A review of the TVR Grantura Mark 1 and 2 sports car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this second model in the TVR range.
In this article, I offer a nostalgic look at the TVR Grantura Mark 1 and 2, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period from 1958 to 1962.
In 1956, TVR used glass-reinforced plastic to begin producing car bodies, as well as steel chassis.
The first successful sports car, called the TVR Jomar, was unveiled at the 1957 New York Auto Show.
In 1958, with the Jomar renamed the TVR Grantura, the car generated a lot of interest that produced a steady stream of orders.
However, since the company was unable to keep up with demand, deliveries began to fail, resulting in canceled orders.
Fortunately, in 1958, the company was saved by a cash injection, prompting a name change to Layton Sports Cars.
At that point, vital US exports ceased with the closure of the sole US dealer.
The TVR Grantura Mark 1
The Mark 1 Grantura, launched in 1958, earned a reputation for excellent road grip and featured Girling 11-inch drum brakes, wire wheels, and sleek body styling.
It had a long hinged hood at the front, with a short rear section, and there was no hatch or opening at the rear.
Consequently, everything stored in the trunk could only be accessed from inside the car, and even the spare wheel had to be removed through the front doors.
The molded fiberglass body was attached to a tubular steel chassis.
It had a VW-based four-wheel independent suspension, with a BMC-sourced rear axle.
The drum brakes were from the Austin Healey 100 convertible, while the Ford Consul sedan provided the windshield.
Although designed to be powered by a 1098cc Coventry Climax FWA unit, the engine compartment was large enough to offer a variety of engines, such as:
- 997cc Ford 105E
- 1172cc Ford 100E Side Valve
- 1489cc BMC unit of the MGA convertible
- 1216 cc Coventry Climax
However, due to the continuing problem with deliveries, the company ran into debt and, in 1960, was only able to build 100 of the Mark 1s.
The TVR Grantura Mark 2
In the late 1960s, the Mark 2 variant was launched, equipped with a 1588cc engine, developing 80hp, as used in the MGA, along with improved lighting, and the wings were slightly widened.
Again, there were a variety of alternative engines on offer, including the 997cc Ford 105E and 1216cc Coventry Climax FWE models.
The Mark 2 was only built for a few months before further updates were made. Production ended in 1961.
TVR Grantura Mark 2A
Although the Mark 2 sold well, it was replaced in early 1961 with the Grantura Mark 2A version, which featured Girling front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and a quarter light that could no longer be opened.
An optional extra included a special cross-flow aluminum cylinder head prepared by HRG Derrington.
Engine availability included:
- MGA Mark 2 1622cc unit
- 1340 cc, Ford 109E
- 1216 cc Coventry Climax FWE
- early production used the 1588cc MGA unit
Powered by the 1,622 cc engine, it had a top speed of 105 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds and a fuel consumption of 33 mpg.
Production of the Mark 2A ended in September 1962 when a total of 400 units were built, making it the most popular TVR ever built.
Interestingly, the body style remained unchanged from that used by the first TVR Coupes in 1958.
Unfortunately, another financial bailout in 1961 resulted in the company once again changing its name, this time to TVR Cars.
This marked the end of TVR Mark 1 and 2.
Perhaps this walk down memory lane could have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
What sports car TVR is it? You Favourite?
However, if this question still remains unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1946 to 1967.
I hope you will join me on my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane.”