TVR Tina

[WillS66]

I see that a prototype TVR Tina (1967 Coupe) is in the Silverstone auction at the NEC Classic car show in a couple of weeks.

1967 TVR Tina Prototype

Not sure how I feel about a TVR, based on a Hillman Imp and with an 875cc engine. Not a bad looking car, and certainly unique, but it seems "wrong" somehow :-)

WillS.

[TwinKam]

Looking at that side profile and especially in comparison with the new Griffith's aerodynamics, it's probably a blessing that 'Tina' only had about 40bhp; any more and she would've flown!

[phazed]

I was just thinking that this has taken its styling cues from a Sunbeam Rapier fastback and then noticed it has the same hubcaps as well!

Well it has got Rootes roots iyswim.

[phazed]

Strange, that reg comes up as a red VW?

[TCTVR]

There is a typo in the advertisement: the actual registration is UTU 108J and not UTU180J.

[gruffalo]

Sorry all that looks like a Marina coupe prototype!

[ChrisnChris]

gruffalo said:

Sorry all that looks like a Marina coupe prototype!

Praise indeed!
There's no way it's that good

[GAjon]

Well seeing as the concept of this car predates the cars it’s being likened too by many years, and them cars were reasonably successful models, maybe TVR were on to something?

Would have probably completely changed TVR history if it had have gone ahead, who knows?

[Du1point8]

looks like someone glued on some capri lights

[GAjon]

Du1point8 said:

looks like someone glued on some capri lights

Pre dates the Capri also.

[phazed]

what year was it, if anyone knows?

J registration makes it 70/71, is that correct?

They were certainly making Sunbeam Rapier fast backs in 1970, I had one.

[Roy C]

phazed said:

what year was it, if anyone knows?

J registration makes it 70/71, is that correct?

They were certainly making Sunbeam Rapier fast backs in 1970, I had one.

Date of first registration: November 1970

Year of manufacture: 1967

The coupé was first shown in Autumn 1967 in Paris, but the convertible was first built and shown in 1966.

Edited by Roy C on Wednesday 25th October 11:00

[GAjon]

Concept and plasticine model c1965.

[Skyedriver]

Must be just me that likes it, except for the aerodynamics of the front valance.
I was/am a big Imp fan having had about 5 and a Clan Crusader, the Tina actually looks better proportioned than the Clan and I can see the 1980's "Wedge" in it

[phazed]

I am not taking anything away from that Tina but the Rapier was produced from 1967 onwards. Coincidence?.

It has been Roots parts supplied, Imp engine and Rapier hubcaps et cetera.

[glenrobbo]

GAjon said:

Concept and plasticine model c1965.

GAjon,
Do you mean the Tina?

If so, that means the Tina concept pre-dated the Rapier by 2 years.

Interestingly, the TVR S Series used the Rapier H120 Fastback fuel filler cap, in common with the Scimitar.

[phazed]

It seems that there is no getting away from the Roots affiliation at the time.

For all we know they had some insight or cooperation with the Roots guys. The Rapier would have been in development for several years before its release. Also suposition but interesting all the same.

If the Tina had not used any Roots parts then it would've been just a guess as to where the idea of the shape came from although that basic shape seemed popular at the time!

[StevenB]

This has been restored by the guys at practical classics magazine

Edited by StevenB on Thursday 26th October 11:38

[glenrobbo]

What size wheels did the Tina have?
Were they the same as the Sunbeam Stilletto? ( Which was also a fastback )



I can't help thinking that the designer must have intended the Tina to have a front ( and rear? ) bumper. That would make a huge visual difference.

And FYI Peter, you were correct first time: it's Rootes not Roots. Roots made blowers.

Edited by glenrobbo on Thursday 26th October 10:35

[nawarne]

phazed said:

It seems that there is no getting away from the Roots affiliation at the time.

For all we know they had some insight or cooperation with the Roots guys. The Rapier would have been in development for several years before its release. Also suposition but interesting all the same.

If the Tina had not used any Roots parts then it would've been just a guess as to where the idea of the shape came from although that basic shape seemed popular at the time!

Believe the Tina was designed by Trevor Fiore. Was at the time the Burton family had ownership of TVR. Original car was restored by Practical Classics magazine and presented to Tina Marshall (Gerry's daughter) at the Practical Classic show ~2 years ago. Engine started on the stage for first time in 30 odd years using a jury rig fuel supply and battery.

Nick