A review of The TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M Sports Car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this sixteenth 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 produced 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 fitted into the 3000M’s engine bay with no problem.
Consequently designated the 3000M Turbo sports car, it premiered at the 1975 British International Motor Show at Earl’s Court in London.
These cars were equipped with Koni shock absorbers, 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. Ultimately, 13 of the 3000S version were built.
Of these, three Taimars and one 3000S Turbos were converted to Special Equipment (SE) variants.
They were equipped with leather upholstery, flared wheel arches, special alloy wheels and a limited slip differential.
With a compression ratio of 8.0:1, a turbocharger blowing at 9 psi, and equipped with a single Webber twin-choke carb, the turbocharged engine developed 230 hp at 5,500 rpm and 273 ft/lbs of torque at 3,500 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 ran the same as a regular 3000M.
In fact, the performance of the TVR 3000M Turbo actually 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 status as a builder of Supercars.
The TVR 5000M
In 1974, John Wadham, who ran the Canada-based importer TVR in the US, set out to replace the Triumph 2.5-litre straight-six engine, fitted to a 2500M, with a Ford Windsor unit. 5-liter V8 (302 cubic inches).
This involved the use of different engine mounts, an alternate radiator, and stiffer springs.
A Borg Warner four-speed 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, later that year, a serious fire damaged TVR’s factory in the UK, so production was halted.
However, as a gesture of support for the company, John Wadham paid in advance for six cars to be shipped to him for assembly on the 5000M.
As it turned out, his action may have helped secure the company’s future.
Five M-series fixed-roof coupes, which excluded engines or gearboxes, were subsequently shipped by TVR to the US importer for conversion into the 5000M.
In addition, John Wadham himself converted three other cars, which had just arrived from the UK, and contained damaged Ford Essex V6 engine blocks.
In 1978, TVR built a limited edition single unit, without engine or gearbox, which was painted white and featured a brown stripe.
This one had identifiable 5000M markings and was sent to John Wadham to add the V8 engine.
It has been estimated that only 9 units of the original 5000M were built up to 1978.
However, beyond 1980, six TVR Taimars have had their existing engines replaced with the V8 unit.
This marked the end of the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M.
Perhaps this walk down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on a possible question:
What TVR sports car is it? Their Favourite?
However, if this question remains unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars that were introduced in the memorable era spanning 1946 to 1967.
I hope you’ll join me on my nostalgic trips “down sports car memory lane.”