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TVR 1600M

TVR 1600MTVR 1600MTVR 1600MTVR 1600MTVR 1600M
TVR 1600MTVR 1600M
Lot number 25
Hammer value £8,100
Description TVR 1600M
Registration CVN 647L
Year 1973
Colour Ford Signal Orange
Engine size 1,588 cc
Chassis No. 2568FM
Engine No. 57098

Launched in 1972, the TVR ‘M’ Series of two seater sports coupes were developed under the stewardship of Martin Lilley (hence the M) who, along with his father, had taken over TVR in November 1965. The 1600M shared its sturdy chassis and purposeful styling with the 3000M and 2500M along with the same front disc/rear drum braking system and double wishbone and coil spring suspension front and rear.

The 1600M used the tried and tested 1.6-litre Ford Kent engine as found in the Capri GT. Driving through a 4-speed manual gearbox this gave the car decent performance, 0 – 60mph coming up in just 10.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 105mph. The 1600M was discontinued in 1973, only to be revived for the 1975 model year to meet increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. In October 1972, it cost £1,980 and a total of 148 were sold by the time production finally ended in 1977, making them a very rare sight today.

First registered in February 1973, this particular example looks superb in a period shade of Ford Signal Orange with a grey cloth interior and blue carpets. The previous engineer owner kept the car for some 23 years, maintaining and upgrading it meticulously throughout that time. Upgrades include a 5-speed Ford gearbox, uprated cooling system, rose jointed bonnet hinges plus many other tweaks.

The fibreglass bodywork has just been repainted to show standard and the original alloys refurbished and new Goodyear tyres fitted. The vendor states that the car is “a pleasure to drive and super responsive” and doubts that you would find a better example anywhere. With an MOT until May 2012, this car is just begging to be driven – preferably by someone with a 70s afro and a cool pair of flares!

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