Lot 224 - 1971 TVR Tuscan
| Lot Number | 224 |
| Registration | KPT 555K |
| Chassis Number | 2019/6 |
| Odometer reading | 30,200 miles |
| Result | Sold - £23,206 |
- BARC Championship winning car 1982 and 1983
- Full written history from new
- Original TVR handbook and delivery note
The TVR Tuscan was a front engine, rear wheel drive sports car built from 1967 to 1971 in the company's Blackpool factory. It was the second car developed by TVR during the Martin Lilley era of the automotive firm. The car was made available in both a V8 and a V6 format, with a total of 174 cars built between the two available engine formats. In mid 1969, to provide a car at an intermediate level of performance, TVR released the Tuscan V6. Equipped with a 2994 cc Ford Essex V6 engine, which came from Ford's British division (also used in the Ford Zodiac Mk. IV and Ford Capri). The brakes were changed from the V8 model, as only the front used discs, and the rear had drum brakes. The V6 model was also narrower, using the same bodyshell and chassis as the four-cylinder Vixens. It did, however, receive the same Salisbury differential as the Tuscan V8. Most of the cars produced were righthand drive, for the home market.
This example was first delivered in August 1971 with a V6 engine and was righthand drive. The original delivery note and its original green log book can be found in the cars history file. In 1973 the car was converted to factory Tuscan V8 specification by Brian Murphy who was the production manager at TVR at that time, he oversaw the installation of a 220bhp 289 Ford 4.7 litre which was then upgraded in 1975, when a full race 4.7 litre GT40 engine was fitted and the car was then further modified to marque sportscar specification (road legal class 8). The car was then regularly campaigned in the mid 1970s with many class wins and two class records. In the late 1970s its final upgrade took place with the installation of Falconer and Dunn full race Formula 5000 Boss 302 engine, the car was then rebuilt to lightweight modified sportscar specification with lightweight factory shell and bonnet. The culmination of the various upgrades resulted in the car winning the BARC National Speed Hill Climb Championship outright in 1982. In 2000 a three year project began with a total nut and bolt conversion back to road specification, using a much stronger 1972 Mike Bigland designed chassis shell and with a 3.5 litre half race Rover V8 engine was installed, which is still in it today. It has a five speed gearbox, Holley carburettors and a powerlock differential and the car was also converted from right to lefthand drive. This extremely interesting TVR comes with a substantial history file containing an abundance of paperwork and photographs charting its history from new and also on file is the complete history in writing. The interior is trimmed in black leather with Wilton carpets and although the wheels have been changed, the originals will come with the car. A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of British Motorsport history which can be driven on the road.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.