The TVR Tina: the What-Could-Have-Been that oozed Italy

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Several cars bear women’s names, but very few were actually named after a real person. Yes, of course, there was Mercédès Jellinek. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta took its name from Shakespeare’s heroine, while the Renault Clio and Zoe derive from Greek mythology, and the Nissan Sylvia and Škoda Felicia have Latin origins.

Among the exceptions are the Lotus Elise, named after Elisa Artioli, the Monica 560, named after Monique Tastevin, and the Fiat 125S Samantha, named after Samantha Eggar. The only other example we know of is the stillborn TVR Tina. Legend has it that the name was an acronym for This Is Not Another, reflecting TVR’s belief that the Tina was anything but ordinary. In reality, however, the car was named after Tina Marshall, the eldest daughter of racing driver Gerry Marshall. Closely associated with TVR during the mid-1960s, Marshall was instrumental in the project, and TVR boss Martin Lilley must clearly have been rather fond of the name.

The Tina remains largely unknown, although things could easily have turned out very differently. This classic 'what could have been' was in fact a serious attempt to move TVR into a more accessible market during the mid-1960s. A collaboration with Rootes appeared to offer genuine promise, as the Tina was based on the mechanical components of the Hillman Imp. Styled by Trevor Fiore and built by Carrozzeria Fissore, its sleek fibreglass body bore little resemblance to the practical British saloon beneath. Distinctly continental in appearance, it positively oozed Italy. Two versions were produced — a Coupé and a Spyder — both of which were unveiled at the 1967 London Motor Show, where a projected price of £998 was announced.

Unfortunately, TVR was unable to raise the funds needed to put the Tina into production, and the entire project was abandoned. Fortunately, both prototypes survive and have been restored in recent years: the Spyder in the United States and the Coupé in Britain by none other than… Tina Marshall.

Words: Jeroen Booij
Pictures: Iconic Auctioneers / News d'Anciennes

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