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1972

TVR 3000M

A stubby Blackpool coupé with a big Ford V6.

TVR 30L
TVR 3000M
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

The M-series put TVR on a firm footing after years of near-collapse. A strong tubular chassis sat under a long-nosed glassfibre body. It was quick, noisy and fun, and could be bought ready-made or as a kit.

Inside

You sit low and far back, with a tall centre tunnel beside you and a dash full of dials.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Orange
Did you know?

The M stands for Martin Lilley, who ran the company with his father.

Meanwhile, in 1972

A miners' strike brought power cuts across the country.

Best-selling single of 1972: Amazing Grace by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Band

Buying and running

Before you buy a 1970s car

  • Rust is common in sills, wheel arches, front panels and the bottom of the doors.
  • Check the wiring and electrics carefully, as they age badly.
  • Many volume-selling cars still have good parts support, but badge-engineered and low-volume models can be harder to source.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

Triumph Stag1970 · 116 mphCompare
Triumph TR71975 · 109 mphCompare
Lotus Europa1966 · 110 mphCompare

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.

Flat out 020406080100120140 MPH
121 mph
First built1972
Age today54 years since launch
Built atBlackpool, Lancashire
On sale1972–1979
Years in production7 years
Number madeAbout 2,500 M-series cars
Kerb weight900 kg (approx.)
Fuel economy26 mpg combined (approx.)
Engine3.0-litre Ford Essex V6
Power138 bhp
Top speed121 mph
Speed rankingJoint 79th fastest of 164
0–60 mph7.7 seconds
Price when newAbout £2,500
In today's moneyAbout £43,000
Designed byTVR, under Martin Lilley

Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.