05/12/2019
This TVR Tuscan V6, first registered in Dec 1969, which is a perfectly viable road-registered and road-going car which, however boasts a wonderful history as a racecar!.
This TVR's greatest achievement was to win the 1970 Modsports Championship in the hands of Dr Rod Longton, a General Practitioner. He took delivery of the car in factory built form with factory options including a lightweight and modified body, a full roll cage and Koni shock absorbers. This highly respected amateur race driver then campaigned his Tuscan V6 at the front of the field throughout the following two seasons., sponsored by the selling dealership - Lockhart Sportscars of Chithurst, Hampshire.
The Modsports Championship contenders included Le Mans Spec Austin Healey 3000s, AC Cobras and Jaguar E-Types. (Note the photo of Dr Longton in his Tuscan V6 leading Sir John Gott, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire, in his Healey 3000 Le Mans !)
Approximately 30 years ago, CLM 99H dropped a valve during a season of hillclimbing in the hands of its second owner, Jack Dilley of Hurley in Berkshire. The car was put back in its garage and the engine removed and taken apart. It then sat there forlornly (for 28yrs), before It was offered to and purchased by Mr Jason Clegg.
He spent a couple of months deciding which route to follow with the car, before deciding that a sympathetic restoration was the best way forward. The body was removed and all mechanical parts were overhauled. The body & interior were left as original as possible - with various battle scars preserved and the patina of history evident!
At the end of that process, the Specification was as follows:
Factory built Tuscan V6 Lightweight with modified body.
Original factory roll cage.
Ford 3.1 Ltr Essex V6, rebuilt with parts, help & advice from Ric Wood.
Forged pistons, gasflowed heads, balanced bottom end, alloy timing wheel, baffled sump, roller rockers, triple downdraft Weber carbs.
Ceramic coated 3 into 1 manifolds with custom side exit system.
Alloy radiator & electric fan.
Rebuilt Capri 3 ltr close ratio gearbox.
Rebuilt 3.7:1 Powerlock diff.
Intrax adjustable dampers & springs.
8" Cooper F1 wheels at the front, 10" Pearce wheels at the rear.
Period style Michelin tyres all round.
The Car’s Competition History is recorded, as follows:
Year Races 1st 2nd 3rd
1970 19 9 7 1
1971 19 4 5 8
1972 19 5 9 4
1973 12 6 2 1
The history file that came with the car was extensive, fascinating and effectively opened a window onto the world of motor racing 50, yes FIFTY, years ago
As previously mentioned, the car was duly sold 3 years ago to a genuine TVR aficionado, who also collects historic Motorbikes. As you would expect, he kept the car in tip top form, using it on the road in appropriate conditions and on suitable track days at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. All these outings and associated work on the car were of course recorded ….!
And because the last owner recognised the importance of collecting as much of the history of the car, and of the motorracing scene "Back in the day", he has added much extra content to the car’s very full provenance records.
The documentation available includes:
A copy of the original factory build sheet dated 28th Nov 1969.
The car’s original green logbook (showing only 2 owners!).
A notebook with race specs & settings from 1974.
A letter from TVR.
The Bill of Sale from the first owner Dr Rod Longton to the second owner.
Various receipts & invoices.
Race programmes (some with this car on the cover!).
Period photographs from various race meetings.
Various scrutineering passes (some with rodent damage!)
The car also features in various articles and TVR publications throughout the years.
This is a rare opportunity to purchase a TVR - with extensive and exceptional historic provenance - which can be used both on track and on the road..
