Unfinished projects can be a bit of a mixed bag. You can either get a deal on a car that’s had a good part of the work already completed, or you can wind up with a vehicle that’s been disassembled so thoroughly that all the king’s horses and all the king’s men might never get it running again. While this would be a sad outcome in any case, it would be tragic for a sports car as rare as this TVR 2500M, listed here on BritishCarForum for $10,000.
TVR is a lesser-known firm founded in 1947 and specializing in sports cars that are a bit quirky, even for a British manufacturer. The history of the company has more drama than a telenovela, yet somehow through it all, they’ve managed to make some very striking, competitive cars. In their late 50’s Grantura makes other sports cars of the day look antiquated, and would still seem contemporary a decade after its introduction. With fiberglass bodies and incredibly robust chassis, TVR sports cars would be praised both for their lightweight and superb handling. Several other models would follow the Grantura, including the legendary Griffith 200 and the Vixen before the 2500M was introduced in 1971.
As TVR cars were almost hand-built, there’s a great deal of variation in the individual cars. In addition, components were often sourced from other manufacturers to save on costs. For example, this car has the standard 2.5 L I6 from a Triumph TR6, with triple Webers; this was adopted, in part, because it had already passed American emissions regulations. Although many of the parts for this car can be easily found in the U.K.– like the windscreen, which comes from a Ford Cortina– potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of having to search for parts that might not arrive with the car. At least the seller reports the frame is solid.
There’s a real appeal to owning a rare sports car– an appeal that is only compounded by the chance that much of the hard work necessary to put this car back on the road may have already been done. It’s a bit of a roll of the dice, given the state of the car, and with a whopping 106 hp when it left Blackpool, the top speed and acceleration aren’t anything to write home about. But then there’s the rakish good looks, the noise, and the reputation of the 2500M as a real driver’s car. This just might be the perfect car for a gambler.
Aren’t all TVR’s unfinished projects? Seems like a reasonable deal to me and I would probably reassemble and make it roadworthy to enjoy the car before embarking on any paint or trim work. Give yourself the opportunity to bond with the car and heck if you don’t it will be in a better position to market to the next person looking for a classic British sports car.
Last time I looked, some parts for older cars were still available from TVR, though I believe their “spares” department has since been sold to another company. As these were “bitsa” cars, I would imagine some driveline components can be tracked down as well. Is the triple-Weber setup an owner change? IIRC, U.S.-market TR6 engines had Stromberg carbs.
Off topic: Are other BF members getting ads on these pages? I am, and it’s a wee bit annoying, as it slows things down considerably…. Also, I can’t seem to “like” alfasud’s comment, though I want to!
I’m presuming that what you’re getting for $10k is the car in the second picture. If not, what does it need? Also, was it wrecked at one point? $10k seems like a lot to gamble with.
While a Triumph guy the most the TVR always held an important place, with a beautiful lineage of design
These are basically a TR6 – which absolutely everything is available for easily.
I also enjoy originality which much of is lost in needed or not restoration.
A nice write up about heritage. But promoting it by dismissing the origin and condition of chassis, frame, motor makes what is offered and valuaton impossible.
It would be perfect next to a Morgan !
This is my car. I’d be happy to answer any questions from potential buyers.
I happen to be the seller of this car, I’m happy to answer any questions potential buyers may have.
can you tell me where the car is located? If to trailer this has a big
bearing on price. Tkx. John
Tallmadge, Ohio.
When you buy a tvr you buy a hobby not a car
This happens to be my car. I’d be happy to answer any questions from potential buyers.
To answer a couple questions asked here:
All photos are of the same car. Those where it is complete are what it looked like prior to disassembly. This car can easily be re-assembled with the parts included, with very little needed in additional costs.
All parts are available from US suppliers. I can provide that information for anyone interested.
This car is a very low risk, since it runs and drives. I am more than willing to go over every part included with the buyer. I’ve owned several of these and am very familiar with every aspect of the car.
This happens to be my car, and thanks for featuring it. I’d be happy to answer any questions from potential buyers.
To answer a couple questions asked here:
All photos are of the same car. Those where it is complete are what it looked like prior to disassembly. This car can easily be re-assembled with the parts included, with very little needed in additional costs.
All parts are available from US suppliers. I can provide that information for anyone interested.
The engine, transmission and rear differential in these cars is identical to a Triumph TR6. As such, twin Stromberg carburetors are standard. I believe it is mentioned in the ad, but this engine is not stock. It has a performance cam, slight bump in compression, triple webers, and a performance header. It makes 145hp.
This car is actually not a gamble at all, since it runs and drives and has never been wrecked. And I am more than willing to go over every part included with the buyer. I’ve owned several of these and am very familiar with every aspect of the car.
You still have this car?
Send me an email, I’ll buy it.