***Vendor supplied images*** Video at the bottom of the listing
Highlights
Older restoration by marque specialist
Repainted in 2020 and unused since
Very rare V6-engined Tuscan
Helped establish TVR’s reputation for grunty, pointable sports cars
The Appeal
TVR’s reputation as purveyors of small sports cars with big engines began here, with cars like the 1960s Tuscan. Light and nimble yet also very quick in a straight line, these were no-nonsense cars for enthusiast drivers.
Just 101 Tuscan V6s left the factory between 1969 and 1971, all equipped with the 135bhp Ford Essex V6.
This 1971 registered RHD car is an older restoration by marque specialist Marc Millnes that has recently been repainted by the vendor and unused since. Resplendent in Sky Blue metallic with caramel interior it is a very good example of these enduring British sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 1st January 1971
Restored by Belgian TVR specialist Marc Millnes prior to 2010
Two French owners since car arrived in France in 2010
Resprayed by the vendor in 2020 and displayed in its showroom since, unused
Unfortunately at the time of writing we did not have access to the service records
Importation documents completed
Vendor states that the car will be sold with a Controle Technique certificate
Acquired by the vendor from a classic car collection
The vendor states that this is a matching numbers car
The vendor states that the car drives, stops and shifts as it should
The Tuscan was one of the fruits of TVR’s takeover by Martin Lilly, part of a flush of new models designed to pull the ailing firm back from the brink. Initially available with only V8 power, in 1969 a V6-engined alternative was introduced using the narrower Vixen body shell but retaining the V8’s Salisbury differential.
While sales of the V6 car were still slow - just 101 cars produced until 1971 - they were enough to help stabilise TVR. The car’s combination of low weight and 135bhp power set it apart in the market and made it popular as an amateur race car and for hill climbs.
VIN records suggest that this car was built in late 1970 and it appears to have been registered in early 1971. Little is known of its history prior to arriving in France. It was comprehensively restored by Marc Millnes, a noted TVR specialist in Belgium, prior to its arrival. The vendor, a renowned classic car specialist, acquired the car from a collection and resprayed it in 2020. Since then it has been on display in its showroom and unused.
The Interior
Luxurious combination of wood veneers and sumptuous leather
Caramel leather retrimmed prior to the car’s arrival in France in 2010
Combination of Jaeger and Smiths dials
Smiths speedometer is a later fitment with digital tripmeter
Door cards, dash top and carpets in very good condition
Switchgear appears to be original with only light wear
Spare wheel fitted behind seats
Webasto-style sliding sunroof
Tuscans originally left the factory with simple and functional vinyl interiors that are a far cry from the stylistic blend of leather and wood that trimmed later cars. This Tuscan has been tastefully retrimmed to be something of a halfway house between the two, retaining the simple charms of the original but with the added luxury of the later ones. Such upgrades are common for Tuscans.
The retrimmed wood veneer dashboard is in excellent condition and has clearly been done to a high standard. It works well with the caramel leather seats.
The condition inside is very good, indicating some use but such that there is a gentle level of character. The seats have light creases to the bases but otherwise the carpets, headlining and door trims are very fresh. The switchgear appears mostly original, with only light wear, but there is a later Smiths speedometer with digital trip meter.
The Exterior
Smart Sky Blue metallic paintwork resprayed in 2020 and unused since
Original chromework and decals
Chrome wire wheels with spinners
Continental 15in tyres
Neat details like the leather bonnet straps
Round tubular chassis in good condition
The V6 Tuscan shared its name with the V8 but the two cars were quite different, not even sharing the same body shell. The V6 uses the narrower Vixen shell. It is a handsome shape that has aged well and looks particularly good in Sky Blue metallic as here.
We are told that this car was restored by a Belgian TVR specialist before its arrival in France. It was then resprayed in 2020 by the vendor and has only ever remained in its showroom since, unused. This is reflected in the condition of the paintwork which is immaculate.
The chromework and badging appear to be original but in very good condition. The same is true of the glass and lights.
The photographs of the underside indicate that the tubular chassis, always a necessary check point on these cars, is in very good condition with no visible deterioration. The vendor states that the car will be sold with a fresh Controle Technique certificate.
The Tuscan sits on pretty 15in chrome wire wheels with spinners with Continental tyres.
The Mechanics
2,994cc Ford Essex V6 engine developing 135bhp
Salisbury differential as fitted to the V8
Front discs and rear drums
Twin choke Weber 40DFAV carburettor
Brutal as the V8 Tuscan was, it was the V6 that sold more, likely due to its delicate balance of handling, lightness and performance. The Essex V6 sits well back in the body to aid balance and provides a hefty 135bhp.
We do not know the service history of this car but it seems reasonable to assume that the mechanical condition follows the aesthetic and structural appearance. The vendor states that the car starts, runs, drives and shifts as it should.
Summary
In an area when some British sports car makers played with the idea of performance, TVR’s Tuscan really delivered. So much so that from new these cars were used extensively for amateur racing and hill climbs.
This car’s uprated interior adds a high degree of luxury to the delicious Tuscan V6 recipe. It is in very good condition having been restored by a marque specialist and looks superb. This is a rare opportunity for any sports car enthusiast.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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