Back to lots

1959 TVR Grantura Mk1 ( MkII Development Car)

An historically significant early Grantura with a fascinating history, a factory development car fitted with the first Coventry Climax engine supplied to TVR.

ESTIMATE: £20,000 - £24,000

+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)

You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.

LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 24th August, 2025 at 11.00am BST at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN

BODY COLOUR
Old English White
DRIVE
RHD
REG NUMBER
603FM

SUMMARY

An historically significant early Grantura with a fascinating history, a factory development car fitted with the first Coventry Climax engine supplied to TVR.

DESCRIPTION

Originally built in 1959 as a Mk1 and subsequently fitted in June 1959 with a new Climax 1,220cc FWE engine as part of their motorsport development programme
Chassis #7C 119, the car on offer today, is the documented first ever TVR to be fitted with a Coventry Climax engine
Rebodied as a MkII by the factory in mid-1960 and enjoyed some racing and rallying success
Subsequently sold (new!!) in 1962 to its first recorded keeper, Mr Alan Rhodda, who kept it for nearly 57 years before it was sold as a project in 2019
Its new keeper undertook a sympathetic restoration, refinished the car in Old English White, and the interior was fully retrimmed in quality pastel blue leather by a Jaguar Heritage engineer
He had the engine (#8409) examined with a borescope and confirmed as 'Stage 3 in good condition', and undertook a serious amount of investigation and preparation of its, now substantial, history file
Fascinating reading, the file contains an original sales brochure, buff logbook, Coventry Climax letters signed by Chief Engineer, Wally Hassan, confirming the provenance on the engine and build date, Coventry Climax letters discussing the Stage 3 conversion (completed in 1964), receipts for all parts from Coventry Climax, and a large collection of receipts for restoration and recommissioning.
Historically important within the annals of the TVR Car Company, this charismatic little Grantura has enjoyed many adventures over the past 65 years and, we suspect, a few more are on the cards.

SPECIFICATION

Make: TVR
Model: GRANTURA MKII COVENTRY CLIMAX
Registration Number: 603FM
MOT Expiry: Exempt
Chassis Number: 7C119
Engine Number: 8409
Transmission: Manual
Body Colour: Old English White

GALLERY

SPECIALIST

Gary Dunne
Car Specialist
07740 946796
gary@iconicauctioneers.com

For further information regarding this lot please contact Gary.

Email Gary
Telephone Gary
WhatsApp Gary

SHARE THIS LOT

SCORE:

87 / 130

Exterior

Bodywork:

Glass:

Paint:

Chrome:

Trim:

Interior

Door-Cards:

Carpets:

Seating:

Headlining:

Dashboard:

Boot:

Engine

Components:

Appearance:

Starting:

Running:

Transmission

Gears:

Clutch:

Drive-Shaft:

Running Gear

Axles:

Chassis:

Suspension:

Brakes:

Wheels & Tyres:

Electrics

Minor:

Major:

Vehicle History

Remarks

Re-emerging in 2019 to be sold as a project, its subsequent new keeper undertook a sympathetic restoration, refinished the car in Old English White, and the interior was fully retrimmed in quality pastel blue leather by a Jaguar Heritage engineer. He had the engine (#8409) 'boroscoped' and confirmed as Stage 3 in good condition and undertook a serious amount of investigation and preparation of its now substantial history file. Fascinating reading, the file contains an original sales brochure, buff logbook, Coventry Climax letters signed by Chief Engineer, Wally Hassan, confirming the provenance on the engine and built date, Coventry Climax letters discussing the Stage 3 conversion (completed in 1964) including receipts for all parts from Coventry Climax, numerous Smiths letters discussing the issues with the rev counter and a large collection of receipts for restoration and recommissioning.

About the Seller Rating

A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.

Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car

Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts

Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history

Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history

Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history

Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 25th August. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.

Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.

For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.

If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before 9am on 25th August, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.

Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.

An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.

A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.

For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers

Back to top

Newsletter Sign Up

Keyword Alerts

First Name^*

Last Name^*

Email^*

Select your interests

Subscribe to all Newsletters

Would you like to receive personalised keyword alerts when new catalogues go live. If so, please indicate these below

Add Keywords: (e.g Cartier)

Set a password to save your keyword alerts

Password:^*

Passwords are a minimum of 7 characters and must include an upper case letter, a lower case letter, a number and a special character.

Re-Enter Password:^*

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.*

I would like to receive news and alerts from Forum Auctions

Thank you for signing up for email notifications.

Thank you, your preferences have been saved and a "lite" account has been created for you. Should you wish to buy or sell with Forum, please login to create a "full" account.

Return to homepage Create an account Login Create an account

1959 TVR Grantura Mk1 ( MkII Development Car)

1959 TVR Grantura Mk1 ( MkII Development Car)