Used Car Buying Guide: TVR M and S Series

The TVR M and S series range were arguably the first credible production sports car to come out of the Blackpool factory. The kit car era finished with these rugged cars that used well-proven components. There is a wide range of models and engines to choose from. The rare early convertibles are sought after whilst the coupe makes lots of sense in our changeable climate. The performance of the larger engined TVRs and the turbocharged model is more than adequate, and the car also has the handling to cope. These models don't have the charisma of the classic Lotus, but are cheaper to run and much easier to maintain. This is an underrated and still very affordable sports car.

TVR M and S series 1975-96
1972 M stood for Martin Lilley, TVR's then owner who linked up with dealer and engineer Mike Bigland to revise the existing TVR chassis and make it longer. A new glassfibre body was attached to it. The 2500M 1972-77 was modified for the US market with a Triumph TR6 engine and transmission. The smaller 1600M 1972-73 had a Ford Cortina 1600 GT engine and gearbox and was reintroduced in 1975-77. Top of the range was the 3000M 1972-79 which had a Ford Capri 3.0litre V6 engine. An ML 'luxury' version was available with a wood fascia and uprated trim. 1975 Overdrive was offered. 1976 'Martin' special edition commemorates 10 years of TVR engineering with alloys, sunroof, tinted glass, radio/cassette and overdrive. Taimar 1976-79 effectively a 3000M with a hatch. 20lbs heavier and tailgate released from a button the driver's side door jamb. 3000S Turbo 1975-70 had a modified V6 engine and would do 140mph. 20 coupes, 30 Taimars and 13 convertibles were modified. Convertible 1978-79 had new bodywork from the windscreen pillars back, a proper boot and removable side windows. S relaunched in 1986 as a convertible with new chassis, a wider body and wind-up windows. A Ford V6 was used again, this time a 2.8, upgraded in 1988 to a 2.9 litre and badged as an S2. In 1990 is became the S3 with a new facia and mild facelift and in 1991 a 3.9 litre V8 engine.

TVR 3000M/S to Buy
3000 models are the most satisfying of the early cars to own. The 1600 is cheap to run, but slow and does not feel special enough. Having said that, it is reliable and easy to maintain. The Taimar is an interesting example of a sporting hatchback. If you want a fast and more modern TVR then the '80s and '90s S models are the best bet. Ford V6 engines are easy to maintain, whilst the Rover V8 is simple and common enough to look after, although the fuel bills are bigger. Remember though that there are no coupes, just convertibles.

TVR 3000M/S to Avoid
Shabby and neglected examples unless you are prepared to carry out and pay for a restoration. Although the original 3000S is sought after, removable side screens rather than wind up windows are noisy and inconvenient for those used to a more modern open top. American market 2500Ms can be found, but the tuned-for-the US engine is slow and needs modification. '70s Turbo technology could be basic and there has been plenty of time for the unit to have been bodged. If you don't want turbo power, don't bother buying one.

Buying the best TVR 3000M/S
These TVRs are very straightforward mechanically and bodily. However, it still helps to know what you are looking at and for. Joining the TVR Car Club is a good first stop for specialist contact, good advice and some of the nicer cars for sale. Also look at their website on www.domino.com/tvrcc. Ideally you ought to buy a TVR from either a respected specialist, or an enthusiastic owner. TVRs respond better to devoted treatment and this is the sort of M and S you should buy. Generally glassfibre cracks are rare because the bodies are quite thick. However look around the headlamps, the tops of wheelarches and windscreen pillars. The body could also have been badly refitted after a restoration. Cracks suggest an accident repair so you need to know more. With coupes, if the vinyl roof is bumpy then a steel support could be rusting underneath. Corrosion can also attack the steel chassis and ideally the TVR should be viewed on a ramp. The mechanical components are tough and long lasting, so wear, serious oil leaks, smoke, clatters and bangs should be obvious.

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