When you see a certain car for years come up for sale on an on again, off again basis, it can numb you a bit to its virtues. When it comes to TVRs, we know that light weight and a compelling power-to-weight ratio has made them entertaining drivers for years, but this particular car – a 1973 2500M – is better than most in that it sports some appealing upgrades to make it even more of a driver’s car. The 2500M appears frequently in project car condition, so finding one that is both cosmetically appealing and clearly executed to be a turnkey classic driver will certainly catch our attention. Find this tasty 2500M here on craigslist for $24,000.
The 2500M is powered by a Triumph-sourced inline-six, which doesn’t make a ton for power but is a hoot to wring out in a peanut of a car like this. You don’t realize how small these are until you see one in person and realize the car is wearing you for protection as much as you are hoping for it to shield you in a crash. I can’t fathom wrecking in a car like this; it wouldn’t be pretty. However, you shouldn’t try and experience a 2500M in stop-and-go traffic since it seems the car practically begs you to abuse it on back roads, so getting it out past city limits is essential to its enjoyment.
The seller has done a wonderful job documenting his improvements and upgrades, all of which seem to have allowed him to drive it as a daily for the last several months. He’s made changes that both improve its reliability while sharpening its handling and likely uncorking a few additional horsepower in the process. The 2500M rides on adjustable Spax suspension while a gorgeous Moto Lita steering wheel is a highlight of the confined cockpit. The cabin is a very pretty shade of blue which the seller contends is the only time he’s ever seen such a color in a 2500M and I can’t say I disagree with him that it has to be a rare color configuration. The transmission is equipped with overdrive.
The TR6-derived inline-six has been upgraded with a SU HS6 conversion with performance air filters, and also comes with a rebuilt distributor courtesy of Advanced Distributors, an upgraded cam, a fresh carb tune and valve job, modern electric cooling fans, and an aftermarket exhaust system. There are some flaws but they are minimal in scope, and are things you can live with indefinitely. The seller is confident this is one of the best 2500Ms in the country right now, and I’m inclined to agree – which makes the asking price seem reasonable in light of how much it would cost to replicate a build like this. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Scott for the find.
Nice example here. These are great fun to drive cars. Been trying to find a race car version I could afford for years. No luck as the prices have been climbing past the money in my wallet.
Saw one of these (or rather a Griffith with basically the same body) on Wayne Carini’s Chasing Classic Cars show and was surprised at how large these actually are. The proportions (especially the stubby door and side window IMO) make them seem tiny in photos, but Wayne and his buddy appeared to have ample head and elbow room sitting in one together.
One if my favorite cars that I have never owned! I got to drive one once… I guess that is all I’ll get…. Happy with that though………. you can’t own everything……………….
Doesn’t stop us from trying!😁
One of the best cars I’ve ever driven, one comment on the “crashability” of the car, in it’s day it was touted for being one of the best cars for a straight nose on collision, this was due to the spare tire being stored in the nose… of course driving at a speed you’re prone to do in this car kind of makes that a moot point….
I owned a red one with a black textured top(not vinyl) with sliding sunroof. A very fun car. Every time I stopped was asked what kind of car. My oldest daughter thought it was going to be her first car. Nope! Sold it.
A neighbor had one for years and never drove it. (I don’t know what model) This is one of the few cars that I have never had the chance to drive. Suspension layout brings Miata to mind. (My twisted mind anyway. ) Fiberglass body and tube frame means racecar to me. I suspect once I drive one, I won’t want to get out.
A neighbor had one for years and never drove it. (I don’t know what model) This is one of the few cars that I have never had the chance to drive. Suspension layout brings Miata to mind. (My twisted mind anyway. ) Fiberglass body and tube frame means racecar to me. I suspect once I drive one, I won’t want to get out.
I own a Griffith and can tell you the words “surprisingly large” are absolutely the last two words I would use to describe the car. Ridiculously small is far more accurate. It’s about the same length as a Bugeye, has a low roofline, and large transmission tunnel. I’m only 5′ 8″ and it’s a challenge to get in and out . BTW Wayne is 5′ 4″ so perhaps that is why it was easier for him. However, once you are in, the fun can’t be matched…
Did everybody miss the flat spot on ring gear, burns oil, horrible pics only one pic of the RARE blue interior? No pics of the underside, these were notorious for frame rust. Don’t get me wrong these are fun little cars, I had a Taimar for a couple years, the v-6 carburetor had problems. I would urge anyone who is interested to make the trip and take a good live look, could be the best $$ spent. I’m only about 5 hrs away, could be a nice road trip.
You do realize Wayne is only around 5’4″.
What? Why the incorrect comment? I don’t understand your need to lie on this site?