren F1. The power plant will be provided by legendary performance tuner Cosworth. Reports indicate that Cosworth is working on a naturally aspirated, dry- sump V8, mated to a six speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels.
TVR’s new owners say the first run of their upcoming new model will be offered with a full carbon fiber body to complement its optional carbon-fiber chassis.
The car’s mass will be another key focus for the team. The company is reportedly targeting a weight of approximately 2,500 pounds for the new model, creating serious performance potential from a V8 sitting between the fender wells.
The first TVR is said to be planned for production in the next year. Meanwhile, aficionados eager for seat time in a TVR should consider this classic 1974 left-hand-drive 2500M Coupe - opens in new window or tab., available now on eBay.
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