| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1977 discontinued in 1977 |
The TVR 2500, produced between 1972 and 1977, is a distinguished British sports coupe that marks a notable chapter in TVR's history. This generation of the TVR 2500 combined lightweight construction with a sleek, aerodynamic design distinctive of early 1970s sports cars. While exact size specifications for the 2500 are less commonly documented than contemporary models, the coupe's compact dimensions supported its reputation for agility and spirited driving dynamics. The body was tailored for two occupants, emphasizing driver engagement and road feedback. The length typically ranged around 3.9 meters (approximately 153 inches), with a width near 1.6 meters (around 63 inches), and a height close to 1.2 meters (about 47 inches), underscoring its low and wide stance conducive to sporty handling. Weighing in light relative to many contemporaries, the 2500's curb weight was approximately 900 kilograms (nearly 1984 lbs), which helped optimize its performance with the available engine output. Produced during a time when TVR focused on raw driving experience without excessive luxuries, the 2500 is celebrated among enthusiasts for its purist approach and distinct British character. Its design and size put it in competition with other lightweight sports cars of the era, showcasing TVR’s commitment to performance and style. Today, the TVR 2500 remains a sought-after classic coupe, appreciated for its iconic proportions and the engaging driving experience it offers.
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The TVR 2500 from the 1972-1977 production period features compact sports coupe dimensions, with an approximate length of 4,145 mm (163.2 inches), a width of around 1,626 mm (64.0 inches), and a height of about 1,220 mm (48.0 inches). These measurements make it a sleek and agile car designed for sporty performance with a relatively low and wide stance that enhances stability and handling on the road. The compact dimensions contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and driving dynamics typical of TVR sports cars of that era.
The TVR 2500 weighs approximately 930 kg (2,050 lbs), which is relatively lightweight compared to many sports cars from the early 1970s. This low curb weight was instrumental in delivering sharp handling and nimble performance, key characteristics expected from a TVR. The lightweight build was achieved through a fiberglass body and a tubular chassis design, which together kept the car agile and quick off the line, emphasizing driving enjoyment over raw power. This weight is considerably lighter than many competitors in its class, enhancing its responsiveness.
Yes, the TVR 2500 is classified as a compact sports coupe. Its dimensions—approximately 4,145 mm (163.2 inches) in length, 1,626 mm (64.0 inches) in width, and 1,220 mm (48.0 inches) in height—place it firmly in the compact category, especially when compared to larger grand tourers and muscle cars of the same era. This smaller footprint was designed to enhance agility and reduce weight, prioritizing driver engagement and handling precision rather than outright interior space or luxury amenities.
Interior space in the TVR 2500 is typical of small two-seat sports coupes from the 1970s, optimized more for driver and passenger engagement than for space or luxury. Its compact dimensions translate to a snug cabin with limited legroom and headroom compared to larger grand tourers or sedans from the same era. Despite this, the TVR’s cabin focused on driver-oriented controls and a sporty feel, with enough space to comfortably accommodate two adults for spirited driving, but it is not suitable for large occupants or extended cruising with extensive luggage.
The TVR 2500 was powered by a 2.5-liter straight-six engine, which produced approximately 168 horsepower and 208 Nm (153 lb-ft) of torque. This engine, borrowed and tuned from properties connected to the Triumph Inline-6, provided lively and responsive power delivery suited to the car’s lightweight chassis. Performance figures included a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of around 7.5 to 8 seconds, and a top speed close to 210 km/h (130 mph). The car combined traditional British sports car engineering with the lightweight and dynamic chassis typical of TVR's design philosophy.
Given its compact dimensions—length of about 4,145 mm (163.2 inches), width of around 1,626 mm (64.0 inches), and height of roughly 1,220 mm (48.0 inches)—the TVR 2500 comfortably fits within a standard single-car residential garage or typical parking space. Most residential garages, which generally have lengths of at least 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) and widths of around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches), provide more than enough space to accommodate the TVR 2500, including room for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle.
The TVR 2500 followed the TVR Vixen and generally maintained a similar compact coupe footprint. Compared to the Vixen, the 2500 was slightly longer and heavier due to its larger 2.5-liter straight-six engine and evolutionary body refinements, which added a bit more length and mass for improved stability and comfort without sacrificing agility. The overall design maintained the characteristic low profile, lightweight fiberglass body, and tubular steel chassis. Size increases were modest, aimed at accommodating the bigger engine and enhancing road presence while keeping the nimble handling that TVR lovers appreciated.
When compared to similar British sports coupes of the early 1970s, such as the Triumph TR6 or Jaguar E-Type Series 3, the TVR 2500 is more compact and lighter. For instance, the Triumph TR6 was roughly 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) long and heavier, while the Jaguar E-Type was larger and more luxurious, measuring over 4,400 mm (173 inches) in length. The TVR’s smaller size and featherweight construction gave it an edge in handling and nimbleness over these contemporaries, which tended to emphasize grand touring comfort or raw power. This made the TVR 2500 a purist's sports car, geared towards a spirited driving experience.
The TVR 2500 featured independent front suspension utilizing double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear was equipped with a live axle supported by leaf springs. This setup was fairly common for British sports cars of the period and was optimized for a balance between ride comfort and sharp handling. Despite the compact size of the car, this suspension arrangement allowed for agile cornering capabilities and good road-holding, making the TVR nimble and responsive. The relatively lightweight chassis and suspension components complemented the car’s small dimensions, delivering exhilarating driving dynamics without compromising practicality.
Given the TVR 2500’s focus on compact, sporty design, its luggage capacity was limited but practical for weekend trips or short drives. The coupe body style did not accommodate large cargo volumes; the trunk space was roughly estimated at around 150-200 liters (5.3-7.1 cubic feet). This space was sufficient for light luggage or groceries but was modest compared to larger grand tourers or saloons. The limited cargo capacity reflects the car's emphasis on performance and lightness rather than utility, making it ideal for enthusiasts prioritizing driving pleasure over practicality.
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