Iconic Rarity - In the golden age of automotive design, when curves were elegant and materials were bold, the world saw the rise of vehicles that dared to blend style with innovation. While names like Porsche and Volkswagen echoed across continents, one extraordinary effort was quietly taking shape in Australia—crafted not by a global automaker, but by a determined immigrant with a passion for European elegance and engineering. That creation was the Ascort TSV, a rare and fascinating coupe that remains a hidden gem in the history of Australian automotive design.
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| The Ascort TSV, styled by Mirek Craney and built in Australia, was inspired by the Porsche 356 and Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
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| The Ascort TSV featured a prestressed double-shell body bonded to a steel tubular frame—a smart engineering choice that enhanced safety and rigidity while keeping the weight low. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
What truly set the Ascort TSV apart was its pioneering use of fiberglass—a cutting-edge material at the time, praised for its strength and lightness. Craney didn’t just use it for form; he used it for structure. The car featured a prestressed double shell body bonded to a steel tubular frame, a clever solution that increased safety and rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. This innovative build gave the Ascort its distinctive shape and performance edge, all while tipping the scales at just 1,467 pounds.
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| Inside, the cabin features red vinyl upholstery, a cream two-spoke Porsche steering wheel, and a Blaupunkt radio. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Powering this unique coupe was a Volkswagen-sourced, air-cooled flat-four engine, enhanced with high-performance components from Okrasa and Porsche. The result was a peppy 54 bhp, a notable jump from the original 1,300cc engine’s output. Though modest by today’s standards, this power—paired with the lightweight body—gave the Ascort an impressive top speed of 96 mph and a 0 to 50 mph time of 12 seconds, making it a respectable performer in its era.
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| The interior clearly draws inspiration from the Porsche 356, with two rear bucket seats upholstered in red vinyl and divided by a central armrest. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
The Ascort TSV made its public debut at the 1959 Melbourne Motor Display and quickly captured attention. With 57 pre-orders logged during the show, demand looked promising. But the challenges of scaling production soon became apparent. In the end, only 13 units were completed and delivered, with parts for an additional six vehicles left in various stages of assembly. The venture faded before it could fully take off, and Continental Coachwork—the company behind the Ascort—quietly slipped into obscurity.
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| The Ascort TSV is powered by a 356 engine, offering significantly more performance than the original 1.3-liter VW Beetle motor. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Yet, for those who know of its legacy, the Ascort TSV remains an unforgettable icon. Among the survivors is one particular example that has seen a life as rich and varied as its design. Once a showpiece, then a hill climb competitor, it has since been lovingly restored to its original form—though now powered by a more potent 1.6-liter Porsche 356 engine. With a four-speed manual transaxle, Porsche 356-spec brakes, and elegant silver paint over classic 15-inch steel wheels, it looks every bit the part of the stylish coupe Craney once imagined.
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| Finished in elegant silver paint and riding on classic 15-inch steel wheels, the Ascort TSV perfectly embodies the stylish coupe Craney once envisioned. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Inside, red vinyl seats contrast with a cream two-spoke Porsche steering wheel, all complemented by a vintage Blaupunkt radio. This car, meticulously cared for by its owner of 17 years, has just under 6,800 miles on the clock and comes with a collection of documentation, spare parts, and even a scale model. | _9bXghJM2D8 |
Today, the Ascort TSV stands as a testament to vision, craftsmanship, and the daring spirit of one man who believed Australia deserved a sports coupe of its own. Though few were ever built, the ones that remain continue to turn heads and tell a story that’s well worth remembering—a story of ambition, ingenuity, and a beautiful blend of cultures, told through the curves of a truly rare automobile. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICTHROTTLESHOP | ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
