TVR M Series
| TVR M Series | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | TVR |
| Production | 1972–1979 |
| Assembly | Blackpool, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports Car / Roadster |
| Layout | FMR |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Ford Kent 1.6L I4 Triumph 2.5L I6 Ford Essex 3.0L V6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 155 in (3,937 mm) |
| Width | 64 in (1,626 mm) |
| Height | 47 in (1,194 mm) (coupe) or 44 in (1,118 mm) (roadster) |
| Curb weight | 1,972 lb (894 kg) - 2,250 lb (1,020 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
TVR Vixen TVR Tuscan (1967) |
| Successor | TVR Tasmin |
The TVR M Series is a series of sports cars built by automaker TVR between 1972 and 1979. The series replaced the outgoing TVR Vixen and Tuscan models, and is characterized by a common chassis and shared body style. As with other TVR models before and since, the M Series cars use a front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and body-on-frame construction. The bodies themselves were built from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). The era of the M Series is commonly associated with Martin Lilley who, together with his father, took ownership of the company on 30 November 1965.
The M Series was regarded by contemporary reviewers as being loud and fast and having excellent roadholding. This came at the expense of unusual ergonomics, and heating and ventilation systems that were sometimes problematic.
The series includes the 1600M, 2500M, 3000M, 3000S, and Taimar, as well as turbocharged versions of the 3000M, 3000S, and Taimar. The first model to start production was the 2500M in March 1972, after being built as a prototype in 1971. A small number of 5.0 L Ford V8-powered cars were finished or converted by the TVR North America importer; these were sold as the 5000M. A total of 2,465 M Series cars were built over the nine years of production. Because of the hand-built and low-volume nature of TVR production, there are many small and often-undocumented variations between cars of the same model that arise due to component availability and minor changes in the build process.
The American market was financially very important to TVR, and Gerry Sagerman oversaw import and distribution of the cars within the United States from his facility on Long Island. Approximately thirty dealers sold TVRs in the eastern part of the country. John Wadman handled distribution of the cars in Canada through his business, JAG Auto Enterprises.
The backbone chassis for the M Series cars was designed by automotive engineer and dealer Mike Bigland in 1971. Bigland had been hired by Lilley after demonstrating a number of suspension and steering improvements he had made to a 1967 TVR Tuscan SE owned by one John Burton. The chassis Bigland designed was of a central-backbone layout with perimeter tubes. Both round- and square-section 14-gauge and 16-gauge steel tube was used in the construction, with the square sections used to allow easier joining of the frame to the body. To facilitate production of the new chassis, Lilley upgraded TVR's workshop with fixtures that allowed two welders to produce five units per week. During testing, Bigland drove the gold-painted prototype car between his own workshop in Halesowen and the TVR factory several times per week.
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