TVR M Series Tyres
TVR M Series 1972–1979
TVR 1600M Tyres
TVR 2500M on 205/70 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tyres
- The first M series TVR; the 1600M came fitted with 165 R15 tyres, like its predecessor the TVR Vixen Series 4 with the same 1.6 Litre Ford Kent engine of 1972.
- For early TVR 1600M Tyres on 15” wheels from 1973–1975 we suggest the 165 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as a superb handling tyre.
- In 1975, to improve the 1600M’s ability to absorb the shocks of the road, give a better ride and slightly more grip, later 1600 M series fitted 185 R14 tyres.
- Michelin make a 185 HR 14 Michelin MXV-P which we would suggest are the best M series TVR tyres in most cases.
TVR 2500M Tyres
- From 1972 to 1977 The TVR 2600M, the M series with the 6 cylinder Triumph engine, also fitted 165 R15 tyres between 1972 to 1975.
- Again the PIRELLI 165 HR 15 CINTURATO™ CN36 is the ideal M series tyre.
- Like the 1600M, the 2600M TVR moved to 6J-14” wheels and 185 R14 tyres in 1975. For these later cars we again recommend the 185 HR 14 Michelin MXV-P.
- Some owners choose to fit wider tyres with a lower profile. TVR M cars with 185 R14 tyres can also fit 205/70 R14 tyres.
- In the 205/70 R14 size we can recommend the 205/70 WR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 or the 205/70VR14 Michelin XWX.
TVR 3000M and 3000M Turbo Tyres
Yellow TVR 3000M
- The 3000M TVR was the first of the M series cars fitted with the Ford Essex 3 litre engine in 1971.
- For the first of the 3000M TVR Tyres we recommend the PIRELLI 165 HR 15 CINTURATO ™ CN36.
- The 3000M changed to 14” wheels, in 1975 for which we recommend The 185 HR 14 Michelin MXV-P.
- The 20 TVR 3000M Turbo from 1975 to 1979 fitted 205/70 R14 Tyres. We recommend the 205/70 WR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 or the 205/70VR14 Michelin XWX.
Low profile M series TVR Tyres
- As is the nature of a performance car like a TVR, it is common for people to want to fit a bigger tyre.
- For cars on 15” wheels, if you really want larger tyres; try the 185/70VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 N for period progressive handling.
- If you want a wider tyre and have 14" wheels, then there is an excellent 195/70 VR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 which will handle superbly on a 1970s sports car.
- As with the 20 TVR 3000M Turbo cars, the 205/70 WR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 is also a good option.
TVR M series Innertubes
- For 185 R14 and 205/70 R14 tyres the Michelin 14F is the correct innertube.
- For 165 R15 tyres the Michelin 15E is the ideal innertube.
- Our period fitment data suggests that the M series TVR cars fitted tubeless wheels. Innertubes are optional rather than essential for these wheels to function, providing the wheels are in good condition.
1978 TVR 5000M
TVR M Series Recommended Tyres
Other Options for TVR M Series Tyres
History of the TVR M Series
Built between 1972-1979, the handbuilt TVR M Series was a typical TVR front mid-engine car, a rear-wheel-drive layout that replaced both the TVR Vixen & TVR Tuscan. All cars across the series use a fibre-glass body and body-on-frame construction. The M Series are the cars most associated with the era of Martin Lilley who along with his father owned the company from 1965-1981.
The 1600M, which debuted in June 1972, was powered by the same 1.6L Ford Kent engine as in the Ford Capri GT. A four-speed Ford transmission and a Triumph Spitfire differential were used to deliver the power. The 1600M was phased out in April 1973, only to be reintroduced for the 1975 model year in response to rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis. It cost £1980 in October 1972.
The first model, the 1600M, had a top speed of 105 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 10.4 seconds. Contemporary reviews praised the M series for being noisy, speedy, and with good road-holding. This came at the price of odd ergonomics and occasionally difficult heating and ventilation systems. By the time production stopped in 1977, a total of 148 had been manufactured.