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TVR TURBO (3000M TURBO)
Project #1of20 – work in progress - full restoration
YEAR: 1976
What on earth is it?
It’s one of just twenty TVR 3000 M Turbos ever built—better known simply as the “TVR Turbo”. A truly rare British coupé from the 1970s, now in the hands of Passione Classica for a full restoration, documented in almost embarrassing detail through hundreds of photos and videos. It’s a madman’s task, carried out in collaboration with some of the finest specialists in the field. This car’s story deserves nothing less than an ambitious project like this—made possible in part thanks to the help of the man who first turned the key in 1976 and who, driven by passion, continues to guide us with his invaluable advice. Even an original video from 1976, featuring this exact car, has become a vital reference in bringing her back to her former glory.
An adventure shaped by passion, friendship, and shared enthusiasm.
Historical background
From the ashes
In the 1970s, Britain was in the grip of recession and industrial turmoil. Yet down in Blackpool, TVR—then a small outfit run by the young Martin Lilley since 1965—continued to chase grand ambitions, driven by a dedicated team of craftsmen. Launched in 1971, the “M” series coupé (essentially the successor to the Vixen and wide-bodied Tuscan) was instrumental in growing the brand’s presence abroad—Germany, Greece, Japan, Australia, and the USA. That same year at the London Motor Show, a prototype surfaced with a Triumph 2.5‑litre straight-six. The lineup expanded to include a 1.6-litre Ford four-cylinder and a beefier 3.0‑litre Ford Essex V6. Then, in 1975, disaster struck—a devastating fire nearly wiped out the factory and threatened TVR’s future. But Lilley rallied, secured the premises, and rebuilt from scratch in record time. A few months later, at the next London Motor Show, he delivered a bold statement: the TVR 3000 M Turbo. Tuned by Broadspeed—well‑known British motorsport specialists—the turbocharged version added a hefty 80 bhp to the standard V6, pushing output to about 230 bhp. More than enough to propel under a tonne of metal to 235 km/h and sprint from 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The British press aptly dubbed it “a bullet on four wheels”—and they weren’t exaggerating. Without realising it at the time, TVR had built Britain’s first turbocharged production sports car—but only built twenty of them, and for only a select few.
Only 20 cars. Full stop.
I’ll leave you to imagine how many have survived to this day, fifty years on — and how many of those have endured such a radical restoration. That’s why a car like this isn’t just a collector’s item today: it’s a symbol of TVR’s artisanal stubbornness, a testament to the timeless allure of hand-built cars, crafted one by one, in an era when courage mattered more than budget.
Technical specifications
- BODY TYPE: coupé
- SEATS: 2
- LENGTH: 401 cm
- WIDTH: 162,6 cm
- HEIGHT: 119,4 cm
- WHEELBASE: 228,6 cm
- WEIGHT: 950 kg
- ENGINE: Ford V6 (Turbocharged – by Broadspeed)
- DISPLACEMENT: 2994 cc
- POWER OUTPUT: 230 hp
- FUEL: Petrol
- DRIVETRAIN: RWD
- TRANSMISSION: 4-speed manual
- SPEEED: 235 km/h
#1of20 – Passione Classica’s TVR 3000 M Turbo
Our subject is one of just nine TVR 3000 M Turbo models built in 1976—probably chassis number six. This car has led a life abroad: born in Britain, grown up in Germany, passed through the Netherlands, and now—at long last—in Italy. When I discovered it, it was tucked away in a garage, modestly cared for, with restoration work half‑started and then abandoned. Once in the workshop, the interior unfolded its story like a forgotten attic trunk: documents, badges, the scent of a bygone era. Among the seats and inside the boot, we found files of receipts and event tickets—gatherings, track days—and receipts for expensive mechanical work. Notably, the engine had been replaced only a few years after first registration, as often happens to cars so relentlessly raced. But the real turning point came when I got in touch with the original owner—a genuine enthusiast who had been close to TVR’s top brass back in the day. Overly generous, he shared his private archive: period articles, official TVR letters, technical anecdotes…and even footage of him taking this very Turbo for its first spin. Chills. That sparked what became a heartfelt correspondence, and it convinced me this project had to go ahead.
Full restoration. No compromises.
This wasn’t a restomod or modern reinterpretation. The aim was always to honour the originality of a car that was already extreme the day it was built. We made only a few thoughtful tweaks to improve reliability and efficiency—an aluminium racing radiator, a brand-new wiring loom, custom-built pistons, and a reinforced turbo, to name a few. As the project progressed, I was lucky enough to connect with another TVR expert—one of the most respected out there, and a former owner of this very car back in the 1990s. He brought invaluable knowledge to the table. The soul of the car was never touched—just carefully updated to help it live another fifty years. Today, bit by bit, the puzzle is coming together—thanks to the support of many enthusiasts. In that spirit, I must also thank the TVR Car Club UK and the brand’s Heritage Manager, who kindly provided the official documentation needed to confirm the car’s historic status here in Italy (names withheld out of respect for privacy—for now at least… perhaps, with their blessing, once the restoration is complete). At present, around twenty companies are involved in the rebirth of this TVR 3000 M Turbo. And everyone who works on her understands—this is not just another commission. This is a heartfelt tribute to one of the rarest, most compelling chapters in British hand-built motoring. Right now, with the body in the paint shop, the engine on the bench, and the seats already upholstered, Project #1of20 is at the halfway point. What comes next will once again be guided by passion, precision, and respect—for the car, and for the spirit of Passione Classica.
#1of20 – Passione Classica’s TVR 3000M Turbo
Our subject is one of just nine Turbo M models built in 1976—probably chassis number six. This car has led a life abroad: born in Britain, grown up in Germany, passed through the Netherlands, and now—at long last—in Italy. When I discovered it, it was tucked away in a garage, modestly cared for, with restoration work half‑started and then abandoned. Once in the workshop, the interior unfolded its story like a forgotten attic trunk: documents, badges, the scent of a bygone era. Among the seats and inside the boot, we found files of receipts and event tickets—gatherings, track days—and receipts for expensive mechanical work. Notably, the engine had been replaced only a few years after first registration, as often happens to cars so relentlessly raced. But the real turning point came when I got in touch with the original owner—a genuine enthusiast who had been close to TVR’s top brass back in the day. Overly generous, he shared his private archive: period articles, official TVR letters, technical anecdotes…and even footage of him taking this very Turbo for its first spin. Chills. That sparked what became a heartfelt correspondence, and it convinced me this project had to go ahead.
Full restoration. No compromises.
This wasn’t a restomod or modern reinterpretation. The aim was always to honour the originality of a car that was already extreme the day it was built. We made only a few thoughtful tweaks to improve reliability and efficiency—an aluminium racing radiator, a brand-new wiring loom, custom-built pistons, and a reinforced turbo, to name a few. As the project progressed, I was lucky enough to connect with another TVR expert—one of the most respected out there, and a former owner of this very car back in the 1990s. He brought invaluable knowledge to the table. The soul of the car was never touched—just carefully updated to help it live another fifty years. Today, bit by bit, the puzzle is coming together—thanks to the support of many enthusiasts. In that spirit, I must also thank the TVR Car Club UK and the brand’s Heritage Manager, who kindly provided the official documentation needed to confirm the car’s historic status here in Italy (names withheld out of respect for privacy—for now at least… perhaps, with their blessing, once the restoration is complete). At present, around twenty companies are involved in the rebirth of this TVR 3000M Turbo. And everyone who works on her understands—this is not just another commission. This is a heartfelt tribute to one of the rarest, most compelling chapters in British hand-built motoring. Right now, with the body in the paint shop, the engine on the bench, and the seats already upholstered, Project #1of20 is at the halfway point. What comes next will once again be guided by passion, precision, and respect—for the car, and for the spirit of Passione Classica.
Price
Not for sale
The cars in my garage
