Now that TVR has been saved, and that a new two-model range is in the works for 2015, the company can look to rebuild its former glory.
But how hard is that going to be? TVR has been responsible for some of the best British-built cars in recent years. Can it ever return to those days? New boss Les Edgar certainly thinks so.
TVR began in 1947 when Trevor Wilkinson, an engineer, built himself a light alloy special based on an Alvis Firebird rolling chassis. The first production TVR was then sold in 1949.
By the mid 1950s TVRs were being sold in the US, and doing well, and in 1958 the Grantura joined the range. TVR began to blend its signature design of a tubular steel chassis and bold bodywork into each design.
The 70s saw the introduction of the M-series, and in 1980 TVR’s Tasmin was introduced. Power came from a 2.8-litre Ford unit, which was placed in both coupé, convertible and 2+2 models.
In 1982 Peter Wheeler took over management of the company, introducing the first Rover V8-engined TVRs in the form of the 350i. 1987 also saw the Type S being introduced.
The second-generation Griffith, effectively a rebodied Chimera, put TVR on the map in the UK when it was launched in 1992. “It looked great and went like stink,” said then-boss Peter Wheeler. The Chimera is arguably the most successful TVR ever. Powered by the Rover V8 it outsold most of its competitors in 1998. To this day it remains TVR’s most successful model commercially.
The introduction of the Cerbera in 1996 spelt the beginning of the end for TVR. That said, purists agree it was also TVR’s finest hour, and linking back to it will be key for the new owners to re-establish the iconic brand.
Can it be done? Watch this space.
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Being a Tvr purest and having
Being a Tvr purest and having owned all models built since 1991 I can tell you the Sagaris is by far the best ever model by a long way.
TVR Needs a homegrown engine
Les Edgar has emphasized that TVR must be a British sportscar. At the same time though, he says that Morgan is 'no less a Morgan for having a BMW engine'. As a TVR fan, I have to to disagree.
The engine of a car is the heart of the car, and therefore one of the the most important parts of it. For TVR to be understood as 'British' it has to have British engine, typically a straight six.
TVR has a history of british engineered units, including their own. The last it it wants to do is g for the 'easy and cheap' route of buying a GM crate engine, or worse, a stock BMW engine. The cheek of charging £70k + for a stock engine from an other make simply wont cut it. How many of these attempts have we seen, which failed? Yes, yes, you will say what 'about the McLaren F1, or Pagani?' These cars have had their engines specifically engineered for those models.
Les has bought the company lock stock and barrell. My advice to him is use it with TVR partners to ensure the existing engines can be manufactured with increased reliability. This way you will not only keep the brand values, providing the vehicle handles very well and is reliable, the market share will inevtably increase with some clever marketing.
Use the Tvr 4.5 Straight Six,
Use the Tvr 4.5 Straight Six, a real 420bhp 380 lbft and a bloody awesome engine that is unique and has a character no other engine can match, it also comes with a 5 year 100k warranty, no other engine comes close.
How about a TVR SUV ?
How about a TVR SUV ? They will never shed their kitcar looks (versus appeal).