Following the recent demise of the Blackpool based sports car maker TVR, classic car auctioneer Historics at Brooklands is predicting a pique in interest in the British marque, as it brings two TVRs to its autumn auction on September the 1st.Offered for sale for the first time in 40 years, 650 KTF was the twelfth Grantura off the production line, and is believed to be the third oldest surviving example of the model.
The hand-built Series I coupe is declared manufactured in 1959 on the V5 registration, but the chassis plate - number 112 - bears the name TVR Engineering Ltd, which was the original company name before it was wound up at the end of 1958, hinting at an earlier production.
Historics' Grantura features an uprated Ford 1,340 cc pre-crossflow engine that was latterly fitted to the Series IIA, and once seated in its period 1950's bucket seats, the car returns an exhilarating drive courtesy of its lively short throw gearbox and 11" drum brakes more commonly found on the Healey 100-6.
An ideal period competition car, the Grantura is accompanied by an extensive history file and is estimated to fetch bids in the region of £14,000 - £18,000. If the Grantura represented the rounded styling of early TVRs, the Tasmin typified the "wedge" series of cars produced throughout the 1980's.
The 1981 Tasmin 280i Series II Convertible offered by Historics features the Ford 2.8-litre "Cologne" V6 engine that produces 150 bhp, and took the Tasmin from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 128 mph.
Lovingly looked after, the car has undergone a comprehensive restoration, including a no-expense-spared interior re-trim, and numerous awards are testament to its status as one of the finest examples currently available.
Anticipated to generate offers of between £6,000 and £8,500, the Tasmin 280i is fast becoming as an 80's icon.
Commenting on the brace of British sports cars, Historics' Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille remarked "whilst the recent tale of TVR is undoubtedly one of sadness, its place in the history of British sports car manufacturing is secure, and should ensure significant interest in the best examples going forward".
For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday September the 1st, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website at www.historics.co.uk.
