TVR Grantura

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Competition Cars on Saturday the 21st of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. , Presented here is the well known 1960 TVR Grantura Mk II, chassis 7/C/238, first registered AUD 100 in October of that year and counted among the quartet of famed TVR Works lightweight development cars constructed expressly for competition. Prepared for international events, these factory machines differed markedly from standard production Granturas, boasting lightweight, strengthened chassis frames, ultra-thin glassfibre coachwork, light alloy "Wobbly-Web" wheels, a tuned Coventry-Climax engine and a close-ratio gearbox – all signature features of TVR’s earliest and most ambitious forays into serious motor racing.Finished originally in blue with a bold central yellow stripe, 7/C/238 closely resembled its sister car, 1226 RO. Period accounts suggest a degree of ambiguity as to which of the pair was campaigned by John Woolfe in the 1961 Lombank Trophy at Snetterton and the Fordwater Trophy at Goodwood – testament to how significant both cars were within the 'Works' stable at the time.Sold from the factory late in 1961 to Michael Sargeant, 7/C/238 enjoyed an active and competitive career in British national motorsport between 1962 and 1964, including notable participation in the BRSCC British Sports Car Championship. The car then passed to William “Bill” Cook at the close of 1964, who continued to field it enthusiastically at club meetings, principally at Snetterton and Brands Hatch, until 1971.Thereafter the TVR was laid up, remaining untouched from the early 1970s until its rediscovery and purchase in 1996 by a collector of significant British sports and racing machinery. Intended for restoration, it remarkably remained in mainly original condition until 2013, when it was sold to its next custodian—an acclaimed specialist restorer.A meticulous ground-up restoration followed, returning the car faithfully to its original Works specification while incorporating the safety and reliability standards required for front-running historic competition. Upon disassembly, both the original lightweight chassis and factory bodywork were found to require minimal attention—an exceptionally rare survival for a period-raced Works TVR. The Grantura went on to enjoy a competitive second life, actively campaigned in Pre-’64 GT racing across Europe and appearing at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.Its present owner has continued this commitment, maintaining the car regardless of expense with MRM Motorsport and ensuring it remains prepared to the latest specifications. In capable hands, this is considered one of the quickest early Granturas competing today and benefits from a fresh J Whitehurst Climax race engine ready for its next lucky owner. Included with the car are the moulds for the "Wobbly-Web" wheels and two spare wobbly wheels. Under current ownership, the owner won the Index of Performance at the Portimao long-distance race. A superb and rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Ex-Works lightweight TVR Grantura Mk II, offered with excellent provenance and current FIA papers valid to 2027. Beautifully prepared, on the button with a fresh engine, highly competitive, unquestionably one of the most significant early racing TVRs extant and offering access to some of the best and most exclusive events historic motorsport events.