Up for sale is this extremely rare 1977 TVR 2500M. This is a
hand built British sports car with a fiberglass body on a tubular
race car frame. It is considered a "front mid engine" layout
because the motor is mounted behind the front axle. This, the quick
ratio rack and pinion steering and the four wheel independent
suspension give this car go-kart like handling.
Powered by a 2.5 liter inline six, 4 speed transmission and rear
end borrowed from the Triumph TR6 the 2500M is a spirited runner
with lots of low end torque. The car starts up without a fight
using the choke but is a little slow to warm up. Once up to
temperature the overhead valve engine in this car pulls strong
through all of the gears revving freely thanks to the well synched
pair of Zenith Stromberg carburetors.
The car doesn't drip oil or coolant, nor does it smoke. It runs
cool, as it is equipped with dual electric pusher fans to
supplement the original crank driven fan. The clutch is strong and
indicates plenty of adjustment remaining. The 11" front disk and 9"
rear drum brakes are fresh and work flawlessly. This car tracks
straight down the road and cruises at 75mph without drama or too
much noise.
It is through the backroad twisties where this car finds its legs.
The double wishbone coil over suspension at all four corners keeps
the car planted and the perfect front to rear weight bias makes for
very crisp and predictable turn in. The torquey engine and close
ratio transmission provides excellent power on exit. This is a race
car at heart.
This TVR is a true survivor with a fully documented ownership
history. Much of the paint is its original Mexico Brown showing
chips and stress cracks commensurate with fiberglass finishes this
age. The tan vinyl roof is in good condition and the sliding
sunroof works well although hard rain may find its way past the
seal. The glass, lenses and exterior trim are all original and in
very good condition. The side windows roll up and down easily. Door
weather strip is fresh. The interior is also original and shows
very well. The dash pad is free of cracks and the wood dash in
excellent condition. The headliner is also very good although the
deteriorated visors were removed and blanking plates installed over
the mounts. All of the gauges work, as do the running lights
including the low and high beam headlights. Thanks to Lucas
Electric the turn signals are intermittent and the hazard lights
inoperative. Interior lighting is a bit dim. The horn is not
working. The wipers work.
The car is a tight fit to get in and out of, but once in place it
is comfortable even for drivers up to 6'4" and medium girth. Narrow
shoes are recommended for the closely spaced pedals. The foot and
hand controls are well placed and lends the car to spirited
driving. Plenty of room for soft sided luggage to throw in the back
and some generous cubbies and glove box are a help. Contrary to
what you might hope for, the rear window is fixed and does not
open. The car is equipped with its original Blaupunkt stereo
cassette option but there are no speakers installed in the car. The
heater has been bypassed and the fan is not working.
TVR was careful to completely seal and oil the welded tube frame to
prevent rust from forming from the inside out. The frame on this
car is solid with only minor surface rust on the frame members. I
considered cleaning up the visual sections and painting them with
POR15 but that can wait until a future owner decides to remove the
body for a full restoration. It is more important for the buyer of
this car to see that the frame is solid and nothing is covered up.
There is NO rot or structural corrosion on this car. Upon request a
link to 100+ pictures including detailed undercarriage shots will
be provided. I also have a third party inspection report available
to serious parties.
This TVR 2500M is located in Rowlett, Texas. 75088
