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This 1971 TVR Vixen 2500 was stored for 20 years. Like the one posted several months ago, this has the Ford Cortina engine. It’s not much, but this car is very light, so with 88 HP it does OK and there are lots of performance parts available. The big issue with this car is the rusted frame. If it’s as bad as it looks in the picture, perhaps this Vixin may not be worth repairing. I’ve added a picture of a typical frame to give you an idea of the work involved. The front and back glass are included. The wire wheels look cool, but the original wheels are included if one wanted the factory look. The bidding on here on eBay is currently at $3650. How much do you think this Vixen would have to sell for to make it worth repairing?
I think that’s the TR6 2498cc engine. Nice pep for a lightweight like this. But I think it’s worth repairing; those frames are quite simple (thanks for including the picture).
Definitely a TR6 engine. Repair the frame would be an easy project or even use it as a template to build a new frame. Round tubing is easy to work.
Yep, definitely a TR6 engine. (I have two.) I’m a bit of a novice restorer and I would take that on.
i would add a rollcage, while rebuilding or replacing the frame, to make it stronger. the tr6 motor is a big plus, maybe switch to FI for more power. include an overdrive, if it will fit, or a 5/6 speed. would be costly but fun car. great find.
Greetings All,
YES it’s worth saving!
Plan on removing the body from the tubular frame so it can be repaired. TVR bonded the body around the round tube frame causing the issue.
Not sure why the reticence of using American engines. I’d opt for a V6 of Buick origins. Had a friend who did that his and it was potent combination with the engine mods he had done.
Back at least twenty years ago at least, attended a show in New Jersey for TVR’s. I think it was called “Out Of The Woodwork” . Trevor Wilkinson, the namesake of TVR attended, it seemed as though every model was well represented including some early ones.
Trevor was asked if the modifications on any of the cars bothered him as the were obviously no longer original. He just grinned and said he was happy that the owners cared enough about them to keep them.
I never drove one but always liked them. Not sure about the frame/body connection.but defibitely worth saving… but wondering how hard to rebuild/save the frame. (Maybe thats why the question of saving?) I wd love to have this.(I think!)
The TR6 engine is plenty powerful for this car AND makes a wonderful noise, something no Buick V6 could ever come close to duplicating. With mild hot rodding the engine can make 175 hp (cam, shave head and port matching, Webers, header) or more. Add in the overdrive gearbox and you have a really cool, versatile car.
One of these days when I’m done with racing I’ll have a project of this kind. I ought to save some cash and buy what I want when it pops up and stash it away, waiting for its day….but instead NEW race tires! :)
There is no point whatsoever to restore this car if you want to do it for money. TVRs are drivers’ cars but in the classic car market, they are undervalued because …. not sure why, really…. because they are fabulous. Bonkers, but fabulous. But hey, who said classic car prices make sense….
If you want to restore it because you like the car, you like the way it drives and sounds, that is a totally different story. There is hardly any classic car brand that delivers so much grins/pound (or in your case grins/dollar). If you want a nippy, cheeky sportscar with a vintage feel to it, go for it, do it. You will not regret it.
And please, please, not an american engine. They are great for american cars where they belong. Seriously, would you drive an old Ferrari with a Dodge engine in it, even if it was a Viper V10? See what I mean? Rather sell off the pieces. At least some Triumph guy will be happy. It is not a modern sports car, but the Triumph engine has plenty enough grunt for that car (and its brakes).
Good luck and enjoy…