1975 TVR 2500M

TVR 2500M (Coupe), 1972-1977

The TVR 2500M was in production from 1972 to 1977. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive coupe seating two adults and two children.

The 2500M was a replacement for the rare Vixen 2500 - developed to capitalise upon the US market given that Triumph had gained US emissions certification for the engine for its own TR6. The M built on the older car with a lightly revised chassis using a backbone chassis and perimeter tubing. The M - named after the company's new owner, Martin Lilley - was also available with Ford's Kent and Essex powerplants. Initial tests as MIRA for crashworthiness showed a better result than any other car crashed to that point - with officials initially demanding a second test to corroborate the result.

The UK only received the 2500M for two years; it offering little price benefit over the Ford-engined 3000M while lacking the 3.0 car's performance. Also taken from the TR6 were the gearbox, diff and front suspension uprights. When fitted to the TVR body the Triumph engine would run hot at idle overheating in traffic or at traffic lights. This problem was never solved, and to help combat it the bonnet vents of the early M series were retained after they were deleted from the 1600 and 3000 models. Production ended in 1977 after 947 had been built, owing to Triumph's cessation of six cylinder engine production. Unlike the 3000M, it was never adapted into the Taimar or the S convertible series.

The main competitors in Britain for the 2500M would be the larger-engined 3000M, and the Triumph TR6 from which it took most of its drivetrain. Other cars that might have tempted the TVR owner include the Triumph Stag, the Ford Capri 3.0 and - though a little later - possibly even the Vauxhall Chevette HS. Foreign alternatives might have included the Porsche 924 and the Toyota Celica 2000 Liftback, while those looking for an entry level TVR experience might also consider the Tasmin 200 and 280 models as worthy alternatives.