Classic TVR Restoration
Discussion
I've been given the opportunity to buy a 1973 2.5L TVR, which some family members are going to look at in more detail on my behalf. At this stage information is limited to it being yellow, possibly a convertible, and the reg was CPY 570L.
It's been off the road 20 years so if the engine turns I'm thinking it would make a nice restoration project. There's no price on it yet, could anyone help me identify exactly whether it's a 2500 or a later 2500M and what value I should be looking for it once restored? Also keen to know if parts availability is an issue now. I also have a 1996 Caterham which is reasonably well catered for by parts suppliers, hoping this would be similar but I've got no experience of TVRs.
It's been off the road 20 years so if the engine turns I'm thinking it would make a nice restoration project. There's no price on it yet, could anyone help me identify exactly whether it's a 2500 or a later 2500M and what value I should be looking for it once restored? Also keen to know if parts availability is an issue now. I also have a 1996 Caterham which is reasonably well catered for by parts suppliers, hoping this would be similar but I've got no experience of TVRs.
Hi There.
As a 1973 car, it's most likely a TVR 2500M. Although TVR did not make any convertibles back then so it will be a hardtop.
Less likely but it could be a Vixen bodied 2500 but I think they stopped production in 1972 (also mainly US market cars), although one may have sat around before being registered, so it is possible.
Values wise, Vixen bodied cars will make a bit more money. I would suggest tidy road going cars would realistically fetch :
Vixen bodied 2500 - £15k - £25k
2500M - £10k - £20k
Both cars are very nice when sorted, although the Triumph engine is a bit too heavy to make it a quick car unless the engine has been breathed on. Nice though, especially if it comes with overdrive.
Parts shouldn't be a problem as mainly Triumph & Ford parts were used by TVR so they're all off the shelf at the Triumph & Ford specialists. TVR's own components are also fairly easy to get from one of a few TVR Speciailists who remanufacture virtually everything you're likely to need.
The bigger challenge is learning about what replacement part is required as there's not so much info to be found Googling. It is all known but finding other people with the cars who have the knowledge (TVRCC, Pistonheads etc) takes a bit more effort.
The early (73) 2500M was also prettier than the later cars. They had a Vixen style bonnet with low vents, side vents and dash/dials. They're more desirable and command higher re-sale values than the later M cars.
Hope that helps. I'm sure others will also offer much more info.
Moto
As a 1973 car, it's most likely a TVR 2500M. Although TVR did not make any convertibles back then so it will be a hardtop.
Less likely but it could be a Vixen bodied 2500 but I think they stopped production in 1972 (also mainly US market cars), although one may have sat around before being registered, so it is possible.
Values wise, Vixen bodied cars will make a bit more money. I would suggest tidy road going cars would realistically fetch :
Vixen bodied 2500 - £15k - £25k
2500M - £10k - £20k
Both cars are very nice when sorted, although the Triumph engine is a bit too heavy to make it a quick car unless the engine has been breathed on. Nice though, especially if it comes with overdrive.
Parts shouldn't be a problem as mainly Triumph & Ford parts were used by TVR so they're all off the shelf at the Triumph & Ford specialists. TVR's own components are also fairly easy to get from one of a few TVR Speciailists who remanufacture virtually everything you're likely to need.
The bigger challenge is learning about what replacement part is required as there's not so much info to be found Googling. It is all known but finding other people with the cars who have the knowledge (TVRCC, Pistonheads etc) takes a bit more effort.
The early (73) 2500M was also prettier than the later cars. They had a Vixen style bonnet with low vents, side vents and dash/dials. They're more desirable and command higher re-sale values than the later M cars.
Hope that helps. I'm sure others will also offer much more info.
Moto
Edited by Moto on Saturday 23 March 10:57
Thanks for the information Moto.
Interesting what you say about limited information online, it was a struggle to identify anything about TVRs from this era online so I can imagine parts identification being difficult.
I've asked family to see if the engine at least turns over, if not it's probably too much work for me at the minute. Will bear in mind the potential final value, hopefully the price is right to make it work.
Ryan
Interesting what you say about limited information online, it was a struggle to identify anything about TVRs from this era online so I can imagine parts identification being difficult.
I've asked family to see if the engine at least turns over, if not it's probably too much work for me at the minute. Will bear in mind the potential final value, hopefully the price is right to make it work.
Ryan
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