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History1971 - The "M" Series brought together the Vixen and Wide Bodied Tuscan on a new chassis. The model range started with one fastback body and three engines, 1600M; (1600cc, Ford straight 4) 2500M; (2500cc, Triumph straight 6) and 3000M; (3000cc Ford Essex V6) and ended, in 1980, with three body styles, 3000M, Taimar (a 3000M with a hatchback) and 3000S convertible, all of which incorporated the 3litre engine, of these 63 were built with the Broadspeed derived 230bhp Turbo.
TVR 3000M Turbo
When the M Series of TVRs debuted at the London Motor Show, it is unclear how many people looked at the cars on press day, adorned as they were with naked models. Initially available as a fastback coupe with a choice of engines, the M was joined in 1976 by the Taimar which had an opening rear and in 1978 by the 3000S which was TVR’s first production convertible.
TVR 3000M 'Martin'
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Technical SpecificationsTVR 3000M / 3000S
Engine: Ford Essex V6 Capacity (cc): 2994cc Power: 165bhp @ 4700rpm Torque: 190lbft @ 3300 rpm Performance: 0-60mph 7.7 seconds Max Speed: 125 mph TVR 3000M Turbo
Engine: Ford Essex V6 turbocharged Capacity (cc): 2994cc Power: 230bhp @ 5500rpm Torque: 273lbft @ 3500 rpm Performance: 0-60mph 5.7 seconds Max Speed: 140 mph TVR 2500M
Engine: Triumph 2500 straight six Capacity (cc): 2498cc Power: 106bhp @ 4900rpm Torque: 133lbft @ 3000 rpm Performance: 0-60mph 9.3 secs Max Speed: 109 mph TVR 1600M
Engine: Ford 1600 GT Capacity (cc): 1600cc Power: 86bhp @ 5600rpm Torque: 90lbft @ 4000 rpm Performance: 0-60mph 10.5 seconds Max Speed: 105 mph Production Numbers:
1600M - 148 2500M - 947 3000M - 654 Taimar - 395 Martin - 10 3000S - 258 3000M Turbo - 20 Taimar Turbo - 30 3000S Turbo - 13 |
To celebrate a decade of Martin Lilley’s ownership of TVR, ten 3000M Anniversary cars were produced. These cars were individually numbered with special kick plates and were painted Rover Tobacco Leaf with a Rover Mexico Brown model band with a distinctive two tone vinyl roof. They were also fitted with all the extras available at the time including Wolfrace alloy wheels, tinted glass and an electric aerial. Out of the ten cars produced it is believed there are only a couple registered on British roads today with one known to be residing in Germany.
1972 - Of approximately 2466 M series cars 148 were 1600Ms fitted with a 1.6 Ford Kent engine, Ford gearbox and TR6 diff. These came about because of the fuel shortages and rapidly rising costs caused by the 1973 Suez fuel crisis (petrol rations books were even issued at the time). However the extra weight of the M series compared to the Vixen (300lbs+) took the edge off the performance and with purchase costs and fuel consumption close to the larger engined cars it's not surprising that so few were sold, even . It was called at the time 'a sheep in wolf's clothing'.
The 2500M was produced for the American market using the 2.5L straight six engine as fitted to the Triumph TR6. This was primarily as it had already been certified for US emissions regulations.
The 3000M was the high performance model in the range, it used the V6 3.0L Ford Essex engine. This was followed by the Taimar which was a 3000M with a hatchback tailgate
1972 - Of approximately 2466 M series cars 148 were 1600Ms fitted with a 1.6 Ford Kent engine, Ford gearbox and TR6 diff. These came about because of the fuel shortages and rapidly rising costs caused by the 1973 Suez fuel crisis (petrol rations books were even issued at the time). However the extra weight of the M series compared to the Vixen (300lbs+) took the edge off the performance and with purchase costs and fuel consumption close to the larger engined cars it's not surprising that so few were sold, even . It was called at the time 'a sheep in wolf's clothing'.
The 2500M was produced for the American market using the 2.5L straight six engine as fitted to the Triumph TR6. This was primarily as it had already been certified for US emissions regulations.
The 3000M was the high performance model in the range, it used the V6 3.0L Ford Essex engine. This was followed by the Taimar which was a 3000M with a hatchback tailgate
TVR Taimar
TVR then worked with Broadspeed and produced the first production turbocharged sportscar in the UK. This was available on the 3000M, 3000S and Taimar.
The 3000S was the final development of Martin Lilley’s M Series. A “prototype” was apparently created from Martin’s accident damaged 3000M, but series production began in 1978. When production ended in November 1979 a total of 258 3000S models had been built. Many were left hand drive and were shipped to the USA where they were impounded for failing to meet US Customs requirements!
The 3000S was the final development of Martin Lilley’s M Series. A “prototype” was apparently created from Martin’s accident damaged 3000M, but series production began in 1978. When production ended in November 1979 a total of 258 3000S models had been built. Many were left hand drive and were shipped to the USA where they were impounded for failing to meet US Customs requirements!
TVR 3000S
ARCHIVES
Find out more in the TVR M Series Archives (Members Only) |
TECHNICAL
Find out more on the TVR M Series Technical Page (Members Only) |
Details or adverts from the period
3000S Turbo - Blackpool power in the form of a turbocharged 3-litre V6 makes TVR's rugged sportster into a latter day AC Cobra,and one of the fastest cars that money can buy - Autosport, Oct 11 1979 |
TVR 2500M - Undeniably English, unquestionably quick - Autocar Dec, 1977 |
