1972' TVR 3500M

Vehicle Description

This car is a unique piece of TVR's history, as it was the first TVR built with the Rover 3500 V8 engine, and the only 3500M built with full factory endorsement.
Chassis number 2397TM, following factory design and build adjustments to accomodate the new Rover V8 engine and gearbox, was shipped from the factory minus engine, gearbox and wheels. TVR boss Martin Lilley had it shipped south to his own TVR dealership, Barnet Motor Company (BarMoCo), where it was fitted with a brand new Rover engine and gearbox and 15" Wolfrace wheels. The reason for the around the houses approach to engine sourcing was because BL couldn't supply an engine directly to TVR because of an arrangement that they already had to supply Morgan.
This car was registered as a TVR 3500M in December 1972 and delivered to one very satisfied customer, as noted in Peter Filby's book, TVR - A Passion to Succeed.
From then on the car led quite a busy life, as both a road car and an amateur competition car, which inevtably led to a deterioration in both looks and performance. Fortunately, in 2004, it was taken on as a restoration project by an enthusiast, with the objective of producing not only a fast and reliable road / track day car, but one that could also undertake European tours.
The total restoration was undertaken in Norfolk by Cox and Perry, and completed in December 2005. Given the proximity of Rover V8 specialists RPi Engineering, they fitted a new 4.6 engine and R380 5 speed gearbox. Fuelling is via a Weber Edelbrock carb, and ignition via a Mallory twin point set up. Output is a modest 200bhp, with 250 ftlbs of torque at 3400rpm. In a car this light, the performance is superb - with a custom rear roll cage, Gaz shock absorbers and Wilwood brakes you have a classic pocket rocket!
The car is in excellent condition, and the asking price is in line with it's agreed value for insurance purposes.
The car comes complete with a comprehensive history file and can be viewed in south Devon.