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TVR From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other uses, see TVR (disambiguation). TVR Motors Company Ltd. Type Private Industry Automotive Founded 1946 Headquarters London, United Kingdom Key people Nikolay Smolensky (owner) Peter Wheeler (owner) Martin Lilley (owner) Trevor Wilkinson (founder) Jack Pickard (co-founder) Products Sports cars Website tvr.co.uk This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2010) TVR is an independent British manufacturer of sports cars and was until 2006 based in the English seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire but has since split up into several smaller subsidiaries and relocated elsewhere. The company manufactures lightweight sports cars with powerful engines and was the third-largest specialised sports car manufacturer in the world, offering a diverse range of coupés and convertibles. Most vehicles use an in-house straight-6 cylinder engine design; others an in-house V8. TVR sports cars are composed of tubular steel frames, cloaked in fibreglass bodywork. TVR's two arms are TVR Engineering, which manufactures sports cars and grand tourers, and TVR Power, their powertrain division. The company had a turbulent recent history and an uncertain future. Contents 1 History 1.1 Foundation 1.2 1960s and 1970s 1.3 Wheeler ownership 1.4 Smolensky ownership 1.5 Recent events 1.6 Ownership history 2 Model list 2.1 Gallery 3 See also 4 References 5 External links [edit] History [edit] Foundation Trevor Wilkinson (14 May 1923–6 June 2008) [1] was born in Blackpool and left school at 14 to start an engineering apprenticeship at a local garage. In 1946 he bought a wheelwright's business in Blackpool, renaming it Trevcar Motors in 1947, for the purpose of selling and repairing cars and light engineering.[2] In 1947, Wilkinson built his first car, a special two-seater body on an Alvis Firebird chassis for himself. As a result, Wilkinson with partner Jack Pickard then started a separate company, TVR Engineering, with a name derived from Wilkinson's name – TreVoR. Their first car was an alloy-bodied two seater on a tubular chassis, which appeared in 1949.[2] In 1953 the concept of glass-reinforced plastic bodywork over a tubular steel backbone chassis was accepted, and continued throughout TVR's current production history. In 1954, TVR Engineering was renamed TVR, in light of the launch of the first "production" car called the Mk1, later name Grantura. The glass fibre body design and layout remained, in modified form, until replaced by the angular wedge design Tasmin in 1980. At the launch in the 1950s, TVRs were powered by 4-cylinder engines from Coventry Climax, BMC or Ford, the performance models having Shorrock superchargers. As with many other British sports cars, engine sizes remained under two litres, and all produced less than 100 bhp (75 kW). As most TVRs were sold in the domestic British market, to avoid a British tax on assembled cars many of the early cars were sold in kit form – a practice which continued until the 1970s, when the tax loophole was closed and the kit-form option removed. In April 1962 Wilkinson and Pickard left the company to set up a specialist fibre-glass engineering business. On retirement, Wilkinson moved to Minorca, Spain, where he died aged 85, on 6 June 2008.[2] [edit] 1960s and 1970s In the 1960s, American motor dealer Jack Griffith decided to put a 4.7 litre V8 engine from an AC Cobra he owned into a TVR Grantura, in much the same way that V8s were first transplanted into AC Cobras (It is in honour of Jack Griffith that the TVR Griffith was so-named). Powered by the same engine was the Trident, a luxury sports car with a steel and aluminium body that was designed by Carrozzeria Fissore in Milan and was built by hand. A prototype coupé was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1965. A total of three coupés and a convertible were made between 1964 and 1966, but due to financial problems the rights on the car finally went to a TVR dealer, W. J. (Bill) Last (Viking Performance). He established in 1966 Trident Cars Ltd and started building the car under the model name of Clipper. Under the ownership of Martin Lilley from 1965, TVR returned to Ford for a 2994 cc V6 Zodiac engine for the new TVR Tuscan (1967) racer. This produced 128 bhp (95 kW), giving a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 8.3 seconds, which was good performance for the time. The 1970s saw a number of engines used in TVRs (particularly the 'M Series'), mainly Triumph 2500s, Ford Essex V6 and Ford 1600 Crossflows. The M was followed by the Tasmins, the first of the long running Wedge series. [edit] Wheeler ownership In the 1980s, under the ownership of Peter Wheeler — a chemical industry consultant and TVR enthusiast — TVR moved away from naturally-aspirated and turbocharged V6s back to large V8s, namely the Rover V8 . Capacity grew from 3.5 to 5 litres. In 1988 TVR sourced a 5.0 litre Holden V8 through Tom Walkinshaw at Holden Special Vehicles. The engine was installed in the TVR White Elephant, a prototype car built for Peter Wheeler by John Ravenscroft. Whilst an interesting engineering and styling exercise, the Holden powered TVR White Elephant was later superseded by the Rover V8 powered Griffith prototype. In the 1990s, TVR Power modified a number of Rover V8s, but subsequently developed an in-house engine design. The AJP8 engine, a lightweight alloy V8, was developed by engineering consultant Al Melling along with John Ravenscroft and Peter Wheeler (hence the AJP initials), a notable achievement for a small maker. The new engine was originally destined for the Griffith and Chimaera models, but now a characteristic of Al Melling, development took longer than expected and it finally became available in the Cerbera and Tuscan race cars. Perhaps more significantly, Peter Wheeler was instrumental in the body design of TVR cars during his ownership. He managed a design team that produced a number of acclaimed and resolved body designs including the Chimaera, Griffith, Cerbera, Tuscan, Tamora, T350, Typhon and Sagaris. These attention grabbing works of sculpture helped to keep TVR on the front covers of magazines around the world and thus in the public eye. Wheeler subsequently directed the design of a straight-six derivative of the AJP8 that would be cheaper to produce and maintain than the eight. This engine, designed by John Ravenscroft, became known as the TVR Speed Six engine, and powers current TVRs. [edit] Smolensky ownership In July 2004, 24-year-old Nikolay Smolensky bought the company from Wheeler, for a rumoured £15 million. Despite his Russian nationality, Smolensky said he intended TVR to remain a British company. In April 2006, responding to falling demand and with production rumoured to have dropped from 12 cars a week to 3 or 4, TVR laid off some of its 300 staff. At the same time, the firm announced plans to move to updated facilities in the Squires Gate district of Blackpool, citing impending expiry of the lease of the current factory in late 2006, where owner Peter Wheeler was said to be planning to build a housing estate. In October 2006 Smolensky announced[3] that body production and final assembly for TVR would move to Turin, Italy[4], with only engine production remaining in the UK. In protest at this and to show support for the workers, a large number of TVR owners paraded through central London on 26 November 2006. Dubbed "London Thunder"[5], it was also an attempt at the official world record for the biggest one-marque convoy on record. By December 2006, it emerged that Smolensky had split TVR into a number of different companies[6]; Brand and intellectual property rights had been transferred to a core Smolensky company TVR Motors – held the licence to the brands and intellectual property in the UK, as well as sales and marketing of the brand TVR Power – the parts and spares business had been sold to a management buyout Blackpool Automotive – the factory and manufacturing assets On 13 December, Smolensky and production director Mike Penny resigned as directors of Blackpool Automotive, being replaced by Smolensky UK personal assistant Roger Billinghurst and 25 year old Austrian Angelco Stamenkov. By 24 December Blackpool Automotive was in administration. Administrators are now seeking legal clarification on the ownership of certain assets, including the brand and intellectual property, to see what assets the company has and who should pay the redundancy notices of the remaining 200 workers[7]. [edit] Recent events On 22 February 2007 it was revealed that Smolensky is once again the owner of the company after being the highest bidder.[8]. On 28 February 2007, less than one week after reacquiring TVR, he has reportedly announced plans to sell the company to Adam Burdette and Jean Michel Santacreu, who intend to export TVRs to the United States market.[9] On 8 October 2007 it was found that Smolensky was still in control of the company and was hoping to restart production, with a target of 2,000 cars to be sold in 2008.[10] On 11 July 2008 It was reported that TVR announced the relaunching of the Sagaris as the Sagaris 2, at its new centre near Wesham in Lancashire. On February 22, 2010, a report stated that TVR is rumoured to plan a comeback with a new model set to debut at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed or possibly earlier. Included in this report was the rumor that TVR would switch to using an American powerplant instead of an in-house built engine, as well as the announcement that the new model will be sold in the United States.[11] In June 2010 German manufacturer Gullwing, said they will start producing a new car from September 2010. Gullwing are a specialist German firm and are to take a minority share in TVR. Boss Juergen Mohr said “Having been a TVR owner, I think this will be the best TVR ever,”. He also confirmed the company was planning new models, possibly with alternative drivetrains. “I can imagine everything, even electric-powered cars,” Mohr said. TVR is still owned by Russian millionaire Nikolai Smolensky.[12] Their website currently says "Website Coming Soon." [edit] Ownership history The history of the company can be divided into four eras, based on ownership: 1947–1965, founder Trevor Wilkinson, who left in 1962 1965–1981, Martin Lilley 1981–2004, Peter Wheeler 2004–present, Nikolay Smolensky [edit] Model list Model Production Years Engine Displacement Trevor Wilkinson Era[13] TVR Jomar1 1957–1959 Coventry Climax Ford Kent 1098 cc 1172 cc TVR Grantura I 1958–1960 Coventry Climax FWA Coventry Climax FWE Ford 100E Sidevalve BMC B-Series 1098 cc 1216 cc 1172 cc 1489 cc TVR Grantura II 1960–1961 Coventry Climax FWE Ford Kent 105E BMC B-Series BMC B-Series 1216 cc 997 cc 1489 cc 1588 cc TVR Grantura IIa 1961–1962 Coventry Climax FWE Ford Kent 105E Ford Kent 109E BMC B-Series BMC B-Series 1216 cc 997 cc 1340 cc 1588 cc 1622 cc TVR Grantura III 1962–1963 BMC B-Series 1622 cc TVR Grantura III 1800 1963–1965 BMC B-Series 1798 cc TVR Grantura 1800S 1964–1966 BMC B-Series 1798 cc TVR Trident 1964–1966 Ford Windsor V8 4727 cc TVR Griffith 2001 1963–1964 Ford Windsor V8 4727 cc TVR Griffith 4001 1964–1967 Ford Windsor V8 4727 cc Martin Lilley Era TVR Grantura IV 1800S 1966–1967 BMC B-Series 1798 cc TVR Tuscan V8 1967–1970 Ford Windsor V8 4727 cc TVR Tuscan V6 1969–1971 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR Vixen S1 1967–1968 Ford Kent BMC B-Series 1599 cc 1798 cc TVR Vixen S2 1968–1969 Ford Kent 1599 cc TVR Vixen S3 1970–1972 Ford Kent 1599 cc TVR Vixen 1300 1971–1972 Triumph I4 1296 cc TVR Vixen 2500 1971–1972 Triumph I6 2498 cc TVR Vixen S4 1972 Ford Kent 1599 cc TVR 1600M 1972–1973 1975–1977 Ford Kent I4 1599 cc TVR 2500M 1972–1977 Triumph I6 2498 cc TVR 3000M 1971–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR 3000M Turbo 1975–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR Taimar 1976–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR Taimar Turbo 1976–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR 3000S 1978–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR 3000S Turbo 1978–1979 Ford Essex V6 2994 cc TVR Tasmin 200 1981–1984 Ford Pinto I4 1993 cc TVR Tasmin 280i 1980–1984 Ford Cologne V6 2792 cc Peter Wheeler Era TVR 280i 1984–1987 Ford Cologne V6 2792 cc TVR 350i 1983–1989 TVR/Rover V8 3528 cc TVR 350SX 1985–1989 TVR/Rover V8 + Sprintex Supercharger 3528 cc TVR 400SX 1989 TVR/Rover V8 + Sprintex Supercharger 3948 cc TVR 350SE 1990–1991 TVR/Rover V8 3947 cc TVR 390SE 1984–1988 TVR/Rover V8 3905 cc TVR 400SE 1988–1991 TVR/Rover V8 3948 cc TVR 420SE 1986–1987 TVR/Rover V8 4228 cc TVR 450SE 1989–1990 TVR/Rover V8 4441 cc TVR 420SEAC 1986–1988 TVR/Rover V8 4228 cc TVR 450SEAC 1988–1989 TVR/Rover V8 4441 cc TVR S 1986–1988 Ford Cologne V6 2792 cc TVR S2 1989–1990 Ford Cologne V6 2933 cc TVR S3(C) 1991–1992 Ford Cologne V6 2933 cc TVR S4C 1993–1993 Ford Cologne V6 2933 cc TVR V8S 1991–1993 TVR/Rover V8 3948 cc TVR Griffith 1992–2002 TVR/Rover V8 3948 cc 4280 cc 4988 cc TVR Chimaera 1992–2001 TVR/Rover V8 3948 cc 4280 cc 4495 cc 4988 cc TVR Cerbera 1996–2003 AJP8 / Speed Eight 4185 cc 4475 cc 1996–2003 Speed Six 3996 cc TVR Tamora 2002–2006 Speed Six 3605 cc TVR T350 (Targa & Coupe) 2003–2006 Speed Six 3605 cc TVR Tuscan 1999–2006 Speed Six 3605 cc 3996 cc TVR Sagaris 2004–2006 Speed Six 3996 cc TVR Typhon 2004 Speed Six 3996 cc Nikolai Smolenski Era TVR Sagaris 2004–2006 Speed Six 3996 cc Speciality/Racing Cars TVR Cerbera Speed 122/3 1997 Speed Twelve 7730 cc TVR Tuscan Speed 122/3 TVR Speed Twelve 7730 cc TVR Tuscan Challenge3 1989–(around 100 made) Rover V8/Speed Eight 4500 cc TVR T400R/Typhon GT3 ? 1 – Not technically a TVR model, but used TVR chassis/body. 2 – Never went into production. 3 – Built exclusively for racing. [edit] Gallery Sample gallery 1966 Griffith 400 Original #55 of 59 TVR 280i TVR 280i Coupe 1984 TVR 280i Series 2 1986 TVR Chimaera TVR Cerbera TVR Cerbera Speed 12 TVR Sagaris Two TVRs at the Northampton & Lamport Railway during a Car show held at the railway TVR No.2 – Oldest surviving TVR. Located at the Yorkshire Motor Museum Tuscan Challenge racing car [edit] See also Trident (car company) [edit] References ^ "Trevor Wilkinson". The Daily Telegraph (London). 9 June 2008. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2101208/Trevor-Wilkinson.html. Retrieved 26 May 2010.  ^ a b c "Trevor Wilkinson, founder of TVR sports car company, dies aged 85". Daily Mail. 2008-06-07. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1024909/Trevor-Wilkinson-founder-TVR-sports-car-company-dies-aged-85.html. Retrieved 2008-06-07.  ^ "TVR to move car production abroad". BBC News. 18 October 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6062084.stm. Retrieved 26 May 2010.  ^ italiaspeed.com ^ London Thunder ^ "Focus TVR tsar roars off". The Times (London). 7 January 2007. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2769-2534377,00.html. Retrieved 26 May 2010.  ^ Laurance, Ben (7 January 2007). "Fight for control of TVR assets". The Times (London). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2769-2534344,00.html. Retrieved 26 May 2010.  ^ "Union anger as TVR is bought back". BBC News. 22 February 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6388109.stm. Retrieved 26 May 2010.  ^ Autocar – Smolenski's out. Again ^ Autocar – TVR: new models on sale by 2008 ^ http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId=21530 ^ http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/253387/return_of_tvr.html#ixzz0rsDGNdYc ^ Filby, Peter (2010).TVR - The Early Years, Autocraft Books, Reigate. ISBN 978 0 9545729 1 4. [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: TVR vehicles Official TVR website The TVR Car Club TVR Car Club North America TVR Trident Trident car club (Non-TVR) TVR Griffith Owners Register, History, Mods and Maintenance, Gallery, Alt Parts,Resources, Links TVR pictures, costs, service schedules and specifications. TVR history TVR Chimaera maintenance, modification, ownership and buyer's guide. 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Category:Industry in the United Kingdom || LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - News: Auto Express News Return of TVR TVR is back with new Sagaris-based V8-powered contender. Auto Express Car Reviews 21st June 2010 Britain’s wildest sports car brand is back! Following TVR’s decision to quit its Blackpool plant, the marque is in the hands of a German manufacturer who will start producing a new car from September.Based on the platform of the TVR Sagaris, and featuring a modified version of the Tuscan bodyshell, the fresh model will use Corvette V8 engines producing 437bhp or 647bhp. TVR is still owned by Russian millionaire Nikolai Smolenksy. However, German specialist firm Gullwing is to take a minority share. And it will be in good hands – Gullwing also makes the official AC Cobra, and wowed the world last year with a replica Mercedes 300SL.Boss Juergen Mohr is bullish about the new car: “Having been a TVR owner, I think this will be the best TVR ever,” he said. He also confirmed the company was planning new models, possibly with alternative drivetrains. “I can imagine everything, even electric-powered cars,” Mohr said. What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous Next > 5 Comments German TVR ? Having owned two TVRs I think the German company is missing the point,people bought the TVR brand because it was British,and put up with its idiosyncrasies for that reason.The cars were hand built to order in any colour you liked ,you could even visit the factory to see it being built. I wish them every success but it's a shame they could not be built again in Blackpool. By pieman62 on 24 June, 2010, 4:30pm Another loss Could be a great car, and better built I'm sure, but like Pieman states, it NEEDS to be British. By Lostash on 24 June, 2010, 6:45pm Return of something... but not TVR Well I think 90% of orders were from the UK. I would guess they can can kiss good bye to the once loyal fan base. Like the two other posters state it needs to at least be built here. This was a robbery by Nikolai Smolenski, he totally stitched up the British workforce, some of these were amongst the best designers and engineers in the world, caste aside through the weirdest business plan I have even seen. The cars built here were set up for and on these roads, the handling and whole feel of the car will be completely different. I hope they go bust and get picked up by a small UK independant! TreVoR will be turning in his grave By Focus_your_mind on 25 June, 2010, 9:23am Having owned 3 wonderful TVR's in the past, the maddest being the Griff 500, TVR for me died the day they closed the gates to the Blackpool factory for the last time. There's something quintessentially British about these cars and like the MINI they may find some success with the new cars but a great deal of what made the cars great and truely British will have been lost in translation. I wish the new TVR well but please please please get the boys from Blackpool back and design, engineer and build the cars in Britain. I personally hope to own a TVR again but I'll be looking out for a bit of Blackpool rock. By xxxnitrox on 28 June, 2010, 10:26am A Positive I owned a Griff 4.3 pre-cat and it was maddest, loudest beast around. I loved it, the shear presence it had was astounding, although changing gear from 1st to 2nd, caught in a freak snow shower on the M11, & performing a 360 done little for my life expectancy. I like other posts here agree about the British angle, but as long as TVR are around - in any guise I think it is a positive thing. By glennamy on 29 June, 2010, 8:37am You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. 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All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || Discussion forum: • general forum • model areas forum • suggestions forum • regional forums Members' Services: • benefits • TVRs in print • archives • colours • committee details • minutes • helplines • club insurance • FAQs • RO area • TVRCC TV • technical • picture this Events: • future events • past events • track days • Le Mans Motorsport: • TVRCC Challenge Cup • Tuscans/GTs • Sprints Model Areas: • Pre M • M Series • Wedge • S Series • Griffith • Chimaera • Cerbera • Speed Sixes • prototypes/specials Regalia: • buy online Trade Links: • dealers new/used • parts/gifts/accessories • bodywork/servicing • tours/racing/training • insurance TVR Car Club Promote your Page too What is the TVR Car Club? The TVR Car Club is the only Club in the world that caters for all TVR enthusiasts. It currently has around 6500 members in 34 countries in all five continents. Members own cars ranging from the oldest TVR still in existence, 'TVR No 2', right up to the very last models made such as the Tuscan 2, Sagaris and even the Typhon. What benefits are there to me if I join? The TVR Car Club offers a range of services to its members. 1. Everyone receives Sprint, the 64-page monthly full colour A4 magazine packed full of TVR related articles, photographs, motorsport reports, specialist companies and the largest single monthly listing of TVRs For Sale anywhere in the UK. It is not available to non-members. It has won a series of industry awards including twice collecting Best Car Club Magazine from Classic and Sports Car Magazine. 2. The Club Office. Based in Newport, Shropshire, the TVR Car Club Office is available to answer your queries 9am-5pm Mon-Fri on 01952 822126 or by using the online club office enquiry form. The Office, run by Alison Brown, has a wealth of TVR experience and can usually provide instant answers to your queries. 3. Insurance. The TVR Car Club has negotiated special rates with Adrian Flux for Club members which, for many, will offer the very best cover available. For some individuals, however, we and Adrian Flux both recognise that a combination of circumstances will combine which will result in other companies being able to offer cheaper cover. Nonetheless, even in these cases, it is frequently a requirement of the insurance that you are a member of the recognised club for the marque in order to benefit from these lower rates. 4. Track days. Although you can attend track days with other Clubs/Companies, we believe that we offer the best combination of value for money together with safety, TVR experienced instructors, lots of track time and a TVR only environment that other providers cannot offer. In 2010 we held track days at Cadwell Park, Brands Natch, Rockingham, Castle Combe, and Oulton Park and sadly had an airfield action day at Alconbury cancelled by the airfield owners with just days to go. Additionally, in conjunction with the TVR Car Club Holland, we again participated in the highly successful event at Zolder. In 2011, in addition to this calendar, we are planning to expand on this track day programme to include more events to attract the novice driver and an exciting new development involving a well-known European circuit. A full list will appear in Sprint and on the website as soon as it is confirmed. 5. Motorsport. The TVR Car Club has run its own race series since 2000 and which developed in 2004 into the TVR Car Club Challenge Cup which is open to all TVRs. In 2006, this combined with the former factory-run TVR Tuscan Challenge into the only “TVR only” race series in the world. This series is now extremely popular and competes at some of Britain's premier race circuits such as Oulton Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch. The 2010 Championship was won by Club Member David Chant in a Tasmin. We run our own Sprinting Championship - the TVRCC Speed Championship - which competes all over the country. There were 22 different rounds in 2010 which was won by Paul Edwards in a T350C ahead of Mike Roe's Vixen. In addition, the TVRCC offers support when requested to competitors in other forms of motorsport where they promote TVR. In 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Club sponsored the TVR entry into the Le Mans 24 hour race including the historic first ever finish of that race in 2004 by both Synergy Chamberlain Motorsport T400Rs (more info) They are represented at UK rounds of the British GT and occasionally European rounds of the FIA GT. Every year, between 1500 and 2000 Club members make the annual pilgrimage to Le Mans and the Club’s allocation of tickets for this prestigious event are normally fully sold out within 24 hours of going on sale. The Club also provides support when requested to older TVRs racing in the historic series; they have supported the TVR Granturas entered into Classic Le Mans and assisted one member with his costs to enable him to compete in an endurance race in the USA in a 2500M. 6. Other events. The TVR Car Club organises a number of non-track related events throughout the year to bring enthusiasts together. This often includes a gathering in Blackpool, despite the closure of the Bristol Avenue works in 2006. Big Northern Gathering, held in Blackpool over the weekend of 3-5 Sep 10, was generally accepted as the best event the TVRCC has ever held and has been nominated for best Club event in the 2010 Classic & Sports Car annual club awards. Other venues for national events have included Brands Hatch, Duxford, Nottingham, South Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire. In 2004 the Club hired the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for a spectacular event involving over 500 members and a memorable “rumble” through the city on Sunday morning to wake up the inhabitants. In 2007, around 1700 members and 1000 TVRs descended on Rockingham Motor Speedway for Diamond Rock, the biggest gathering of TVRs ever to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the birth of the company. We are currently planning a huge event for summer 2011 whilst 2012 sees the 5oth anniversary of the Club so you can bank on us having a humungous party somewhere! 7. Regional Events. The Club has 50 individual regional monthly meetings spread around UK ranging from the Highlands of Scotland to the Channel Islands. These allow members to talk to other owners about their experiences with their cars and frequently gain valuable local advice about specialist services. If advice is not available locally, the Club has access to host of other specialists who will be able to answer your query. 8. Website Members’ Area. (see buttons on the left hand side of each page - you may need to scroll up from here depending upon your screen resolution!) Although a large part of this site is open to the general public, there are some additional areas which are restricted to members only and are accessible only to those members who are showing as current in the Club database. This area includes access to the Club Archives, nationwide future events calendar and an increasingly busy discussion forum with over 6000 registered participants and over 5M hits per month. For a more details description of what is available in the Members Area, including a full list of benefits and sample pages, click here. 9. Finally is the camaraderie of belonging to the largest group of enthusiasts for Britain’s greatest sports car. I don't own a TVR but am an enthusiast of the marque. Can I join the TVRCC? The club is open to anybody who has an interest in these great British sportscars. You do not need to own a TVR. I am looking for a TVR. How can you help? In many ways. First, join the club. Second, go along to your local meeting, meet like minded enthusiasts and talk to owners of the type of TVR in which you are interested. Find out what to look for and what to avoid! Third, you may well find a pristine example of the car you are looking for in the Market Place pages of Sprint or in our online classifieds. We have more TVRs for sale each month in Sprint than any other car magazine. We can put you in touch with specialists who may be able to source your car or if you have already found a potential car, cast his expert eye over it. But I drive a Tamora. Car clubs are about older cars and men smoking pipes aren't they? The TVR Car Club caters for all TVR enthusiasts. Owners of classic TVRs such as the Grantura and Taimar, future classics such as the Tasmin, S Series or Griffith or the last cars to some off the Bristol Avenue production line t cars such as the T350, Tuscan 2 or Sagaris are all equally welcomed. But I live abroad? The TVR Car Club is well represented abroad with ten international regions and members as far afield as California, the Phillipines and New Zealand. Sprint magazine can be sent via airmail to keep you up to speed with all matters TVR. I'd like a TVR but they are all group 20 insurance. Can I get it any cheaper? Yes! Extremely competitive rates are available to club members through our exclusive insurance scheme. How do I join? TVR Car Club – Subscription rates: First year UK/BFPO membership Overseas (EU) membership Overseas (outside EU) membership £51 reduced to £48 for payment by Direct Debit £56 (payment by credit/debit card only) £59 (payment by credit/debit card only) All of the above rates are for the first year of membership and include a one off joining fee of £10 Thereafter, subsequent year's renewals are: UK/BFPO membership Overseas (EU) membership Overseas (outside EU) membership £43 reduced to £38 for payment by Direct Debit £48 (payment by credit/debit card only) £51 (payment by credit/debit card only) TVR Car Club Membership & Renewals All members receive the benefits outlined above, joining is simple just click on join now and follow the on screen instructions. (This is on an SSL server booking system and offers a quick and secure way for your application to be processed.) If you would prefer to join over the telephone during office hours call the Club office on 01952 822126. Or simply fill in and print out the application form, send it together with your remittance to the club office. Don’t delay start receiving membership benefits today? Remember you do not need to own a TVR to join, Most new members join first to find out more out TVRs before buying one. Just knowing what to look for could save you far more than the cost of the subscription. If you would like to read the Club Articles of Association before joining please click here. If you have any specific questions that you would like to ask the TVRCC that these pages have not answered, you can contact the Club by email here. Read more about the TVR Car Club || || Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to search Homepage Accessibility help Access keys help Change Country United Kingdom Australia United States Top Gear Account Login Register Top Gear Site search Search topgear.com for Go Site Navigation Home News Car News First Drives Formula One Latest from the Top Gear TV Show Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS on track Most powerful road-going Porsche ever built hits SilverstoneMore Cars Car Reviews Car Chooser Galleries Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport driven Still one of the greatest cars in the (real) world and now cheaper to runMore The Show The Top Gear blog Series Guide Latest from Clarkson Latest from Hammond Latest from May Latest from The Stig Who is the Stig? Top Gear's Christmas double bill: the trailer A quick glimpse of our planned festive fun More Videos Full Video Archive Road Tests The Stig Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car The Big Films Exclusive Online Extras Series 15, episode 3... Rubens rags the Liana Stig-beating F1 ace blitzes TG track in old Reasonably Priced CarMore Games Online Games Cool Wall A Reasonably Brilliant Driving Game How quickly can you get round the test track in the Kia cee’d?More Shop Top Gear Magazine Top Gear Live Top Gear on Amazon Tickets to Top Gear New look mag out now The Top Gear Awards 2010, plus free supercar calendar More Ex-TVR boss dies British sports car legend passes away after short battle with illness Posted by: Sam Philip, 15 June 2009 Back to Car News Related content Video Saga’ holiday Video Tuscan v MF3 1 Video Video: TG’s home-made electric car Clarkson has just emailed us with a tribute to his friend, ex-TVR boss, Peter Wheeler, who passed away last week following a short battle with illness: 'I used to shoot with Peter. He was a damn good host, and was so fit, striding up and down the hills as though they weren't there. I bet that wherever he is now, he's cross he didn't live to see the end of the Labour Government that he hated so much.' Wheeler was chairman of the Blackpool sports car company from 1980 until 2004, turning TVR from a tiny operation into a well-recognised, oft-infamous marque with a generation of lightweight, powerful cars including the Chimaera, Griffith, Cerbera, Tuscan and Sagaris. After selling TVR to Russian businessman Nikolai Smolensky in 2004, Wheeler continued to dabble in the world of gently daft cars, creating the giant, cockroach-like amphibious ‘Scamander' in 2008 (pictured). He was a passionate racer, too, competing in a classic Aston Martin DB4 until recently. Wheeler worked closely with Top Gear for many years: the very first issue of Top Gear magazine featured a Griffith 500 on the cover, while Peter and Jeremy remained good friends despite occasional, er, disagreements about cars. Wheeler was a true legend of the British car industry and will be greatly missed. Top Gear's condolences go out to his family. More Related Tweet Category: Car News Tags: TVR Car reviews Car news News from the show New Lambo hits LA Meet the Gallardo Spyder Performante SUVs: a potted history From wartime 4x4 to SUV posing pouch YouTube car clips TG’s top 20 videos F1 2010: the crashes See the chaos and fire! What do you think? Want to comment on this? Gibby commented on this article at 11:00 pm on 12 June 2009 RIP dragged TVR into making some of the worlds greatest cars! Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: Tommyms commented on this article at 11:11 pm on 12 June 2009 how sad tvr wos arsem car maker Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: Tommyms commented on this article at 11:11 pm on 12 June 2009 how sad tvr wos arsem car maker Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: SteveBarnes commented on this article at 04:18 am on 13 June 2009 Men like him are few these days. Peter Wheeler, gone but never forgotten. RIP Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: Horsepowerrrr commented on this article at 05:21 am on 13 June 2009 aww :( RIP I love TVRs, they're so bonkers and awesome. Link to this comment Report this comment You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct. Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said. This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page. I want to report this comment for: Defamation, copyright infringement, incitement to commit a crime Abuse, offensive comments, attacks Commercial misuse Other (please specify below) Use this box to give us any specific details: 1 2 3 next To post a comment: Log In | Register More from Top Gear Advertisement Get more Top Gear: Top Gear The Stig BBC_TopGear iPhone apps Magazine Google widgets Advertisements Best of Top Gear Most Viewed Top Gear’s Hot Hatch Power League It’s been all change in the hot hatch league table in 2010. But which of today's fast hatches is packing the biggest bhp? Giulietta Cloverleaf vs Megane RenaultSport Can France and Italy offer credible alternatives to German hot hatchery? There’s only one way to find out... BMW 1 Series M Coupe: revealed The baby of the M range has finally landed. 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