Catalog / TVR
TVR, short for TreVoR, was founded in 1947 by Trevor Wilkinson in Blackpool, England. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance, lightweight sports cars that embodied the spirit of British motoring. TVR's journey has been marked by innovation, financial challenges, and a dedicated fan base that appreciates the brand's commitment to raw driving experiences.
In its early years, TVR focused on building specials based on existing chassis. The company's first original design, the TVR Open Sports, debuted in 1949. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, TVR expanded its range with models like the Grantura and the Griffith, the latter featuring a powerful V8 engine that set the tone for future TVR performance cars.
The 1970s saw TVR introducing the M-Series, including the popular 3000M and Taimar models. However, it was in the 1980s and 1990s that TVR truly came into its own under the ownership of Peter Wheeler. This era produced some of TVR's most iconic cars, such as the Tuscan, Cerbera, and Griffith 500. These models were known for their distinctive styling, impressive performance, and the use of TVR's own engines.
Interesting fact: TVR is one of the few car manufacturers to develop its own straight-six and V8 engines in-house, a testament to the company's engineering prowess and desire for independence.
The turn of the millennium brought new challenges and opportunities. In 2004, Russian businessman Nikolai Smolensky purchased TVR, leading to a period of uncertainty. Production ceased in 2006, and the brand seemed destined for obscurity. However, in 2013, British entrepreneur Les Edgar acquired TVR, promising to revive the brand while maintaining its core values.
In 2017, TVR unveiled the new Griffith, a modern interpretation of the classic TVR formula: lightweight construction, powerful engine, and striking design. The Griffith, powered by a Ford Coyote V8 engine tuned by Cosworth, signaled TVR's intention to compete with established sports car manufacturers while retaining its unique character.
Today, TVR continues its journey of revival, balancing its heritage of producing raw, exhilarating sports cars with the demands of modern automotive regulations and technologies. The company's commitment to building cars that prioritize driver engagement over electronic aids remains a core part of its identity, ensuring that TVR maintains its special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts around the world.
The cost of TVR cars varies significantly depending on the model, age, and condition. As TVR has recently re-emerged in the market with limited production, prices for new models are at a premium, while classic TVRs offer a wide range of options for enthusiasts.
New TVR models, such as the recently unveiled Griffith, are priced in the range of €90,000 to €120,000, depending on specifications and limited edition status. This pricing puts TVR in competition with established sports car manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar.
For those interested in classic TVRs, prices can range from around €15,000 for earlier, more common models in need of some restoration, up to €100,000 or more for rare, well-maintained examples of iconic models like the Tuscan, Sagaris, or Cerbera. Limited edition models or those with significant racing history can command even higher prices, sometimes exceeding €150,000.
It's worth noting that due to TVR's limited production numbers and cult following, prices for well-maintained classic models have been steadily appreciating, making them attractive not just as driver's cars but also as investments.
The most affordable entry into TVR ownership typically comes in the form of older, classic models. The TVR Chimaera, produced from 1992 to 2003, is often considered one of the more accessible TVRs, with prices starting around €15,000 to €20,000 for examples in fair condition.
However, the final price of even the cheapest TVR can vary significantly based on several factors:
It's important to note that while cheaper TVRs exist, budget should be set aside for potential repairs and maintenance, as these hand-built sports cars can be costly to keep in good running order.
The most expensive TVR models are typically either the latest offerings from the revived company or rare, well-preserved examples of classic models. The new TVR Griffith, in its launch edition form, is priced at around €120,000. However, final prices can exceed this depending on several factors:
For classic TVRs, the most expensive models are typically the rarest or most significant in TVR's history. A pristine, low-mileage TVR Cerbera Speed 12 - a road-going version of TVR's GT1 race car - could potentially fetch over €500,000 due to its extreme rarity and performance. Similarly, well-preserved examples of models like the Sagaris or T440R can command prices well over €100,000, with particularly special examples potentially reaching close to €200,000.
It's worth noting that due to TVR's limited production numbers and passionate fan base, prices for the most desirable models can fluctuate significantly based on market demand and the specific history of individual cars.
