The sports car TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M

A review of the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M sports car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this 16th model in the TVR range.

In this article, I offer a nostalgic look at the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1975 to 1978.

The TVR 3000M Turbo

In order to improve the performance of the 3000M, TVR approached the Broadspeed company to produce a turbocharged version of the Ford Essex V6 engine.

Interestingly, the highly modified engine was installed in the 3000M’s engine compartment without issue.

Consequently, designated the 3000M Turbo sports car, it debuted at the 1975 British International Motor Show at Earl’s Court in London.

These cars were equipped with Koni shocks, wider wheels, and a reduced compression ratio.

A total of 20 of the 3000M Turbos were built. This was later followed by 30 of the Taimar variant. Finally, 13 of the 3000S version were built.

Of these, three of the Taimar and one 3000S Turbos were converted to Special Equipment (SE) variants.

They were equipped with leather upholstery, widened wheel arches, special alloy wheels and limited slip differential.

Featuring an 8.0: 1 compression ratio, a turbocharger blowing at 9 psi, and equipped with a single Webber dual-choke carburetor, the turbo engine develops 230 bhp at 5500 rpm and 273 ft / lbs of torque at 3500 rpm.

This produced a top speed of 140 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The turbocharger kicked in at 2700rpm, which meant that below this the car behaved the same as a normal 3000M.

In fact, the performance of the TVR 3000M Turbo really gave the three-liter Porsche 911 Turbo of the time a real run for its money.

The M Series cars ended production in late 1979, with the 3000M Turbo returning TVR to the status of a Supercar builder.

The TVR 5000M

In 1974, John Wadham, who ran the Canada-based TVR importer in the US, set out to replace the Triumph 2.5-liter inline six engine, installed in a 2500M, with a Ford Windsor V8 unit from 5 liters (302 cubic inches).

This involved the use of different engine mounts, a reciprocating radiator, and stiffer springs.

A four-speed Borg Warner gearbox was used and the rear differential was sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette.

Designated the TVR 5000M sports car, it debuted at the 1975 Toronto International Auto Show.

However, that same year, a severe fire damaged TVR’s UK factory, with the result that production was stopped.

However, as a gesture of support in the company, John Wadham paid in advance for the order of six cars that would be sent to him for later assembly in the 5000M.

As it turned out, his action may have contributed to ensuring the future of the company.

TVR subsequently shipped five M-Series fixed head coupes, excluding engines or gearboxes, to the US importer to convert to the 5000M.

In addition, John Wadham himself converted three other cars, which had just arrived from the UK, and which contained damaged Ford Essex V6 engine blocks.

In 1978, TVR built a limited edition single unit, minus engine and gearbox, which was painted white and featured a brown stripe.

This had identifiable 5000M markings and was sent to John Wadham for the addition of the V8 engine.

It has been estimated that up to 1978 only 9 units of the original 5000M were built.

However, beyond 1980, six TVR Taimars have had their existing engines replaced by the V8 unit.

This marked the end of the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M.

Perhaps this walk down memory lane could have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

What sports car TVR is You Favorite?

However, if this question still remains unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1946 to 1967.

I hope you will join me on my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane.”

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