IT'S small, blue and stylish and it’s world famous.

TVR Number 2, currently on display at Lakeland Motor Museum, is the world’s oldest surviving TVR sports car and an impressive example of British ingenuity.

The car has is viewed as a very proud part of the Northern heritage, and iconic of the motoring community.

The TVR company was founded just down the coast from South Cumbria - in Blackpool in 1947.

Back then it was called Trevcar Motors after its founder Trevor Wilkinson who built his first car in 1949 and gave it the TVR brand by shortening his first name.

His first car doesn’t survive – after it crashed and was sold for parts.

But his second car continues to have a magnetic appeal - not just to people who appreciate high performance car design, but to anyone with an interest in celebrating the proud and innovative history of the North West region.

Bill Bewley, Director of the Lakeland Motor Museum, says, “TVR Number 2 is the most important surviving part of TVR history; a small company established in neighbouring Lancashire, that went on to produce stunning models favoured by many famous, discerning and enthusiastic buyers, looking for value and exceptional performance combined with stunning looks”.

TVR Number 2 has a metal body.

It was only in the Fifties that TVR would start to use glass reinforced plastic – a material that better suited the low volume production and the organic shapes TVR became known for in the Sixties like the Griffith, Grantura and Vixen.

TVR Number 2 began with the same chassis design found on the first car, using the rear axle, springs, dampers, brakes, and steering from the Morris Eight.

The bodywork was constructed by Les Dale, and it was similar in appearance to the first car.

An auto enthusiast local to Blackpool purchased the car for use in competition, although it was eventually registered for road use in 1952.

Around this time, the car was refreshed: it received a new body style with a lower nose, and some different instrumentation and equipment - including – surprisingly - a tachometer from a Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft.

People can now book their Lakeland Motor Museum visit for later this Spring, with online tickets currently available between 17 May and 31 August 2021 at: www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk.

Individuals and their bubble groups must book their visit in advance and entry times are being staggered at 15-minute intervals to ensure social distancing can be respected.

All are welcome.