Here’s one you don’t see very often, a 1969 TVR Vixen. This British built sports car features a lightweight fiberglass body and tube chassis. Power is provided by the same four-cylinder found in the Ford Cortina GT. That engine only puts out 88 horsepower, but that’s plenty when you are only packing around 1,600 pounds! The Vixen may not provide the same thrills as its firebreathing V8-powered brethren, but it’s an agile little thing that should be able to to keep up with just about any car in the twisties. This one isn’t going anywhere for a while though. The engine was pulled in anticipation of a rebuild and clutch replacement, but the job was never finished. From what can be seen in the photos though, it looks complete and in decent condition. Find it here on eBay where bidding is currently right under $6k with only 15 hours left.
I believe that’s the same engine as they used in Formula Ford, and Formula Atlantic for a while. Lots of horsepower in there.
Ford four banger and very durable. Ford started making the Kent block again (tall and short) in 2010.
Yes, I loaded up on a few just in case. I wonder if a Lotus Ford Twin Cam Weber head would fit under the hood?
For the current bid……..no way to go wrong. These are a delight in a corner. I do prefer the earlier version with the round Cortina tail lights. If this wasn’t cross country……….it would be at the Rancho awaiting a loving rebuild
“…minor blemishes…” Hehehehe…um, er, yes. One has to wonder what the reserve is though…
SOLD for $6,300 so the reserve apparently wasn’t too bad, at least in the buyer’s opinion! ^_^
I do like TVRs and this one is only about an hour from me. It looks like it has been sitting for quite a while. IF the frame tubes aren’t as rusty on the inside as they are on the outside, this would be a nice little project. Aside from the (easily repaired) door the body looks good beneath that hideous (color and quality) paint job and the mechanicals are pretty simple. However, I think the current bid of $5999 is right at the threshold of its value. If the reserve is much higher, it doesn’t make much sense.
Those wires hanging under the dash are worrisome. Bad enough they’re probably Smith’s electricals
As Dapple mentioned I have seen tvrs with lightweight frames due to rust, the quality control at assembly seems to have been on strike
I have been looking for one for a while. Most of the time they look like this. Every time I get a lead on one they are sold or the owner does not want to part with the car. Owners tell me that the Ford 4 in this car makes it a great handling vehicle. I also agree Rapple that this is high for a car in this condition. TVRs in general don’t sell that well and you have to wait a while to get an offer.