TVR 3000M

Launched in 1972, the 3000M sat at the top of TVR's new ‘M’ range of two seater sports coupes which were developed under the stewardship of Martin Lilley (hence the M) who, along with his father, had taken over TVR in November 1965. The 3000M shared its sturdy chassis and purposeful styling with the 1600M and 2500M along with the same front disc/rear drum braking system.

Underneath the bonnet of the 3000M sat the venerable Ford Capri 3.0 litre V6 engine, developing 138bhp which equated to a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60 dash of 7.7 seconds. Suspension was via double wishbones and coil springs front and rear. The 3000M remained in production until 1979 when it was replaced by the new Tasmin model by which time just 694 examples had been sold making them a fairly rare sight today.

This particular 3000M was first registered in March 1973 and was bought new by Jem Marsh, the racing driver who founded Marcos. In the current ownership since 2001, the car has benefited from much restoration and upgrading including a new powder coated chassis, Ford Sierra 5-speed gearbox and a tuned and uprated Ford 3.1-litre V6 engine. A dyno sheet in the history file indicates that this produces some 142kw on the rolling road (190bhp). It also has an uprated cooling system with an alloy radiator and twin fans plus a big-bore stainless steel exhaust system.

Always well maintained by the current enthusiast owner, it is said to drive very well and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale.