Description:

1960 TVR Grantura Mk II Lightweight Works Competition Car – Chassis 7/C/238

One of the most important early competition TVRs to survive, this genuine ex-Works Grantura Mk II Lightweight combines factory development pedigree, extensive period racing history, and proven competitiveness in modern historic motorsport.

Offered here is chassis 7/C/238, one of just four lightweight Works development cars constructed by TVR for international competition. First registered in October 1960, these highly specialised factory racers differed significantly from standard production Granturas, featuring strengthened lightweight chassis frames, ultra-thin glassfibre bodywork, distinctive alloy ‘Wobbly-Web’ wheels, tuned Coventry-Climax power, and close-ratio transmissions. Together, these enhancements represented TVR’s most ambitious motorsport programme to date and laid the foundations for the marque’s growing reputation in competition.

Originally finished in blue with a striking yellow centre stripe, 7/C/238 formed part of the TVR Works team during an important period in the company’s development. Closely resembling sister car 1226 RO, period records suggest that one of the pair was campaigned by John Woolfe in prestigious events including the 1961 Lombank Trophy at Snetterton and the Fordwater Trophy at Goodwood, highlighting the significance of these factory-backed machines within TVR’s racing history.

Sold from the factory at the end of 1961, the Grantura embarked upon an active competition career in British motorsport. Driven extensively between 1962 and 1964, the car competed in numerous national events, including rounds of the BRSCC British Sports Car Championship, before passing into the ownership of Bill Cook. Under his stewardship, 7/C/238 continued to race regularly at circuits such as Snetterton and Brands Hatch until 1971.

Following its retirement from competition, the TVR remained dormant for more than two decades before being rediscovered in 1996 by a prominent collector of significant British sports and racing cars. Remarkably preserved and largely untouched throughout its years in storage, the car retained much of its original fabric before eventually passing to a respected marque specialist in 2013.

A comprehensive restoration was subsequently undertaken, returning the Grantura to its original Works specification while incorporating the safety and reliability requirements necessary for front-running historic competition. Significantly, both the original lightweight chassis and factory bodywork were found to be in exceptionally sound condition, a rare and important attribute for a Works competition car of this era.

Since restoration, the Grantura has enjoyed an active and successful second career in historic motorsport, competing in Pre-1964 GT racing throughout Europe and appearing at the prestigious Goodwood Members’ Meeting. Under current ownership, the car has been maintained without compromise by MRM Motorsport and remains one of the fastest and most competitive early Granturas in historic racing today. Most recently, it secured the coveted Index of Performance award at the Portimão long-distance race, further demonstrating its pace and capability.

The car is offered with a freshly built J. Whitehurst Coventry-Climax race engine and is presented in race-ready condition. Included within the sale are the original moulds for the rare ‘Wobbly-Web’ wheels together with two spare wheels, further enhancing its appeal and usability.

Accompanied by a current FIA Historic Technical Passport valid until 2027, this exceptional TVR is eligible for many of the world's premier historic motorsport events, including Goodwood. Rare, beautifully prepared and carrying outstanding provenance, 7/C/238 represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant and desirable early competition TVRs in existence.

Specification

• Chassis Number: 7/C/238
• Registration Number: NFO 983
• FIA HTP Valid Until: 2027
• Period Race History
• Rebuilt Coventry Climax Engine
• Eligible for Goodwood Members Meeting  and Revival, Motor Racing Legends pre 63 GT, Peter Auto, Equipe Pre'63 GT and Masters Gentleman Drivers

Keyword Search Terms:

Pre'63 GT, MRL, Equipe, Peter Auto, Gentleman Drivers,