1977 TVR 1600M

The TVR Vixen S2, S3 and S4 are two-seater coupes produced from 1968 to 1973.

The Vixen S2 was a rear-wheel-drive coupe with a GRP body that was bolted, as opposed to bonded on the S1, to the space frame chassis and a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. As with the first generation Vixen, there was rack-and-pinion steering, independent coil spring and double wishbone suspension, and disc/drum braking with a 1.6-litre Ford Cortina GT ‘Kent’ engine and transmission.

October 1968 marked the debut of the Vixen S2, as distinguished from the S1 by its Cortina Mk.2 taillights. Extras included a laminated windscreen, tinted glass, a radio and alloy wheels. The price was £1,615 4s with a top speed of 109mph and 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. Autocar considered the S2 to be ‘good fun and still an eye-catcher’.

In mid-1969 the Vien S2 gained power-assisted brakes and recessed air intakes on the bonnet, and in October 1970 the car was replaced by the Vixen S3. This was recognisable via the Mk. IV Zephyr/Zodiac derived extractor vents on the wings and the Kent engine in Capri 1600GT form which offered 86bhp rather than the Cortina plant’s 88bhp. The price ‘in component form’ was £1,242 and the standard equipment now included alloy wheels. In April 1972 the Vixen S3 was superseded by the S4, which looked similar but featured the stronger chassis with 14-gauge tubing of the forthcoming M-Series. The Vixen was replaced by the 1600M in 1973, although only one S4 is believed to have been built in that year.

The standard engine for the Vixen S2, S3, and S4 is the 1,588cc S4 OHV Ford unit, married to an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox with optional overdrive.

The later incarnations of the TVR Vixen are more comfortable for tall drivers, thanks to the longer chassis. The blend of Ford running gear with the fibreglass coachwork and strong chassis produces an unforgettable coupe.

Any S2, S3 or S4 Vixen enthusiast should pay special attention to the rusting of the front chassis outriggers and fuel tank, cracks in the aluminium suspension uprights, corroded electrical contacts and water leaks into the cabin.

The post-S1 TVR Vixens combined the virtues of the original model with a more useable cabin and the same industrial levels of charm and drivability. In short, they are TVRs to remember.

Rivals to the TVR Vixen included the Ford Capri 1600GT Mk.1, Marcos 1600GT and 2-Litre, the MGB GT and the Triumph GT6.