When the TVR Vixen appeared in 1967, the tiny Blackpool carmaker had been around in one form or another for almost 20-years.

The formula for every TVR after the first handful was pretty much the same: a fiberglass coupé body over a unique tubular frame with as many high-volume parts from major manufacturers as possible.

Along the way, engines included side-valve Fords, B-series MGs, Coventry Climaxes and Ford V8s but the engine that really helped TVR reach volume status was the Ford Cortina 1,600cc crossflow unit.

12 of the early, short-wheelbase Vixens used up supplies of MG B 1,798cc engines, but the Cortina unit was lighter, revved a bit more freely and came with the slick all-synchro Cortina GT 4-speed gearbox.

If it gave up a few horsepower to the MG unit, it gave away nothing in performance.

When the S2 Vixen came along in 1968, the chassis and body rode on a 90'' wheelbase, which enlarged the doors and made the interior roomier, and, for the first time, a TVR body was bolt...