1961 TVR Grantura
The TVR Grantura, produced from 1958 to 1967, is the car that put TVR on the map as a maker of distinctive and high-performance British sports cars. With its fiberglass body, nimble handling, and variety of engines, the Grantura laid the groundwork for TVR’s future success. As the first production model for TVR, the Grantura represents a significant milestone in the history of British sports cars and remains a cherished classic among enthusiasts.
TVR, founded by Trevor Wilkinson in 1947, initially focused on building special-bodied cars on existing chassis. The first car to bear the TVR name was a one-off special, but it wasn’t until the late 1950s that TVR started developing its own complete cars. The Grantura was the first model to come from this effort, combining TVR’s innovative approach with parts sourced from various manufacturers. The development of the Grantura began with the goal of creating a lightweight, agile sports car that could be competitive on both the road and the track. The car utilized a tubular steel chassis, a design that provided rigidity while keeping weight low. The fiberglass body was another innovative feature, contributing to the car’s lightweight construction and allowing for more flexible design options.
The design of the TVR Grantura is a blend of classic sports car aesthetics and practical engineering. Its compact, curvaceous body is characterized by a low, wide stance and smooth, flowing lines. The front end features distinctive oval headlights and a simple, yet elegant grille, while the rear end is neatly finished with round tail lights and a minimalist design. Inside, the Grantura offered a no-frills, driver-focused cockpit. The interior was straightforward and functional, with simple instrumentation and controls. Despite its small size, the Grantura provided a comfortable driving position and good visibility, essential for both road and track driving.
One of the notable aspects of the Grantura was its use of components from various manufacturers. The front suspension was sourced from the Volkswagen Beetle, while the rear suspension used a combination of components from Austin-Healey and Morris. This eclectic mix of parts allowed TVR to create a car that was both affordable and high-performing.
The TVR Grantura was offered with a variety of engines throughout its production run, reflecting TVR’s flexible approach to engineering and customer demand. Early models were powered by a 1.1-liter Coventry Climax engine, which produced around 75 horsepower. Later models offered a range of engines, including units from BMC (British Motor Corporation), Ford, and MGA. The most common engine in the Grantura was the 1.6-liter MGA engine, producing around 80 to 95 horsepower, depending on the configuration. This engine provided lively performance, enabling the lightweight Grantura to achieve impressive acceleration and top speeds in excess of 100 mph. The Grantura’s handling was one of its standout features. The car’s lightweight construction, combined with its well-balanced chassis and suspension setup, provided excellent agility and responsiveness. The Grantura was known for its sharp, precise steering and ability to tackle corners with confidence, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and racers alike.
The TVR Grantura went through several iterations during its production run, each offering improvements and refinements over its predecessor. The original model, the Grantura Mk I, was produced from 1958 to 1960. It featured the Coventry Climax engine and had a basic interior. The Grantura Mk II, which was produced from 1960 to 1962, introduced a wider range of engine options, including the MGA unit, and featured improvements to the chassis and suspension. Continuing the evolution, the Grantura Mk III was produced from 1962 to 1964. It maintained the variety of engine options and introduced further refinements to both the body and interior, enhancing the overall driving experience. The final iteration of the Grantura was the 1800S, produced from 1964 to 1967. This model featured the 1.8-liter BMC B-series engine, offering improved performance and reliability compared to its predecessors. Each of these versions built upon the strengths of the previous models, contributing to the Grantura’s enduring legacy in the world of British sports cars.
The TVR Grantura quickly gained a reputation in motorsport due to its competitive performance and agility. It participated in various racing events, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Grantura’s success on the track helped to build TVR’s reputation as a maker of high-performance sports cars.