Following the recent demise of specialist sports carmaker TVR, classic car auctioneer Historics at Brooklands is predicting heightened interest in the British marque, ahead of its autumn sale featuring two TVRs. On sale for the first time in 40 years, 650 KTF was the twelfth Grantura off the production line, and is believed to be the third oldest surviving example of the model. An ideal period competition car, the Grantura is estimated to fetch bids in the region of £14,000 to £18,000.

The hand-built Series I coupé with 1340cc is declared manufactured in 1959 on the V5 registration, but the chassis plate bears the name TVR Engineering Ltd, which was the original company name before it was wound up at the end of 1958, hinting at an earlier production.

Brooklands said that ‘if the Grantura represented the rounded styling of early TVRs, the Tasmin typified the ‘wedge’ series of cars produced throughout the 1980s’.

The 1981 Tasmin 280i Series II Convertible offered by Historics features the Ford 2.8-litre ‘Cologne’ V6 engine that produces 150 bhp, and took the Tasmin from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 128 mph.

The award-winning car has undergone a comprehensive restoration, including a no-expense-spared interior re-trim and is set to generate offers between £6,000 and £8,500.

Commenting on the brace of British sports cars, Historics’ auction director Edward Bridger-Stille said: ‘While the recent tale of TVR is undoubtedly one of sadness, its place in the history of British sports car manufacturing is secure, and should ensure significant interest in the best examples going forward’.