The Contemporaries Series

Trevor Wilkinson [1923-2009] & TVR: A charismatic marque which has survived?

Introduction

The Contemporaries Series has been written to achieve the following objectives: –

• To compare and contrast the designs, products and achievements of Colin Chapman/Lotus with their, rivals, contemporaries, peers and competitors
• To benchmark achievement by a series of consistent criteria
• To extract from the comparisons an objective assessment
• To counterpoise some specific models against each other
• To examine the nature, culture and economic viability of the British specialist sports car market.

The British specialist car market has been extremely vulnerable to economic downturn and its history is littered with casualties .Those that have survived are worthy of examination.

Please note the editors have striven to achieve objectivity and consistency of comparison throughout however it will be appreciated with many conflicting sources, references and specifications this is not an easy task and some inaccuracies may occur. We are happy to correct these presented with reliable alternatives,

This piece was intended to provide a thorough comparison like others in our series. During preparation priorities changed and background reading regarding the British specialist car industry and this seemed to offer a prism to explore both Lotus, TVR and the future of this important sector.

This article is therefore essentially:-

• An outline of Trevor Wilkinson his brand and a brief comparison with Lotus
• The Learning Opportunities provides a prompting to explore, and project the future of the British Specialist car market

Subscribers might like to see the directly relevant and integrated A&R pieces that complement and help structure this article:-

• Morgan
• Marcos
• Ford and Austin Specials
• Price Relatively
• Chevron

Commonality

A comparison between Trevor Wilkinson and Colin Chapman is revealing as they shared some basic similarities but Chapman pushed through to a professionalism and international renown whereas Trevor Wilkinson withdrew as Lotus matured.

Both marques/ owners shared these in common: –

• Both had modest parental background
• Both started after the Second World war in humble premises
• Wilkinson and Chapman were practical
• They adopted the kit car concept and used proprietary engines
• Their cars were distinctive
• Both exported to America quite early on in their life
• Both experienced financial problems
• Both could drive at greatly varying degrees , Wilkinson mainly entering hill climbs
• Both used a form of light tubular frame
• Both had significant cars that garnered a disproportionate reputation in TVR case the Griffith
• Both possibly made engineering inventions or patents
• Both men had ambition as entrepreneurs to create their own marque at opposed positions in market place
• Oliver Winterbottom designed for both marques and the aesthetic overlap is evident

Trevor Wilkinson

• A peer of Colin Chapman, he was born in 1923
• Became an apprentice in 1937 at age of 14
• By 1946 he had established Trevcar Engineering in Blackpool
• He was minor inventor with arcade games amongst others to his credit
• Built a AlvisSpecial
• 1949 constructed a cigar/ torpedo bodied sports car along general lines of the Mk VI*
• Progressed to chassis with RGS body shell
• Followed by cars with 2 Microplas bonnets back & front
• A TVR was displayed at the 1958 New York Motor Show
• TVR were sometimes launched at the Racing car Show
• TVR’s were exported to America and The Griffith was fitted with Ford V8
• TVR suffered considerable financial and production issues through 1960’s and soon after Trevor left

*this car is interesting in that it appears to have a space frame chassis? Whereas Buckler used quite substantial tube, magazine pictures of this open two seater seems to have smaller diameter?

TVR Personalities

• Bernard Williams
• Henry Moulds
• Bunty Scott-Moncrieff
• David Hoskins
• Jack Griffiths
• Martin Lilley
• Oliver Winterbottom
• Peter Wheeler
• Les Edgar
• Nikolai Smolensk
• John Turner
• Trevor Fiore
• Jack Pritchard
• Ray Saidel

Figure 1. Editors sketch working drawing of the early TVR

Figure 2. Editor’s photographs

TVR Grantura MkII [MGA] and Mk.III [MGB]

Figure 3. As above

Haynes commented:

The GT body encloses two bucket seats, separated by the propeller shaft tunnel, which makes a very convenient arm rest for the passenger, there is ample leg room, though early models ha not enough head room for a taller driver, and the driving position is comfortable. Visibility is good over the sloping bonne and to the rear due in no small part to the wide windscreen and thin windscreen pillars. The doors are lockable ……….

The cockpit layout is good with matching speedometer and tachometer set side by side on either side of the steering wheel column ……….

High speed driving with the wind up windows down produces very little noise by comparison with some other sports cars .for town driving an electric fan can be fitted ,which is controlled from the dashboard and is very effective

For night driving the lights are good and because of their low height are effective in fog. Luggage space is restricted ………….

Fuel consumption is excellent aided in no small measure by the cars good aerodynamic shape ……

The TVR is a very practical sports car that combines good looks, with above average performance and all the amenities associated with a saloon car .it’s one drawback is perhaps its limited luggage space .although the car uses independent suspension all-round the ride is hard and the steering and controls require a degree of effort for such a light vechicle ………

Weakness in Design and Manufacture

The car is easily written off in an accident …….the space frame is not very well triangulated .the exhaust is a continual problem being far too close to the ground .the mechanical components are proven and reliable , and spares easily obtainable from BMC agents………..

In tuned guise the Mk.III TVR is an ideal dual purpose machine capable of being both driven to a circuit at weekends and raced and providing transportation during the week.

Latest in the TVR line , the Mk.III represents yet another step nearer the ultimate GT perfection , easy to drive ,with well-placed controls , and good relaxed driving position , the TVR is a delight to handle and causes many a wistful glance in any company “

Grantuara Mk.II [MG-A engine]		Grantuara Mk.III [MG-B engine]
No of Cylinders	4	4
Cubic capacity	1,588	1,798
Bore mm	74.4	80.2
Stroke mm	88.9	89
Valve location	ohv	ohv
Maximum BHP	78	98
@ rpm	5,600	5,400
Maximum rpm	6,000	6,000
Compression ratio	8.3 to 1	8.9 to 1
no gears [c/r]	4	4
Brakes	disc/drums	disc/drums
Overall length	11′-9″	11′-6″
overall height	3′-11″	4′
overall width	5′-5″	5′-4″
track front	4′-5″	4′-4″
track rear	4′-5″	4′-5″
tyre size	5.60x 15	5.60×15
weight	14 cwt	14.5cwt
rear axle ratio	4.1 to 1	4.1 to 1
speed x1000 rpm	17.7	17.7
fuel tank capacity	9galls	10galls
mpg	28-34	25-30

TVR Grantura Mk.II [MG-A engine] and Mk.III [MG-B engine]

TVR Grantura MK.II		TVR Grantura MK.III
M.G.A engine		M.G.B engine
Max.Speed	mph
Fourth	100	107
Third	85	85
Second	65	50
First	45	30
Max speed x2 runs	100
Acceleration	secs
0 to
30	4.1	3.2
40	5.8	4.9
50	9.1	7.2
60	11.9	9.9
70	17	14.1
80	22.1
Fuel consumption	Touring	34mpg	30mpg
	Hard	28mpg	25mpg

Figure 4. Editor’s photographs noting the continuity of the TVR line

Figure 5. As above

Figure 6. Editors photograph like Lotus, TVR had to source proprietary parts

From the net:-

“The TVR Griffith Series 400 is a 2-door coupe sports car produced by Griffith Motor Company in Plainview, New York ( a Ford Dealer in Plainview/Hicksville NY, Long Island ), between 1964 and 1967. It is the successor to the TVR Griffith 200, featuring improved cooling via a larger radiator with twin electric fans, redesigned rear suspension, and a redesigned rear with better visibility and the round taillights sourced from the Ford Cortina Mark I.

The standard engine in the 400 was the more powerful Ford 289 ‘HiPo’ Windsor engine producing 271 hp that was available in the Series 200 as an option. The 400 weighed a few more pounds than the 200 due mostly to the new Salisbury independent differential that gave it a higher gear ratio providing it with a higher top speed.

Grantura Ltd. of England designed the independent suspension for the TVR automobiles which later became the Griffith 200 and 400. The Griffith 400 had then state-of-the-art unequal wishbone suspension on all four corners and the car weighed significantly less than its contemporary, the AC Cobra, making it a very potent racing car.

As the Series 400 cars were being produced in early 1965, the entire east coast of the US was crippled by a prolonged dock strike. This not only caused a disruption in the supply of the series 400 bodies that were being shipped from TVR in Blackpool, UK, it also caused a delay in the shipment of the newer body design of the Series 600. Frank Reisner, whose Intermeccanica body works in Turin, Italy, was building the new steel bodied Griffith, was also unable to have the bodies shipped. Jack Griffith attempted to bring his car to the public by having these bodies airlifted across the Atlantic.

With only 59 copies of the 400 and 10 600s off the assembly line at the Griffith factory in Plainview, Long Island, N.Y, USA, the company was dissolved.

Specifications [edit] Engine capacity: 4,722cc/289 cid V8

• Power: 271 bhp (202 kW; 275 PS)
• Top speed: Approximately 155 mph (249 km/h)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive”

Figure 7. Editors sketch working drawing of typical TVR Griffith

Figure 8.TVR brochure of the Tuscan from A&R library.

Marque
Model	Vixen	Tuscan SE
Displacement	1,599 cc	4,727 cc
Maximum HP	95.5 SAE	306 SAE
Maximum speed	111mph	175 mph
Wheel base	86″	90″
Front track	51.5″	52.5″
Rear track	52.5″	53.5″
Overall length	141.5″	146″
Kerb weight	16 cwt.	19.8 cwt.
Body	Coupe, 2 seat, 2 door ,f-glass body
Tyres	165 x 15	185 x 15
Fuel capacity	15 gals.
Engine	Ford	Ford
Cylinders	4	V8
Bore /stroke	81 x 77.6 mm	101.6 x 72.9 mm
Compression ratio	09:01	11:01
Maximum power	95 bhp @ 5,500 rpm	306 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Carburettors	Weber	Holley 4 choke
Cooling	Water cooled	Water cooled
Valves	Push rod	Push rod
Transmission	Rear wheel drive
Clutch /Gearbox	Diaphram clutch , 4 speed
Chassis	Tubular
Suspension front	Independent rectangular wishbones, coil springs tele ‘shocks
Rear suspension	Independent rectangular wisbones,ARBar coil springs tele ‘shocks
Steering	Rack & pinion
Brakes	Disc front/ drums rear

Figure 9.Sales brochure taken from net

TVR aesthetic

• Cut and shut sliced of Manx, Kamm tail, spoiler/lip
• Squat & stubby –almost as wide as long
• Wheel arches & strakes
• Wire wheels
• Cortina rear light cluster
• Vast rear window
• Vents & bonnet bulges
• Grill opening and nostrils
• Stance/presence

Filby:-

“Although short squat and stumpy, the Mk.I’s were attractive from some angles, the shape had never been styled, it had just grown out of convenience and necessity”

Weights

Weight is a particular good measure of assessing fuel efficiency. Unfortunately we don’t have comparable cd information for both marques to make reliable and consistent comparisons.

The respective weights provide interesting comparisons; particularly when the same engine / gearbox and rear axle might have been used in both marques.

Year	Marque	Model		Weight	lbs./ cwt
1948	Lotus	Trials Car		1092	lbs.
1951	Lotus	Mk.III		815	lbs.
1952	Lotus	Mk.VI		952	lbs.
1957	Lotus	Seven		924-980
1968	Lotus	Seven		1210-1258
1954	Lotus	Mk.VIII		1148
1956	Lotus	Eleven		1019
1957	Lotus	Elite		1484
1962	Lotus	Type 23		884
1962	Lotus	Elan		1210-1250
1962	Lotus	Cortina		1822
1966	Lotus	Europa		1350-
1967	Lotus	Elan +2		1180-1970
1969	Lotus	Seven S iV		1276-1310
1974	Lotus	Elite		2240-2550
1975	Lotus	Elcat		2450
1976	Lotus	Esprit		2218
1982	Lotus	Excel		2507
1989	Lotus	Elan		2198
1989	Lotus	Carlton		3641
1996	Lotus	Elise		1518

Lotus & TVR Compared and Contrasted

This is not the easiest of exercises.

Although there might be a slight comparison between the TVR of the 1960’s and the Elan.

Cars might be compared on performance but time has prevented the editors compiling these.

TVR not compete at the same levels as Lotus so benchmarking is not possible here either.

The more recent TVR are obviously very different creatures to the Lotus.

Figure 10. Editors photograph of a TVR competing at a wet hill climb in West Wales

Product Prices

c1952	Lotus	Mk.VI	£400-500	Estimated / specification
	Lotus	Eleven	£872	£1308 inc pt	Ford 1172 sv
	Lotus	Eleven S2	£1690	pt£811	Le Mans
	Lotus	Eleven S2	£1490	Nett	Club
1959/60	Lotus	Seven S 1	£892	Eng’£356	Chassis£499
1959	Lotus	Seven S 1	£1036	“F”
1959	Lotus	Seven S 1	£1546	“C”
1959	Lotus	Seven S 1	£536	Kit form	Eng’options
1960	Lotus	Seven S 2	£587	Kit form
1961	Lotus	Seven S 2	£499	Kit form
1962	Lotus	Seven S 2	£868
1962	Lotus	Super Seven	£681	pt£350	inc cr gears
1962	Lotus	Super Seven	£599	Kit form	without cr
1965	Lotus	Super Seven	£645	Kit form	without extra
1965	Lotus	Super Seven	£695	pt£173
c 1968	Lotus	Seven S 3	£775	Kit form
c 1968	Lotus	Seven S 3	£1250	Kit form	SS Twin cam
1969	Lotus	Seven S 3	£1600		SS
c1970	Lotus	Seven S 4	£895	Kit form
c1970	Lotus	Seven S 4	£1245	Kit form	Twin cam
c1970	Lotus	Seven S 4	£1265	Kit form	Holbay
c1973	Lotus	Seven S IV	£1487
1963	Lotus	Elite	£1451	Kit form	Special Equip
c 1963	Lotus	Elite	£1966	inc-p’tax
1965	Lotus	Elan	£1187	£249
c1973	Lotus	Elan Sprint	£2436
1971	Lotus	Europa	£1595	Kit form	Twin cam
1971	Lotus	Europa	£1715		Twin cam
c1973	Lotus	Europa Spec	£2436
1983	Lotus	Esprit S3	£15380
1997	Lotus	Elise	£20950		1.8i
2013	Lotus	Elise	£29050		1.6
2013	Lotus	Elise	£37205		1.8S
2013	Lotus	Evora	£53080		3.5 V6
2013	Lotus	Evora	£62290		3.5 V6S

TVR retail prices

Year	Model	Kit [£]	Complete[£]
1952	Sports Saloon	650
1952	Coupe		1,050
1954	Sports Saloon		1450
1958	Grantura	660		Ford 100E
1960	Grantura	880	1003	MG-A
1961			1543
1965	Trident		1620-1797
c1966	Tuscan		1967	cf Jaguar E type
	Tuscan V8 SE		2,364
	Tuscan V6	1492	1950
	Griffith		2365/2995
1966	1800S	768,800,850	1120-1272
1969	Vixen	1150	1930

Projected Futures

Very briefly; Lotus looks to have a future despite the extremely different times for the specialist car marques & market. They have planned a museum and visitor center at Hethel. The completion may be subject to an economic improvement.

TVR has suffered a series of setbacks. They are proposing to reestablish in South Wales where they would be close to a proposed new race track. The economy and Britexit might impede this move.

TVR & Gordon Murray

Gordon Murray has designed a new generation of TVR. The car has the code of T37 with a proposed Cosworth Ford V8 engine. The editors have seen a suggested price of £90,000.

The car seems well thought through, viable with a distinctive TVR DNA, and we image Murray might have contributed to the production organisation.

We hope that the car might be built in sufficient volume to guarantee TVR survival.

SPECIFICATION	MARQUE/MODEL: Marcos GT2	MARQUE /MODEL: TVR Sagaris	MARQUE/ MODEL : TVR Tuscan Convertible
Engine	V8, front-mid	In line 6 -cylinder, front-mid	In line 6 cylinder, front -mid longitudinal
Cylinder Block/Head	All alloy ,pushrod, 2 valves per cylinder	All alloy dohc, 4 valves per cylinder	Aluminium alloy, dry sumped.
Max.power	422 bhp @ 5,400 rpm	406 bhp @ 7500 rpm [ manuf ‘ figures]	365 bhp @ 6800 rpm [claimed]
Max.torque	470 lb ft. @ 4200 rpm	349lb ft. @ 5000 rpm [manuf figures]	315 lb ft. @ 6000 rpm [claimed]
Transmission	6 speed manual rear drive lsd	5 speed manual , rear drive lds	5 speed manual, rear wheel drive lsd
Weight	1170 kg	1079 kg	1100 kg
Power to weight	367 bhp /ton	383 bhp/ton	337 bhp per ton [manuf’ figures]
0-60 mph	4.3 sec	3.7 sec[claimed]	3.8 sec [claimed]
0-100 mph	9.8 sec	N/A	8.1 sec [claimed]
Top speed	185 mph [claimed]	186 mph [claimed]	195 mph [claimed]
Basic price	£49,995	£49,995	£39,950 [ £45.061 as tested]
Location			Front -mid longitudinal
Displacement	5,665 cc	3,996 cc	3996 cc
Cylinder head			Alum alloy head dohc 4v per cyl
Fuel & ignition			Electronic engine management, sequential multi-point injec’
Front suspension			Double wishbone, coil-over gas dampers ,anti-roll bar
Rear suspension			Double wishbone, coil-over gas dampers ,anti-roll bar
Brakes			Vented discs all round ,322 mm front , 298 mm rear
Wheels			18 in diameter, aluminium alloy
Tyres			255/35 ZR18 front & rear
Year	2005	2005	2005
EVO rating	****	****1/2	****1/2

Figure 11.TVR Brochure from David Gerald Sports Cars Ltd.

Learning Opportunities

Our learning /educational opportunities are intended to be challenging thought provoking and requiring additional research and/or analysis.

These opportunities are particularly designed for a museum/education centre location where visitors would be able to enjoy access to all the structured resources available in conjunction with any concurrent exhibition.

In this instance we suggest the following might be appropriate:-

• More recently TVR used their own engines-what was the specification? What were respective advantages Disadvantages?
• Draw up spread sheet to compare and contrast Trevor Wilkinson with Colin Chapman
• What has been the motor racing participation of TVR?
• List European and British specialist car marques that used American V8 engines
• Devise spreadsheet criteria/data to correlate TVR models ,specifications ,retail price and sales
• Where does TVR sit in Britain’s specialist car marques?
• Select five British specialist car marques of the 1950’s what were their products and how did they compete on pricing
• Analyse the economic geography of Blackpool, how significant an employer were TVR [ consider Caterham Cars as reference]
• Access Duke DVD and comment on production techniques
• Using appendix data produce a graph or SWAT ananalyis for British specialist car marques

Exhibitions, Education, Economics and Entertainment

In the museum context the editors believe that commercial considerations are both necessary and complementary with its educational objectives.

For these reasons our suggested outline Business Plan includes provision for promoting products and services which share Chapman’s ideals of mechanical efficiency and sustainability. In addition we propose merchandising that explain and interprets the social and cultural context of Chapman’s designs in period. It’s suggested there will be catalogue for on line purchasing.

In this instance we suggest the following exhibition titles might be appropriate:-

• TVR & Blackpool :Rock & Roll
• TVR & Blackpool : Lighting up
• TVR & Blackpool : Red lights& red lines
• TVR & Blackpool :Towering Achievement
• TVR & Blackpool :Towering Inferno
• TVR & Blackpool :Last Tango

Conclusion

• Its worth reviewing Chapman and Wilkinson in the overall context of the British specialist car market. With hybrid, electric and cost effective supercars from mainstream manufacturers to project futures
• Lotus and TVR were products of the post war era and went through similar fluctuations of the economy and demand
• TVR has competed in club racing and more recently supported a one marque series they have little comparison with Lotus
• Both marques have been near collapse but have reinvented themselves
• Of those specialist brands listed below Lotus might have a more secure footing and be more adaptive to a seismic change in the world car market

TVR has been a charismatic brand with heritage, the editors hope it might have the luck and ability to reinvent itself again.

It’s worth noting that TVR does not has a museum and visitor center at their premise at the moment although this might change with their relocation to Wales. They do have an active car club. A museum is a significant heritage and marketing device for the largest quality manufacturers willing to invest, promote their brand, its identity and historical reputation.

Using the comparative analysis that the A&R adopts it’s hoped that the merit of Colin Chapman and Lotus are seen as equally worthy of a museum. As such the investment is intended to:-

• Promote Car sales and engineering
• Contribute to national economy through tourism
• Support and integrate with local economy to support enriched tourism within the experience economy
• Contribute to the development and education of engineers and entrepreneurs
• Reduce welfare by increasing education and self-sufficiency and skills
• Promote the wider cultural dimension of design through engineering

The editors are developing a series of comparative articles that will evaluate Lotus against:-

• TVR
• Ginetta
• Gilbern
• Elva
• Chevron
• Bond
• Reliant
• Turner
• Marcos

Please let us know if you would like other marques to be included and any preference in sequence.

Appendix 1: TVR types

Statistics extracted from Wikipedia .Further clarification and checking may be required from sources given in references below.

Model	Production Years	Engine	Displacement
Trevor Wilkinson Era[20]
Jomar1	1956–1959	Coventry Climax Ford 100E Side valve	1098 cc 1172 cc
TVR Open Sports / Coupe	1956–1957	Coventry Climax Ford 100E Side valve BMC B-Series	1098 cc 1172 cc 1489 cc
TVR Grantura I	1958–1960	Coventry Climax FWA Coventry Climax FWE Ford 100E Side valve BMC B-Series	1098 cc 1216 cc 1172 cc 1489 cc
TVR Grantura II	1960–1961	Coventry Climax FWE Ford Kent 105E BMC B-Series BMC B-Series	1216 cc 997 cc 1489 cc 1588 cc
TVR Grantura IIa	1961–1962	Coventry Climax FWE Ford Kent 105E Ford Kent 109E BMC B-Series BMC B-Series	1216 cc 997 cc 1340 cc 1588 cc 1622 cc
TVR Grantura III	1962–1963	BMC B-Series	1622 cc
TVR Grantura III 1800	1963–1965	BMC B-Series	1798 cc
TVR Grantura 1800S	1964–1966	BMC B-Series	1798 cc
TVR Trident	1964–1966	Ford Windsor V8	4727 cc
TVR Griffith 2001	1963–1964	Ford Windsor V8	4727 cc
TVR Griffith 4001	1964–1967	Ford Windsor V8	4727 cc
Martin Lilley Era
TVR Grantura IV 1800S	1966–1967	BMC B-Series	1798 cc
TVR Tuscan V8	1967–1970	Ford Windsor V8	4727 cc
TVR Tuscan V6	1969–1971	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR Vixen S1	1967–1968	Ford Kent BMC B-Series	1599 cc 1798 cc
TVR Vixen S2	1968–1969	Ford Kent	1599 cc
TVR Vixen S3	1970–1972	Ford Kent	1599 cc
TVR Vixen 1300	1971–1972	Triumph I4	1296 cc
TVR Vixen 2500	1971–1972	Triumph I6	2498 cc
TVR Vixen S4	1972	Ford Kent	1599 cc
TVR 1600M	1972–1973 1975–1977	Ford Kent I4	1599 cc
TVR 2500M	1972–1977	Triumph I6	2498 cc
TVR 3000M	1971–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR 3000M Turbo	1975–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR Taimar	1976–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR Taimar Turbo	1976–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR 3000S	1978–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR 3000S Turbo	1978–1979	Ford Essex V6	2994 cc
TVR Tasmin 200	1981–1984	Ford Pinto I4	1993 cc
TVR Tasmin 280i	1980–1984	Ford Cologne V6	2792 cc
Peter Wheeler Era
TVR 280i	1984–1987	Ford Cologne V6	2792 cc
TVR 350i	1983–1989	TVR/Rover V8	3528 cc
TVR 350SX	1985–1989	TVR/Rover V8 + Sprintex Supercharger	3528 cc
TVR 400SX	1989	TVR/Rover V8 + Sprintex Supercharger	3948 cc
TVR 350SE	1990–1991	TVR/Rover V8	3947 cc
TVR 390SE	1984–1988	TVR/Rover V8	3905 cc
TVR 400SE	1988–1991	TVR/Rover V8	3948 cc
TVR 420SE	1986–1987	TVR/Rover V8	4228 cc
TVR 450SE	1989–1990	TVR/Rover V8	4441 cc
TVR 420SEAC	1986–1988	TVR/Rover V8	4228 cc
TVR 450SEAC	1988–1989	TVR/Rover V8	4441 cc
TVR S	1986–1988	Ford Cologne V6	2792 cc
TVR S2	1989–1990	Ford Cologne V6	2933 cc
TVR S3(C)	1991–1992	Ford Cologne V6	2933 cc
TVR S4C	1993–1993	Ford Cologne V6	2933 cc
TVR V8S	1991–1993	TVR/Rover V8	3948 cc
TVR Griffith	1992–2002	TVR/Rover V8	3948 cc 4280 cc 4988 cc
TVR Chimaera	1992–2001	TVR/Rover V8	3948 cc 4280 cc 4495 cc 4988 cc
TVR Cerbera	1996–2003	AJP8 / Speed Eight	4185 cc 4475 cc
	1996–2003	Speed Six	3996 cc
TVR T400	2001–2007	Speed Six	3996 cc
TVR Tamora	2002–2006	Speed Six	3605 cc
TVR T350 (Targa & Coupe)	2003–2006	Speed Six	3605 cc
TVR Tuscan	1999–2006	Speed Six	3605 cc 3996 cc
TVR Sagaris	2004–2006	Speed Six	3996 cc
TVR Typhon	2004	Speed Six	3996 cc
Nikolai Smolenski Era
TVR Sagaris	2004–2006	Speed Six	3996 cc
Specialty/Racing Cars
TVR Cerbera Speed 122/3	1997	Speed Twelve	7730 cc
TVR Tuscan Speed 122/3		TVR Speed Twelve	7730 cc
TVR Tuscan Challenge3	1989–(around 100 made)	Rover V8/Speed Eight	4500 cc
TVR T400R/Typhon GT3	?

Appendix 2. Production volumes to 1980

Model			Production no [Thoroughbred Classic cars ,August 1995
Jomar [all body types]			21
Grantura	Mk’s	I,II,IIA	105/104
Grantura	Mk’s	IIA,/III	227/168
Griffith [inc 200& 400			c310
Grantura	Mk’s	1800S/IV 1800S	38/78
Vixen		S1,S2,S3,S4	117,438,168,23
Tuscan V8 [1967-70 incl LWB]			73
Tuscan V6 [1969-71]			101
2500/1300			385/15
2500M/1600M/3000 M			947,148,654
Taimar/Convertible			395/258
3000M Turbo			20
Taimar Turbo/Convertible Turbo			30/13
Tasmin [to end of 1980]			44
Total Production [to 1980]			4,980

Appendix 3: British Specialist Marques

AC

Arash

Ariel

Ascari

Bristol

Brooke

Caparo

Caterham

Chevron

Connaught

Farbond

Ginetta

Grinnall

Invicta

Lotus

Marcos

McLaren

Melling

Morgan

Mosler

Noble

Radical

Rocket

TVR

Ultima

Westfield

Reference:

Websites:

www.Lotus.com

www.morgan-motor.co.uk

Books

Motor Sports Car Road Tests. Temple Press.1965

The Lotus Book .W.Taylor.Coterie Press.1999.

Motor Sports Car Road Tests second Series. Temple Press.1965

Guide to Used Sports Cars Vol’s I &II .J.H.Haynes.Haynes.c 1965

Lotus –The Legend. David Hodges.Parragon1998.

ISBN: 0752520741

Italics A&R library

Reference:

Specialist Sports Cars.Heseltine.Haynes.2001.

ISBN: 1859606903

Guide to Component Cars.H.Haynes.Haynes.1966

TVR-Success against All Odds. Peter Filby.Wilton House.

ISBN: 0954572912

TVR.Vol.I Robson.MRP.1993

ISBN: 0947981802

TVR the Complete Story.Tipler.Crowood.

ISBN: 1852237961

TVR: An Illustrated History.Tipler.Haynes.

ISBN: 9781944252350

TVR [1959-86 & 1959-88] Gold Portfolio.Brooklands

TVR. 1975-1994 .I.Ayre.Mitchell-Filby

TVR –All the cars. I.Ayre.Haynes 2007.

ISBN: 9781844251001

High Performance Cars.1965-66.Autosport. [TVR Griffith Road Test by John Bolster]

A-Z of Cars of the 1970’s.Robson.Bayview.1990.

ISBN: 1870979117

A-Zof Cars 1945-1970.Sedgwick & Gillies.Bayview.1986.

ISBN: 1870979095

British Sports Cars.Watkins.Batsford.1974

ISBN: 0713404728

European Sports &GT Cars 1945-1960.Robson.Foulis.1981.

ISBN: 0855292810

Sports cars.Georgano.Nelson.1970.

TVR.DVD.Duke.2003.

*Nb as some of these volumes are expensive/ difficult to obtain research was conducted at the British Library.

Italics the A&R library