The “M” was a line of sports cars built in the 1970s by British luxury automaker TVR. The 2500M was the first in the series and were hand-built cars with glass-reinforced plastic bodies, so fewer than 1,000 were produced between 1972-77. The seller’s 1974 edition is a project car that will need some paint and then put all back together. In the seller’s garage in Tallmadge, Ohio, this TVR is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,950.
As was the case with all TVR models, the M-series used a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with body-on-frame construction. They were considered excellent road machines with a lot of speed, but their heating and ventilation systems weren’t necessarily up to snuff. The total count for all M-series cars was 2,465, with 947 being the 2500M like the seller’s car. It was common for some of the cars to have undocumented variations between them because of their low output.
The U.S. was an important market for TVR, so it was key their cars be powerful enough for American tastes. So, the 2500M was propelled by a 2.5-liter inline-6 engine from the Triumph TR6 that produced 106 hp, also using that car’s gearbox, differential, and front suspension uprights. The 2500M was capable of doing 0-60 in nine seconds and would top out at nearly 110 mph. The seller’s car is in some stage of disassembly, although we’re not sure from the series of photos. It was a running, driving car before the previous owner started pulling it apart for a restoration that fell to the seller.
We’re told the engine runs and has some performance modifications with triple instead of dual carburetors, adding another 34 hp to the mix. The interior is out of the car, although one photo shows it before the project began. Missing are the carpeting, headliner, and windshield, but the seller knows where you can source those parts. The seats, door panels, and dashboard are either new or in good shape.
The fiberglass body has some minor damage in the rear quarters, but we’re told they should be easy fixes before prepping the car for a new coat of burgundy paint. Two different pairs of wheels go with the car, but the buyer is going to have to spring for new tires as the ones there are past their prime. With some of the heavy lifting already done, is this a project that will appeal to a car guy (or gal) who wants a British sports car that not everyone else has?
These are neat cars. Came close to buying one a couple of times but they were in rough condition. This car looks solid and the price won’t hurt your wallet. They’re fun but I’d recommend installing a frame attached roll bar to give a little side and roll over protection.
I can see you almost getting one. They are closer to a Lotus than a Triumph. I too have tried them and almost bought one. Whoever gets this back on the road will be happy. Just be aware that they are small. You have to like feeling wrapped in a car to enjoy this.
Speaking of Frames on these cars; It’s not a typical ladder frame, but instead it’s a steel tube box type frame that get’s it’s strength from the large center backbone tube, hence the large center console.
If a TVR is in an accident, it’s very important that the frame be checked for correct specifications.
My restoration shop used to specialize in rare British vehicles, and we’ve done extensive repairs or restorations on a fair number of TVR vehicles. I used to own one of these, when I had it back in the early 1980s, it was scary fast. In my opinion, the 2500M is the best of them, it’s a TR6 drive train, and most of the smaller items are “off the shelf” parts, and easy to source. I think the windshield is also a TR part as well, but because my memory is a bit spotty, that should be checked thru the internet.
A pal of mine had a 3000M; same car but different engine/gearbox (Ford). It was a nice car to drive hard.
One of the best handling cars I’ve ever driven, a buddy had one at the same time I had a Marcos…needless to say I’m sure we triggered a few turned heads and conversations on the highway….
Could you make a “Griffith” out of it with a 289 or 302?
Chinga – Bill McCoskey is probably the guy to ask about that. True “Griffiths”, the model originally made here with a couple versions of Ford V8s, was likely even smaller than this one, but may have had a beefier frame. I’m quite tall and tried to squeeze into an original way back at the Chicago Auto Show when they were introduced. LOL ! Have been to England and seen a variety of them. All seemingly fast as stink and great handling, just made for folks shorter (or shorter limbed) than me. Just saw a newer TVR Griffith refurbished and sold on that MotorTrend TV show “Wheeler Dealer”… Amazing ! ! ! That one had a 4.3 Rover V8,
Of the 92 or so Griffith 200s built 1964 – 1965, I owned number 36.
Bog, you are very correct about having little room in the TVR cabin. I was 6’2″ and 180# fifty years ago, and even then I had difficulty getting in and out of my 2500M.
Resting your arm on the center console meant it was in an uncomfortable position, and I can only imagine a shorter person having an even more difficult situation. And putting your arm on the window opening made a for a worse situation, as the glass was still above the body line by about an inch at the full open position. Driver comfort was not part of the company’s plans.
Already listed as “pending”. Looks like it would not take much to finish as a driver. Not much more to make it a very nice driver. Has the overdrive. Please note ( two of the wheels shown and two other wheels) neither are a complete set of four.
Bill – thanks, as always, for your prompt response. Length is the bane of us tall guys, as 50 years ago I was both slightly taller and heavier than you. Do you ever remember squeezing a small-block Ford into one of these ? p.s. – I did fit fine (snug as a bug in a rug) once I scissored myself into my ’68 Europa. Though couldn’t drive it with any “regular” shoes. Big feet coming with the rest of my length !
Chinga – which engine was in your car (#36) during the time you owned it ? And have you ever checked to see if it still exists ?
It is being restored by Nigel Reuben in UK. I’m sure it is slated to be on the racetrack at Silverstone, Goodwood etc. It had no engine when I owned it.
Chinga – well, at least you owned it for a while. I believe I saw another for sale here on BF over the last year or so. Is Mr Reuben keeping you up to date on the restoration process ? It seems like back in the 60’s small block Fords were showing up in a multitude of cars. I happened order and buy one of the few BOSS 351’s. Definitely NOT a sports car. Have read that Ford Racing is now making/selling 427s using that block.
Were these bodies prone to fail in a rollover? Having seen a number of Mini Coopers do multiple end-overs, losing, in the process, doors, windows, wheels, any alignment at all on all 4 wheels, with the driver (track & road) walking away in fairly sound condition, it surprises me that it is thought that the car needs a roll bar. Was their fibreglass, or the design, iffy? Or are we talking rally type driving on rally type roads? I always thought their tube frame was way strong.