1968 TVR Vixen S1 – Auction Car of the Week

Owning any TVR is an exciting proposition and when it comes to early models the TVR Vixen S1 has the added gravitas of being incredibly rare, especially if it features the MG B engine that was a hangover from the previous Grantura models. With only a handful of the already limited 117 cars built having the 1798cc B-Series motor this particular car is most definitely in hen’s teeth territory.

The TVR Vixen debuted in 1967, the second offering from Blackpool’s finest and a continuation of sorts from the aforementioned Grantura. It utilised the same chassis and engine before switching over to a 1.6-litre Ford Kent engine from the Cortina GT due to supply problems relating to the MG powerplant. In typical TVR fashion, however, instead of shelving the remaining B-Series engines it had in stock it simply rolled the first smattering of Vixens out the factory doors with those very engines installed. Waste not, want not.

The car went through numerous iterations during its six year production run, with various changes occurring throughout the years, culminating in another engine swap to a 2.5-litre Triumph V6. With a tubular frame chassis and fibreglass, Kamm-tail body the Vixen was a featherweight compared to a lot of cars at the time and its all round independent suspension was a step forward from the Grantura. Having said that it remains an incredibly easy car to work on thanks to its relatively simple mechanics and drivetrain.

What makes this particular TVR Vixen S1 stand out from an already exclusive bunch is the improvements that have been made over the standard car. As part of a full, body off restoration beginning in 2019, the car was treated to a whole host of upgrades. Not only was the Vixen fully rebuilt from the ground up over a two-year period but the engine has also been bored out to 1860cc, providing a welcome addition of grunt.

Along with the extra displacement and a full rebuild the engine has also received a new fast road cam and vernier timing gear, as well as being fully balanced. The twin SU carbs have been properly set up and balanced too and so this Vixen now performs excellently. To take advantage of these enhancements the car has been fitted with an alternator in place of the original dynamo and a new four-speed gearbox with overdrive which combine to make the car a much more drive-able proposition.

Not only that but the suspension has also been replaced with AVO fully adjustable coilovers with a full compliment of polybushes and the steering benefits from new rose joints too, ensuring the car handles just as well as it performs. The brakes have also received some love with new calipers and discs up front so this is most definitely not an all go and no slow example as is so often the case with tweaked classics.

It’s no secret that these early Vixens rust from the inside out due to the chassis not being treated from the factory but thankfully this is not the case here. This car’s bones were blasted, inspected and then fully powder coated, protecting them for years to come and the body was completely re-painted in a rather lovely shade of Land Rover Firenze Red. It truly is a stunning colour and sets off the unblemished chrome trim pieces and wire wheels beautifully.

The interior has also benefited from a refresh as part of the restoration process and the cabin of the Vixen is resplendent in its original, retrimmed black leather upholstery. With only a few age-related imperfections the cockpit is a wonderful place to be and with a brand new headlining, carpets and electrics it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Having travelled a mere 159 miles since the restoration this TVR Vixen is practically a brand new car, but a car that is far superior to any standard model that drove out of the factory in Blackpool back in the late ’60s. Already a great little sportster this Vixen S1 is simply better in every way. Perhaps not one for the purists but we’d take this over a boggo S1 any day of the week so join us over at our auctions platform as we continue to drool over the listing before chucking in a bid.

If you missed out this time, here’s where to keep an eye out for a TVR Vixen for sale.