TVR is a car company started by Trevor Wilkinson in 1947 in Blackpool. From the beginning, the company focused on making special sports cars. Their first cars were built using old car frames and engines from different makers. In the 1960s and 1970s, TVR became known for creating exciting and innovative sports cars like the TVR Griffith and TVR Tuscan, which stood out because of their unique looks and advanced features for that time. During the 1970s, TVR began using fiberglass to make car bodies, which made the cars lighter and more streamlined, showing the company’s focus on speed and handling.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, TVR went through several changes in ownership and faced money problems. Despite these issues, they kept making high-performance sports cars and kept a loyal group of fans. In the 2000s, the company faced serious financial troubles and delays in production, leading to more changes in ownership and management. Between 2004 and 2006, TVR faced a tough period where some models were stopped, and production was paused for a while.
In 2013, businessman Les Edgar took over TVR and worked to bring the brand back to success by updating how the cars were made and planning new models. Some of the most famous cars in TVR’s history include the original TVR Griffith from the 1960s, which made a comeback in the 1990s; the TVR Chimaera, popular in the 1990s and early 2000s for combining speed with everyday use; and the TVR Sagaris from the mid-2000s, known for its bold design and strong performance.
TVR has always had a strong following among sports car fans because of its dedication to performance, unique designs, and enjoyable driving experiences. Their cars are known for standing out from other sports cars with their bold and distinctive looks. Even with its ups and downs over the years, TVR remains an important name in British sports car history, blending special designs with powerful engineering. The brand’s cars are still loved and admired for how they drive and their one-of-a-kind character.
Martin Lilley is featured here, photographed at the Blackpool factory in August 1978 when he was the owner of TVR Sports Cars.
