TVR M-Series. From the introduction of the M-series models in 1972, managing director Martin Lilley
By the mid-1970s TVR was one of the few survivors of the once-prolific British specialist car industry, most of the other little com-panies having succumbed to a simple lack of business acumen, to reputations for poor reliability and meagre back-up services, or even to the introduction of VAT (which removed much of the justification for kit cars). By that time, TVR's uncertain years — with company crises, cash-draining ventures into racing, and impressive but im-practical prototypes — were over. From the introduction of the M-series models in 1972, managing director Martin Lilley committed the company to a policy of model evolution rather than innovation, and that saw TVR safely through the decade. Forerunner of the M-series was the Triumph-engined 2500 of 1971, which followed the Vixen and Tuscan but with the body adapted to a new chassis. While following the same backbone lines, with outriggers to carry the body, this was a stronger structure in round- and square-section tubing and was easier to produce. It was retained in the M, where the most noticeable change was in the body — the 'dumpy' look which had characterized most production TVRs gave way to a longer body, with sleeker nose and tail sections (interiors, too, were simplified). Finish of this glass fibre body was better than on previous models.After the fire in Blackpool factory for months in 1975, perhaps providing a sabbatical for self-criticism! The established running gear was retained, with independent suspension all round. Apart from the 2 500M, which continued for the North American market until 1977, as the Triumph engine met emission require-ments, Ford engines became the TVR norm. The 1600M used the Cortina engine, while the 3000M used the 3-litre V-6, rated at 142bhp in normal form. A departure from that came with the Turbo of 1976, which had a Broadspeed-prepared turbocharged V-6 producing 230bhp, and later 265bhp. Body improvements came with the three-door hatchback Taimar and the Convertible, both available in Turbo form, the latter being a rare late-1970s open car with real high performance — TVR claimed a 230kph (145mph) top speed for it, some 30kph (20mph) faster than the normal 3-litre models. In 1980 TVR announced the Tasmin, with a slightly larger and sleeker body by ex-Lotus designer Oliver Winterbottom, a revised tubular chassis retaining the backbone but with a perimeter frame added to the body-carrying outriggers, and the 2.8-litre fuel-injected German Ford V-6. The Tasmin retained the continuity of this small company's series of high-performance road cars.
Specification (3000M) Engine: Ford 60-degree V-6; 93.97 x 72 .41nam, 2994cc; pushrod thy; Weber carburettor; 142bhp at 5000rpm. Turbo — as above, but with Broadspeed turbocharger; 265bhp at 5500rpm. Gearbox: four-speed manual. Chassis: tubular backbone; front suspension independent by wishbones, coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar; rear suspension independent by wishbones, coil springs and dampers; disc front/drum rear brakes. Dimensions: wheelbase 229cm/90in; track 137cm/54in.
