Years ago, I would spot a TVR 2500M like this one on my school bus route, rotting away next to a garage. Had I been about 10 years older at the time, I would have made every effort to acquire it. But as a young’n who could barely remember his address, it just wasn’t in the cards. I can’t help but wonder what happened to it when I see examples like this project-grade 2500M here on eBay with a $6,500 Buy-It-Now.
This particular car hasn’t run in 10-15 years by the seller’s estimation, following a previous owner’s attempt at restoration that stalled following the removal of the interior. The top photo shows what looks like a good frame next to the TVR, but it isn’t included in the sale – it’s “extra”, according to the seller. This is curious to me, as these TVRs are prone to have rusted frames underneath, that can be repaired either with piecemeal tube replacement or the whole frame being removed and replaced. If it needs one, just say so.
I have to believe that’s why the frame is there, and the seller mentions the inclusion of other spare parts as well, such as front and back windows and door panels. However, the risk still lies in whether the previous owner disassembled the car carefully, and if all the spare parts were retained when the TVR moved to its current ownership. The engine details are confusing, as I thought most 2500s came with a six-cylinder powerplant lifted from the Triumph TR6, but it obviously has a four-cylinder mill – perhaps this is the case of an engine swap that occurred when the original motor overheated.
The 2500M does appear to be straight, despite being taken apart. The seller clearly has had some bad experiences on eBay with fake offers to buy and lowballers, a phenomenon with which I’m quite familiar. While this looks like a worthwhile project, I suspect you’re going to have to call the seller for more information on frame condition and a list of what’s included if you choose to take on this unfinished project – hopefully, it won’t become one more schoolkid’s daydream.
Engine looks like a Toyota 20/22R to me.
That was the first thing I thought, too.
It’s clearly not the Triumph 2.5L I-6 engine that this should have had originally or the Ford Kent 1.6L I-4 that was also available in the chassis. That swap might also have something to do with the spare frame, particularly if this engine swap required any changes / hacking to the frame.
Sold my 74 2500M last year,even at barely 6′ 195,I really did not fit.Great “baby Ferrari” looks,better handling than the TR6,but egress is just too difficult for even slightly bigger than average.Subject car shoulda hada V8 ! SBF coming up,Im sure.
Looks like a Toyota 22RE engine from the early ’80’s.
With both Toyota motor and gearbox, this would likely make a car that could a be driven every day. A BRG example used to park next to me in a garage stall I rented to park at work in DC. I never knew its owner, but he used to have the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen getting in the TVR in the evening. That’s probably why I like TVRs to this day. Oh yeah, I also remember it sounded neat. But mostly, it was the girls.
Way too much for a project like this.
Any idea what the wheels brand / model is ?
JYC,
Those are stock TVR wheels found on most TVR’s throughout the 70’s.
Thanks Bruce. They might look nice on my 240Z !
He’s got the same car listed for $100 less as a parts car.
This may be a myth, but did anyone else ever read that TVR put oil or some preservative in the tubular sections of their frames?
Greetings All,
The Brits liked a product called WaxOyl that was sprayed into holes drilled and later plugged. The purpose was corrosion prevention.
Your car would seep somewhat afterwards.
I don’t hear about it much now.
It seemed to work, people swore by it and atit when it got on their clothes.