TVR Grantura
| TVR Grantura | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | TVR |
| Production | 1958–1967 |
| Assembly | Blackpool, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | TVR Vixen |
| TVR Grantura Series I | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1958–1960 |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1,098 cc straight-4 1,172 cc straight-4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 83.5 in (2,121 mm) |
| Length | 136.5 in (3,467 mm) |
| Width | 65.5 in (1,664 mm) |
| Height | 47 in (1,194 mm) |
| TVR Grantura Series II | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1960–1962 |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| TVR Grantura Series III, Series III 1800, 1800S, and MkIV | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
1962 Grantura Mark III
|
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1962–1967 |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 85.5 in (2,172 mm) |
| Length | 138 in (3,505 mm) (SIII, SIII 1800, 1800S) 141.5 in (3,594 mm) (MkIV) |
| Width | 64 in (1,626 mm) (SIII, SIII 1800, 1800S) 65.5 in (1,664 mm) (MkIV) |
The TVR Grantura is the first model in a long line of TVR cars and debuted in 1958. The cars went through a series of developments leading to the I to IV and 1800S models. The last ones were made in 1967.
These coupés were hand-built at the TVR factory in Blackpool, England with varying mechanical specifications and could be had in kit form. All cars featured a cocktail of Austin-Healey brakes, VW Beetle or Triumph suspension parts and BMC rear axles.
The Grantura bodyshell was made from glass-reinforced plastic and made use of a variety of proprietary components. The bonnet was front hinged. There was no opening at the rear but the boot could be accessed from inside the car - the spare wheel had to be removed through the front doors. Buyers could choose from a range of powerplants which included a choice of side or overhead valve engines from Ford, a Coventry Climax unit or the MGA B-series engine.
The first of the Granturas used a fibreglass body moulded to a tubular steel backbone chassis and VW Beetle-based front and rear suspension. The car was designed around a 1,098 cc Coventry Climax type FWA engine but many different makes were fitted from 1,172 cc Ford side valve to 1600 cc BMC from the MGA. The drum brakes originated on the Austin Healey 100 and the windscreen on the Ford Consul.
Approximately 100 of the series I Grantura were built from 1958 to 1960.
The Series II had MGA engines as standard but again customers could choose from a variety of power units. The IIA used the 1622 cc MGA Mark II or Ford 1340 cc engine and front disc brakes were standard. Rack and pinion steering was standardised.
A car with a 1600 cc MGA engine was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1961. It had a top speed of 98.4 mph (158.4 km/h) and could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in twelve seconds. Fuel consumption of 32.8 miles per imperial gallon (8.6 L/100 km; 27.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1,298 including taxes.
...
Wikipedia