Saw this
news story this morning.
The third oldest surviving TVR will form the centrepiece of Historics at Brooklands upcoming autumn
auction on 1 September.
The car was the twelfth Grantura off the production line, and is believed to be the third oldest surviving example of the model. The hand-built Series I coupé is declared manufactured in 1959 on the V5 registration, but the chassis plate – number 112 - bears the name TVR Engineering Ltd, which was the original company name before it was wound up at the end of 1958, hinting at an earlier production.
The TVR features an uprated Ford 1,340cc pre-crossflow engine that was latterly fitted to the Series IIA, and once seated in its period 1950s bucket seats.
The Grantura will be sold with an extensive history file and is estimated to fetch bids in the region of £14,000 - £18,000.
Also offered at the sale is a 1981 Tasmin 280i Series II Convertible. Powered by a Ford 2.8-litre ‘Cologne’ V6 engine, with 150bhp, the Tasmin is capable to hit 0-60 mph in eight seconds before reaching a top speed of 128 mph.
Carrying an estimate of £6000 - £8500, the TVR has undergone a comprehensive restoration, which included an interior re-trim.
Commenting on the brace of British sports cars, Historics’ Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille said: “whilst the recent tale of TVR is undoubtedly one of sadness, its place in the history of British sports car manufacturing is secure, and should ensure significant interest in the best examples going forward“.
