This two-seater convertible is the perfect example of British sports car styling. With just the right-sized engine dropped between the fenders to have plenty of fun, hitting gears and hugging corners is an easy task for this TVR.

There was a big market for imports in the United States around 1979. Smaller engines in lighter cars were just what Americans were looking for. But there was one thing that was not anticipated when shipping the cars over to the US. Many cars were impounded because they were unable to pass the strict emission recommendation.

M-series cars use a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and body-on-frame construction. The spare tire was packed away in front of the engine. This design was to add to cargo space behind the seats where the spare tire was originally placed.

A total of 2,465 M-series cars were built over the nine years of production. Since the M-Series sports cars were hand-built, production of these cars was low and make them more of a rare car to get your hands on today.

Suspension And Performance
Getting these cars to drive like they’re riding on rails so to speak is a double-wishbone suspension setup on coil springs on the front and rear. The double-wishbone suspension with aluminum hub carries was an original TVR design, although many other parts and components were outsourced from other manufacturers. All steering parts for the cars were rack-and-pinion with the rack being supplied by Alford and Alder. The brake systems came from the Triumph TR6. There were 11-inch discs in the front and 9-inch drums in the back. The steering column was a British Leyland part.

More Outsourced Parts
It was hard to determine what car components were an original TVR design and what was borrowed from other manufacturers. It is said that at one point, TVR production included more than 200 different outsourced parts. Everything from the headlights, seats, and wheels, to the bumpers and Consul windscreens. Parts were ordered three months in advance to avoid any slow down in productions.

When production ended for the M-Series, TVR sold off the production rights and the use of the tooling to David Gerald TVR Sports Car Ltd.

Although not in production anymore, the M-Series fiberglass body, with the bubble frog headlights is a great car for a restoration. Easy to cruise and enjoy the sports car vibe. It’s top-down fun for just about everyone who’s not a giant.