The TVR 3000M was quite a popular and respected sportscar in the seventies, but owners criticized the poor access to the luggage space. This was finally rectified in 1976, when TVR launched the hatchback Taimar. With the hatch closed, it looked similar to the 3000M, but with the hatch open there was no missing the new feature. This model was the final version of the M-cars, developed under Martin Lilley, and was produced from 1976 until 1979. In total, 395 examples of the Taimar left the factory. Just as the 3000M, the Taimar was powered by the 2994 ccm Ford Essex V6 engine. This engine, along with the four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox mated to it, was normally fitted to 3-Litre Capris and Granadas. This durable engine produced 138 bhp, but in the lightweight TVR this was enough to offer fantastic performance and a great driving experience.
This example is what we call a rare machine ! TVR built in total 6 Taimars with a widebody, and this is one of these cars. It is the only example built to European specification with LHD steering. Delivered new in Belgium in 1979, the car has been hardly used, as the odometer reading of 4498 km is correct. This seems to be unbelievable, but confirmed by the Belgian TVR importer. The car has been in storage for a while, as it was intended to be retrofitted with a turbo charger in the early eighties, but his has never happened, and the car remained out of use. A couple of years ago, a TVR collector came across this rare Taimar, and had it completely recommissioned, so it looked again like a brand new factory-fresh car.
The Taimar is in pristine condition, with beautiful paint and exceptional panel fit for a fiberglass car. The interior in typical velours looks like the car has just left Bristol Avenue, and even the Webasto sunroof is in as-new condition. The Widebody gives the car a very purposeful look, and it fits this lightweight sportscar in a great way. The Compomotive modular wheels do fill the wheelarches well, and are fitted with new Toyo tyres. The engine runs fine with an entertaining soundtrack, and gearbox and brakes are both in very good condition as well.
If you are looking for a cheap Taimar in average condition, then this is not the car you want, but if you are searching for the very best example available then look no further : this is the one. On top of that, it has a desirable and rare wide body, and it is an excellent drivers car. This is a TVR which will please every british sportscar enthusiast, and the asking price is still very reasonable for such a rare beast.