Description
223EMA, (or EMMA, as she is affectionately named) is understood to be one of the oldest surviving TVR open sports cars. EMMA is the second TVR sports open two-seater to be built. The first car - 17FTD; is still missing in action and is unlikely ever to be found. EMMA really is an opportunity to own an important part of UK automotive history.
In the Spring of 1955, Trevor Wilkinson was hard at work constructing a new chassis with multi-tubular backbone, and the innovative design set the future direction of TVR. Initially three Open Sports racers were constructed; EMMA was built by John Kennerley, who was working at TVR, using Trevor’s new chassis. EMMA’s declared chassis number is 5A-001 fitted with a proven 1100cc Coventry Climax engine a de-Dion rear end, clothed with a Fiberglass body, with the front and rear of EMMA coming from the same mould.
Registered 223 EMA, she has been locked away in various barns since 1985 and is now ready for a resurrection program to bring her back to the public eye, where she belongs.
In period
EMMA was raced by the Autospeed Garage at Rufforth on 1st April 1961, race number 114, driver D. A. Kelly. It was also part of the team in the Darlington & District 4-hour relay on the 16th July 1961 at Catterick, driven by Harry O Brien and racing against Keith Schellenberg and J Ropner who were entered in a C Type as part of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club Team.
Fast forward
After a lengthy period of inactivity 2019 saw EMMA purchased by the vendor and after light refurbishment, was entered at Chateau Impney Hill Climb and was one of many cars entered by the family that weekend. Today the family have progressed to single seaters, leaving 223EMA to sit sadly on the sidelines.
EMMA presents in almost barn find condition, with the positive that it starts, runs with good oil pressure and drives.
The brake master cylinder has just been replaced and the front wheel cylinders serviced. The vendor and others before have elected to keep EMMA in largely untouched condition. This car would make a fascinating addition to a collector or restorer who can showcase the living history of this famous British brand.
