<\/strong><\/p>\n The Contemporaries Series<\/strong><\/p>\n Trevor Wilkinson [1923-2009] & TVR: A charismatic marque which has survived?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n The Contemporaries Series has been written to achieve the following objectives: –<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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,<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This article is therefore essentially:-<\/p>\n Subscribers might like to see the directly relevant and integrated A&R pieces that complement and help structure this article:-<\/p>\n Commonality<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Both marques\/ owners shared these in common: –<\/p>\n Trevor Wilkinson<\/strong><\/p>\n *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?<\/p>\n TVR Personalities<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 1. Editors sketch working drawing of the early TVR<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 2. Editor\u2019s photographs<\/p>\n TVR Grantura MkII [MGA] and Mk.III [MGB]<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 3. As above<\/p>\n Haynes commented:<\/p>\n 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 \u2026…….<\/p>\n The cockpit layout is good with matching speedometer and tachometer set side by side on either side of the steering wheel column \u2026…….<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n For night driving the lights are good and because of their low height are effective in fog. Luggage space is restricted \u2026……….<\/p>\n Fuel consumption is excellent aided in no small measure by the cars good aerodynamic shape \u2026…<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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 \u2026……<\/p>\n Weakness in Design and Manufacture<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 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………..<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u201c<\/p>\n\n
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