This car holds a unique position in TVR's history, as it was the first TVR to be built with the Rover 3500 V8 engine. It was the only 3500M produced with the full cooperation and endorsement of the factory. Theoretically this model does not exist, but the original customer, Barry Morley, was a London based graphic designer working on the TVR account and was in a position to specify this vehicle.
Chassis number 2397TM, originally intended to be a 2500M, was modified at the factory to meet M series designer Mike Bigland’s specification and build requirements in order to accomodate the new Rover V8 engine and gearbox. The almost complete car then left the factory minus engine, gearbox and wheels and was transported to TVR boss Martin Lilley’s own TVR dealership, Barnet Motor Company (BarMoCo). Here it was fitted with a brand new Rover V8 3500 engine and gearbox, and 15" Wolfrace wheels. Engine sourcing was a little complicated as BL couldn't supply an engine directly to the TVR factory because of an arrangement that they already had to supply Morgan for the Plus 8.
All of the above details have been verified through factory records (and memory) by Mike Bigland, TVR's Engineering Director at the time, and the designer of the M series.
This car was registered as a TVR 3500M in December 1972 and delivered to “one very satisfied customer“, as noted in Peter Filby's book, TVR - A Passion to Succeed.
From then on the car led an interesting life, as both a road car and an amateur competition car, which ultimately led to a deterioration in both looks and performance. Fortunately, in 2004, NYT100L was taken on as a restoration project by a genuine enthusiast, with the objective of producing not only a fast and reliable road / track day car, but one that could also undertake European tours.
The total restoration was undertaken in Norfolk by Cox and Perry, and completed in December 2005. Given the proximity of Rover V8 specialists RPi Engineering, they fitted a new 4. 6 V8 engine and R380 5 speed gearbox. Fuelling is via a Weber Edelbrock carb, and ignition via a Mallory twin point set up. Output is a modest 200bhp, with 250 ftlbs of torque at 3400rpm - in a car this light the performance is excellent. Brakes and suspension were both upgraded as part of the rebuild (Gaz shock absorbers and Wilwood brakes) - helping to ensure both tractability and stability. The car is a delight to drive - a genuine pocket rocket.
The car is in very good condition, and the asking price is below it's agreed value for insurance purposes.
The car comes complete with a comprehensive history file and can be viewed in Kingsbridge, south Devon.
Please note that I have iffy mobile reception down here, so if you don't get a reply, please drop me an email.