A rare 1974 TVR 2500M has been unveiled at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, following a complete ground-up restoration. The British sports car, now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, represents a significant piece of automotive history and showcases the dedication required to preserve such vehicles.
The restoration involved a body-off refurbishment of the fiberglass-bodied coupe, with extensive work performed on the chassis, suspension, brakes, and powertrain. The car's 2.5-liter inline-six engine, originally sourced from Triumph, was rebuilt in 2016 and enhanced with dual Zenith Stromberg carburetors, a stainless Borla exhaust system, a Wizard aluminum radiator, programmable electronic ignition, and a ceramic-coated cast iron manifold. These modifications ensure the vehicle not only retains its historical character but also benefits from modern reliability and performance.
Interior and mechanical updates include a leather-wrapped Astrali steering wheel, classic Smiths instrumentation, a custom cooling system, replaced suspension bushings, wheel bearings, and braking components, and adjustable coil-over dampers for a refined ride. Distinctive design elements like the pop-up glass sunroof, Perspex wraparound rear window, and Monza-style fuel filler cap emphasize the car's 1970s aesthetic.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the car's driver-focused appeal, stating the restoration reflects a labor of love. The museum, which houses over 200 collector cars and more than 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts, is open to the public daily. Visitors can explore the collection at its North Fort Worth location, with details available on the museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters to automotive enthusiasts and historians as it preserves a rare model from TVR, a brand known for its lightweight, performance-oriented vehicles. The 2500M, produced in limited numbers during the 1970s, exemplifies British sports car design during an era of mechanical innovation and stylistic boldness. Its display at the museum provides educational value, illustrating restoration techniques and engineering evolution.
For the classic car industry, such restorations highlight the growing market for well-documented, professionally revived vehicles, potentially increasing interest and value for similar models. The museum's role in showcasing this car supports cultural preservation, making automotive history accessible to a broader audience, including families and collectors. The DFW Car & Toy Museum's commitment to free admission and dog-friendly policies, as noted on its site https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, enhances community engagement with automotive heritage.
