By the early twentieth century, 180 car makers populated Britain’s countryside. These sprang from bicycle producers, sewing machine manufacturers, and even a sheep-shearing company. The precedent of a lush cottage industry persisted for decades, showering car enthusiasts with a myriad unique, hand-built makes vying for spots in our garages. The TVR is one of the rarest of these, never achieving production numbers much higher than 2000 copies a year. Here on facebook Marketplace is a 1974 TVR 2500M, owned by the seller since 1978 and recently recommissioned. His asking price is $24,500 and the car is located in North Hero, Vermont, but it has a New York title. Thanks to NoFear for spotting this one for us!

Like most British specialist car makers, TVR reached into other companies’ parts bins to manufacture its cars. The M series, designed during Martin Lilley’s reign at TVR, utilized engines from Ford and Triumph; this one is the TR6 2.5-liter in-line six-cylinder, breathing through dual Zenith carburetors. The TR6 also donated its four-speed gearbox (overdrive optional), differential, and disc/drum brake set-up. With 106 hp on tap, a responsive suspension, rack and pinion steering, and a lightweight fiberglass body, the TVR is a handy performer.  This car’s underside is almost as tidy as its engine bay. The seller notes that recommissioning work included a completely rebuilt brake system, new fuel pump and hoses, rebuilt carburetors, a complete fluid change, and new tires. The car comes with a full set of new Armstrong shocks.

The TVR – like the Lotus Europa – is a car that most of us will wear rather than sit in. Note to users: that doorway is as narrow as it appears. Practice folding up. The interior is said to be all original, and kudos to the seller – it’s well-preserved. This car is equipped with a factory sliding sunroof – useful since the TR6 engine has a reputation for running hot, and the in-cabin ventilation is not up to snuff. Unique to most of the M-series is a Stay-Puft marshmallow quality to the instrument panel upholstery. Why couldn’t it be burled wood!

That vast expanse of glass in the rear was a hallmark of TVR’s design through several models. The Vixen, Grantura, Tuscan – all feature a prominent back light. This paint is said to be original; both the body and the vinyl roof have held up very well during all these years. Pertinent literature accompanies the car. I agree with the seller that his car is a nice example, but let’s discuss values. First, set aside all the cars that have undergone 302 cu. in. Ford V8 transplants – seems like that’s half the 2500M population. Those cars can sell for $40k, a considerable premium over stock examples running the TR6 engine. Nice original cars can reach the mid-$20k area, but a driver-quality TVR 2500M will sell in the mid-teens. What do you think this one is worth?