Description:

1958 TVR Grantura MK I 

Registration Number - 546 YUP

Previously Registered As - 214 CLV

Chassis Number - 7/C/118

Engine Number - FW4003

 

 

Founded in Blackpool in the late 1940s by Trevor Wilkinson, TVR began making various ‘specials’ before introducing its first series production model the TVR Sports Saloon in 1954. The car that really put TVR on the map though, was the Grantura. Launched in 1958, the Grantura used a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis with trailing-link independent suspension all round, which was clothed in very pretty glassfibre coachwork that set the pattern for TVRs for years to come. The generously proportioned engine bay could accommodate a wide variety of engines, those of Ford and BMC being the most popular, while Grantura owners intending to go racing, as many of them did, usually specified the 1.2-litre overhead-camshaft Coventry Climax FWE unit.

 

The example offered for sale here, is not only one of these incredibly rare Coventry Climax engined cars, but is also one of the earliest Climax Mk1 cars known to the Grantura register, dating from the first year of production, 1958. This car, chassis number 7/C/118, where the ‘C’ denoted in the chassis number referring to ‘Climax’, was originally registered as 214 CLV.

 

The first owner that we are currently aware of was Peter Reece of Hull. The car was then purchased by Colin Parry in 1980. Mr Parry was a well-known TVR Car Club member as well as being a regional organiser for the club’s events. He owned a number of TVR’s during his life and TVR Car Club records show that during Mr Parry’s ownership the car bore the registration number 214 CLV. The car was then declared off the road and kept in storage until it found its way to 'Cottage Classics’, a small restoration firm specialising in early TVRs. The car remained there until it was purchased by Mr Glyn Peacock, owner of Peacock Engineering, specialists in Coventry Climax engines and spares.

 

During Mr Peacock’s ownership, the car had extensive restoration work and was race prepared, but never raced and saw very little use. This work included all new electrics, brakes and a full engine and gearbox rebuild by Mr Peacock’s company, Peacock Engineering.

 

Paperwork for the engine rebuild shows the specification as follows: 1,224cc engine with original FWA head rebuilt with new valves, guides, springs, recut seats. Polished ports and combustion chambers, original standard camshaft with a compression ratio of 9 to 1. The block has had new liners, new Wossner pistons, new Arrow rods, refurbished and balanced forged steel crank, rebuilt oil pump with new FWA gears, refurbished water pump. New front pulley, steel timing gear and chain, new Aldon distributor. Other parts included a new flywheel and clutch and a new starter motor and alternator.

 

Finished in green with cream stripe and black upholstery, the car has a roll cage, plumbed-in fire extinguisher and is in good order throughout having been barely used these past few years. Although fully rebuilt, the engine has been barely run in and would benefit from further setting up before being driven in anger again.

 

Useable both on road and track, the motorcar provides an interesting entry to some of the most prestigious historic motorsport events and series, including the Goodwood Revival, Spa 6 Hours, Le Mans Classic, Silverstone Classic and more, particularly given the extensive racing history of TVR Granturas in period, including the works entry at Le Mans in 1962 and multiple TT races at Goodwood. In addition, at current market prices this Grantura offer good value in comparison to a near comparable, the Lotus Elite, given its similar proportions, Coventry Climax engine and eligibility.

Website:

http://www.mathercollectables.com