What began as a workshop in Blackpool eventually became one of the UK’s most well-known producers of hand-built and unique sports cars. Following a few stints with one-off race cars and a failed open-top and coupe production model in the late 1950s, TVR introduced the Grantura Mark I. This nimble fastback gave birth to a long line of TVRs that shared the same general design elements. In 1972, following the TVR Vixen, the M-Series lineup of sports cars was born. 

The M-Series cars were named according to their engine displacement, with the lowest 1600M offering a 1.6-liter engine and the 3000M/S offering a 3.0-liter engine. They used the same front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and body-on-frame construction as their predecessors, with said body being built from glass-reinforced plastic. Despite the nomenclature, the 2500M was the first to hit the market in March 1972.

The 2500M was powered by the 2.5-liter straight-six engine from the Triumph TR6 since it was already certified for US emissions regulations. The TR6’s gearbox, differential, and front suspension uprights were transferred over as well. That combination put out 106 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque with a 4-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive. TVR was forced to end production of the 2500M in 1977 after Triumph discontinued the TR6 engine and their supplies ran out. Of the 2,465 M-Series cars built from 1972 to 1979, only 947 2500Ms were sold.

This particular example, Chassis # 3144TM, is a 1974 model year 2500M finished in silver over a black leather interior and what we believe to be 42,222 original miles on the odometer. While a lot of this TVR’s history has been lost to time, we can speculate that it spent a long portion of its life in California before undergoing a cosmetic restoration by Coachcraft Inc. starting in 2011. At that time, the car received a cosmetic refresh, addressing the exterior and interior. While we believe this car was originally silver, the paint used during the restoration is said to share the same code as a Ferrari 430’s metallic silver paint. Additionally, a new black leather interior, a new dash, a new headliner, a new sunroof, a complete polish and repaint of the ”T-slots” on all five wheels, a new valve cover, new Superflo Air Filters, new chrome bumpers, new water pump, fuel pump, radiator, distributor, and alternator. Following the restoration, it made its way to The Cedar Crossing Collection in Michigan before it was purchased by its current and most recent owner.

Accompanying this car are the numerous service records that show a pristine maintenance history dating back to 2011 where any small issue the car exhibited was addressed properly and with a blank check. Due to this combination of love and restoration, the car has beautifully retained its British flare inside and out over the past 50 years.

In August 2011, Lippincott’s Garage in Sinking Spring, PA, replaced the alternator, ignition points & condenser, spark plugs, repaired the distributor, and rejetted the carburetors. In September, they replaced the brake servo, brake master cylinder, and front brake pads. In January 2012, they installed new needles in the carburetors, repaired the fuel level sending unit, and installed new tailpipe baffles. In May, they replaced the speedometer with a custom-made one for the car. In October, the car was treated to new shocks and springs all around.

Upon the most recent owner’s acquisition, starting in 2013, numerous washers, bolts, seals, clamps, and washers were ordered from Moss Motors Ltd. In January 2014, the cooling system was improved with a new radiator and fans from Wizard Cooling in West Falls, NY. In March 2014, K&T Vintage Sports Cars in Allentown, PA replaced the radiator, fans, accompanying relays, and both hoses. They also replaced the horns and washer pump, adjusted the carburetors, and repaired the choke and throttle cable. The OEM steering wheel was replaced with a 13” Moto-Lita leather-wrapped steering wheel in April of the same year.

The repairs continued in April of that same year with a new temp sensor and fuel line, and miscellaneous repairs to the rear light assemblies. In March 2015, the sunroof was repaired, the carburetor was cleaned and rebuilt, and a number of wiring issues both inside and in the engine bay were addressed. In October 2016, the TVR had its front grill repaired & repainted and received a new clutch slave cylinder. The last service record on file shows a rebuilt starter from Moss Motors in March 2019.

This 2500M also attended the TVR Club’s 2014 “Out of the Woodwork” show in Carlisle, PA – and received First Place in the M-Series class.

TVRs have always been relatively scarce, with the highest production model, the Chimaera, showing only 5,256 units produced. Earlier cars are even more desirable, as production numbers never rose above three digits. The 2500M, in particular, is among the rarer M-Series cars, given its premature discontinuation due to the end of the TR6 engine production. This example has benefitted from meticulous maintenance throughout its lifetime and remains in largely pristine and original condition.

Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original steering wheel, the original booklets and manuals, all of the service records on file, as well as the car’s original spare wheel.

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