TVR
TVR
Founded
1946
Founders
Trevor Wilkinson
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Walliswood, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
TVR
Founded
1946
Founders
Trevor Wilkinson
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Walliswood, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
About this brand
Discover the history
TVR, a British sports car manufacturer, was founded in 1946 by Trevor Wilkinson in Blackpool. Initially, the company began by modifying cars, but soon ventured into developing their own vehicles. The first significant car from TVR was the TVR Sports Saloon, which debuted in 1954, followed by the Grantura in 1958, marking the brand’s transition into producing lightweight sports cars. TVR’s early vehicles were known for their fiberglass bodies and tubular spaceframe chassis, contributing to their reputation for producing lightweight, nimble sports cars.
Throughout its history, TVR has faced multiple financial challenges and ownership changes. In 1965, Martin Lilley took over the company, stabilizing it during a challenging period and introducing successful models such as the Vixen and Tuscan. TVR’s cars from this period were known for their performance, affordability, and striking designs. Lilley’s leadership laid the groundwork for the company to further innovate in both design and engineering.
In the 1980s, TVR introduced the wedge-shaped Tasmin, but financial struggles continued, leading to the sale of the company to Peter Wheeler in 1981. Under Wheeler, TVR entered what many consider a golden age. TVR began producing cars with larger, more powerful engines, including the Griffith, Chimaera, Cerbera, and Tuscan. These cars featured bold designs, advanced engineering, and an emphasis on performance. One of Wheeler’s key contributions was TVR’s development of in-house engines, including the Speed Eight V8 and the Speed Six, which powered many of the brand’s models in the 1990s.
TVR’s motorsport history is integral to its identity. In the 1960s, the TVR Grantura competed in races like the Le Mans 24 Hours, and later, the TVR Tuscan Challenge race series was launched in the 1980s, becoming one of the most exciting one-make racing series in the UK. The TVR Speed Eight engine, developed in-house, powered the company’s race cars in the Tuscan Challenge and cemented TVR’s motorsport legacy. The brand’s connection to motorsport continued through its participation in various endurance races and its reputation for producing cars that were as competitive on the track as they were thrilling on the road.
However, financial instability persisted into the 2000s, and TVR struggled with declining sales. The company was sold to Russian businessman Nikolai Smolenski in 2004, but despite several attempts to revive the brand, TVR ceased production in 2006. After several years of dormancy, efforts were made to relaunch the brand, and in 2017, TVR revealed plans for a new model developed in partnership with Gordon Murray Design, reviving hopes for the future of the marque.
TVR remains a symbol of British engineering and design, known for producing some of the most striking and raw driving experiences in automotive history. Its connection to motorsport, coupled with its history of innovation and unique styling, ensures its place as an iconic and beloved name in the world of performance cars.
