Highlights
- Highly presented Taimar rarity in black cherry with ivory decal stripe and tan cabin
- Comprehensive 'body off' refurbishment guided by marque specialist Adrian Venn
- Complete rebuild including chassis, engine, braking, suspension, steering, cooling and electrical systems
- Only 66,000 miles with just 300 miles per annum over last 27 years
- £8,500 invested plus hundreds of hours labour during current ownership
- Specialist (First Motion) 5-speed Type 9 gearbox upgrade
- Complete electrical system overhaul by a qualified automotive electrician
The Appeal
The TVR was a typical Blackpool innovation on an established design. Its hatchback rear added much-needed extra versatility. Just 395 were built, which makes this 1978 car both rare and, thanks to a huge restoration process, amongst the best of those remaining.
The vendor, who is a professional engineer, acquired the car in 2022 as a partly completed project having previously been subject to a body and trim renovation. He has completed a comprehensive 'body off' programme of refurbishment, guided by TVR guru Adrian Venn and including mechanical and chassis renovation.
The vendor's analysis of receipts informs us that he has spent £8,500 on the car in addition to investing hundreds of hours labour.
The vendor's analysis of receipts informs us that he has spent £8,500 on the car in addition to investing hundreds of hours labour.
The combination of period-correct black cherry coachwork, tasteful mechanical upgrades including the desirable 5-speed gearbox, and extensive documentation makes this a particularly appealing example for the discerning TVR enthusiast. A cherished example that has been lovingly restored.
The vendor says:
“Sympathetically restored whilst maintaining originality. Hundreds of hours taken to undertake complete refurbishment guided by marque expert Adrian Venn who lives locally.”
History and Paperwork
- Registered on 12 October 1978 as a UK right-hand drive example
- Previous keeper had the car for 14 years
- Acquired by the current keeper in January 2022
- 7 former registered keepers recorded on the V5
- Comprehensive chassis and mechanical refurbishment undertaken by the current keeper
- Extensive history file with receipts and invoices including for work carried out by well-known TVR specialists
- MOT history dating back to 1981
- 66,000 miles recorded
- MOT history informs us that the car has averaged 300 miles per annum over last 27 years and around 500 miles per annum over the last 44 years
- Less than 1,000 miles covered during current ownership
- £8,500 invested plus hundreds of hours labour during current ownership
- Historic vehicle status - exempt from MOT and zero road tax
- V5 present
- Reluctant sale due to downsizing the vendor's collection
The Condition
- Period-correct black cherry coachwork with cream decal stripe
- Body previously refurbished under prior ownership - still very presentable
- Later style pull handles which improve security
- Door hinges refurbished, improving door fit and alignment
- Sunroof frame renovated and recovered with period-correct textured vinyl
- Replacement lighter-weight bumpers fitted
- Gas pressurised tailgate struts replaced
- Quick-release bonnet kit fitted
- Original equipment T slot alloys - previously refurbished - still very presentable
- New tyres fitted
- Space saver spare wheel to improve airflow around the engine
- Original spare T slot wheel included
- Period-correct tan interior
- Trim previously refurbished under prior ownership - still very presentable
- Complete retrim to original specification by David Gerald
- Tailored carpet set throughout
- Recent replacement of both seat base foams
- Centre console trim modified to suit 5 speed gearbox gate
- Sunvisors replaced with period-correct versions
- 5-speed gear knob to match chrome interior features
- Electrical wiring system completely overhauled by a qualified automotive electrician
- Upgraded headlamps fitted
- Rear lamps overhauled
- USB socket installed in place of the cigar lighter
The Mechanics
- 2994cc Essex V6 engine
- Specialist 5-speed manual transmission
- Later Salisbury type differential
- Low mileage of 66,000 miles
- Extensive restoration across virtually every area of the car as detailed below
- Work guided by TVR marque specialist Adrian Venn
- Work undertaken by a qualified professional mechanical engineer
- Very sparing use since completion
Summary of mechanical work provided by seller:
- Comprehensive ‘body off’ programme of refurbishment
- Complete ‘nut and bolt’ rebuild including chassis, engine, braking, suspension, steering, cooling and electrical systems
Engine
- Replacement engine block / rings / bearings / oil pump / water pump / skimmed heads / polished crank
- Aluminium timing gear - replaces problematic OE fibre item
- Refurbished original Italian Weber 38 DGAS carburettor
- High performance four row core radiator
- Silicone water hoses
- High torque starter motor
- Stainless steel exhaust system
Gearbox
- Specialist (First Motion) 5 speed Type 9 gearbox
- Heavy duty bearings with revised ratios (incl 2.98 first gear) and modified bell housing
- Later type more durable Salisbury differential
Suspension and brakes
- Replacement road springs
- Spax adjustable shock absorbers
- Goodrich braided brake hoses
- Front callipers replaced
- Wishbones upgraded
- New bushes throughout
- Rear hubs machined & replacement shafts fitted
Chassis
- Body removed and chassis completely stripped
- Only two tubes required to replaced due to minor pin holes - water trapped in felt pads
- Correct wall section box steel used
- Rustproofed and finished in chassis black
Electrics
- Electrical wiring system completely overhauled by a qualified automotive electrician
- Aldon electronic ignition
- Separate twin electric fans independently fused for failsafe operation
Drive
When asked how the TVR drives, the vendor tells us that the engine idles at a steady 600 rpm, with 75 psi oil pressure and water temperature maintained at 90 degrees Celsius. Weighing in at under a metric ton, the Taimar is very responsive to drive, with a firm ‘sports car’ ride and excellent handling.
This tallies with John Bolster's review in period, stating:
"This car emphasises the delights of having a big engine in a light vehicle. The TVR is no heavier than some 1600cc saloons, yet it has 3000cc to pull it. The result is that almost any gear suffices, and a gentle touch on the accelerator gives one a reassuring push in the back."
As the above list shows, the vendor really knows their way around this car's mechanicals, having carried out all the necessary work to make it a highly usable example in a very fit state of tune. This has included a series of shrewd upgrades, such as fitting aluminium timing gear. The result is surely among the best-driving Taimars you will ever come across.
The vendor summarises:
"With £8,500 invested and hundreds of hours to undertake refurbishment during my ownership, this is a lovely driving car in period correct cherished condition."
"This car emphasises the delights of having a big engine in a light vehicle. The TVR is no heavier than some 1600cc saloons, yet it has 3000cc to pull it. The result is that almost any gear suffices, and a gentle touch on the accelerator gives one a reassuring push in the back."
As the above list shows, the vendor really knows their way around this car's mechanicals, having carried out all the necessary work to make it a highly usable example in a very fit state of tune. This has included a series of shrewd upgrades, such as fitting aluminium timing gear. The result is surely among the best-driving Taimars you will ever come across.
The vendor summarises:
"With £8,500 invested and hundreds of hours to undertake refurbishment during my ownership, this is a lovely driving car in period correct cherished condition."
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