Highlights

One of only 400 Mk2 Granturas
Complete car for restoration
Lots of history including original bill of sale
Previously used for competitive hillclimbing
Lightweight car fitted with 997cc engine

The Appeal

Many wondrous and wonderful sports cars followed, dribbling out of the Blackpool works over the decades, but it all began here. The Grantura was TVR’s original sports car and it set the template for what would follow.

Stylish, light, engaging and nimble, from 1958, these cars could be bought as factory-finished models or, as here, as kits for home assembly using a variety of Ford, Coventry Climax and BMC engines. The lightly revised Mk2 arrived in 1960 with a wider range of engines. Just 400 were sold and this one passed to its first keeper, in Surrey, in late 1960. The original bill of sale remains in the history file.

It was originally supplied with a Ford engine and gearbox. The history file indicates that it had a 1,600cc engine at some point, but by 1993, it was fitted with a 997cc engine, possibly from a Mini Cooper. The car passed through two UK keepers before arriving in Switzerland as part of a large classic car collection. Evocative photographs record its earlier life, including as a hillclimb entrant.

Modern enthusiasts gravitate to the Grantura for its pivotal role in TVR’s history and because it is simply a brilliant sports and racing car. This one is a restoration project, but it is complete and offers huge potential. It will be a savvy buy for the right collector.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 27th November 1960
Original bill of sale dated 25th October 1960
This shows the car was supplied as a kit and details the specification
Photographs of car in period and on hillclimb and race track
Various old UK documentation including old V5C dated 1993
Records show two UK keepers with change of keeper in November 1993
History file shows old MOTs and tax discs
Previous MOT documents indicate 1600cc engine
Chassis number 7F185

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The Condition

Restoration project finished in red with red and grey interior
Red paintwork clearly needs restoration as shown
Car appears to have been red for many years including its time in UK
Fibreglass bodywork in fair condition with some damage as shown
Sits on wire wheels that require restoration
Red and grey vinyl interior appears complete but in need of restoration
Neat historic features retained such as ‘Hesketh Racing’ sticker
Appears to be a complete car for renovation
Some parts removed as shown in photos

The Mechanics

Fitted with a 997cc engine, possibly from a Mini Cooper but not confirmed
4spd manual gearbox
Some history included as shown in photos
Car is sold as a project and assumed to be a non-runner
Buyers should factor in a checkover and mechanical and running gear renovation

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].