TVR Car Club - Early TVRs, including TVR No2

Early TVRs

In production: 1949-1957
Models: No1, No2, Jomar

History

1949
After founding Trevcar Motors in 1947, Trevor Wilkinson initially focussed on repairing old military trucks and fairground rides, but always held the passion that he wanted to design and build his own car. He realised his ambition two years later when in 1949 he built TVR No 1 (right) using a multi-tubular chassis (like all modern TVRs), Morris 8 mechanicals and a Ford 100E engine to which he added his own design metal bodyshell. This car sadly no longer exists as it was damaged in an accident and was subsequently broken up to build TVR No 3.

However, its successor, TVR No 2, which is virtually identical to 1 and 3 still does exists and is the oldest surviving TVR.

TVR No2

Also built in 1949, this car is a development of the original in which Trevor refined a number of minor points including a larger radiator for improved engine cooling and the introduction of hub caps! Aviation enthusiasts may recognise the rev counter – it originates from a Supermarine Spitfire! The car raced in the 1172 Formula in the mid 1960s at circuits such as Croft, Oulton and Aintree.

Currently owned by TVRCC member Richard Wright, No 2 has been in the Wright family for over 50 years and was fully restored to its present condition by Richard in time for the Golden Anniversary celebrations in 1997 when it was reunited for the first time with Trevor since the early 1950s. It appeared as the star of the TVRCC stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show in 2007.
Trevor helped Richard with the restoration sending correspondence from his then home on the Spanish island of Menorca and even made the front badge by hand when the car was finished.

Richard told the TVRCC:
"During these discussions, it came to light that certain parts from No1 (which Trevor cut up) were actually used in No2. In the future we intend to race the car at classic events and interest in this has also been expressed by parties abroad".

TVR No 2 is currently loaned to the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow, Cumbria, close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere.

Technical Specifications

TVR No2
Engine: Ford E93A side valve
with twin S.U. carbs
Capacity (cc): 1172cc
Power: Around 90bhp
Torque: 60lbft
Performance: Around 90mph
Suspension & Brakes:
Fully independent front and rear suspension with drum brakes all round
Wheels and Tyres: 24" Avon

Sketch by Trevor Wilkinson of TVR No1

Trevor Wilkinson with TVR No2 in Blackpool

Then started the Jomar saga, Peter Scott wrote in Sprint in October and November 1994 about his visit to see Alex Saidel. Ray Saidel had written from New Hampshire to Trevor Wilkinson and agreed to sell TVRs under the Jomar name, based on his children names JOanna and MARc. TVR moved to a new home at Hoo Hill and Roadsters based on two bonnet moulds, Notchbacks coupes and eventually Fastbacks were produced. The fastback was to become the Grantura and set the style of TVR's for the next 21 years.