Unfinished Brilliance - The 1960s were a restless chapter in automotive history, marked by bold experimentation and unexpected collaborations. In that climate of creative risk-taking, TVR introduced a concept that hinted at a broader future for the brand. Unveiled in November 1966 at the Turin Motor Show, the TVR Tina Convertible Concept—also known as the Tina Spyder—stood as a quiet yet confident statement of ambition, blending British engineering logic with Italian design finesse.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore was introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show following revisions to its front-end design. (Picture from: Autoevolution) |
The foundation of the Tina Spyder came from the Hillman Imp,
reflecting TVR’s long-standing habit of using donor components to keep development realistic and flexible. This approach had already shaped the company’s early identity and reputation, allowing it to focus resources on innovation rather than large-scale manufacturing. In
the Tina, that philosophy supported a new direction rather than limiting it. The naming of the car became part of its charm.
Lilley wanted something quickly, and since racing driver Gerry Marshall—
an important figure at the Barnet Motor Company—
was closely involved, the team chose to name it after his daughter,
Tina.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore is pictured in its first iteration, featuring the original front-end design before revisions were made to meet U.S. safety regulations. (Picture from: AllCarIndex) |
Designed as a compact 2+2 convertible sports car,
the Tina carried a distinctly modern character for its time.
The styling was the work of Trevor Fiore, whose design balanced clean lines with a light,
contemporary feel.
Its body shell was crafted by Carrozzeria Fissore in Italy,
giving the car a subtle elegance and reinforcing its cross-cultural identity.
The open-top layout further emphasized its relaxed, forward-looking personality.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore was based on Hillman Imp mechanicals, reflecting TVR’s long-standing approach of using donor components to keep development practical and flexible. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
One of the most unusual aspects of the Tina Spyder prototype was its construction.
Unlike TVR’s typical fiberglass-bodied cars,
the prototype used a steel body shell.
This choice was driven by practicality rather than philosophy, as
TVR lacked the facilities for steel pressing at scale. Had
the Tina moved into production, reinforced fiberglass would almost certainly have replaced steel, maintaining consistency with
TVR’s established manufacturing methods.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore used a steel bodyshell, a practical decision driven by TVR’s lack of large-scale steel pressing facilities rather than design philosophy. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
The version shown in Turin was already a revised design—
the second
iteration of the Tina Spyder.
Its front end had been updated to comply
with U.S. safety regulations,
clearly indicating TVR’s intention to
reach beyond the domestic market. This adjustment demonstrated an
awareness of global standards and an ambition to position
the Tina as
more than a niche British experiment.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder Concept by Fissore featured an open-top layout that further emphasized its relaxed, forward-looking character. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
Beyond design,
the Tina also served as a confidence signal for the company.
Martin Lilley insisted that both the coupé and convertible versions appear at the October 1966 London Motor Show.
The reaction was immediate and intense. Enthusiastic visitors reportedly offered blank cheques to secure a place on a future waiting list, and
TVR’s factory phones rang constantly afterward, suggesting genuine market appetite rather than fleeting curiosity.
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| The TVR Tina Spyder by Fissore was displayed alongside its Coupé Concept sibling at the 1966 London Motor Show. (Picture from: AllCarIndex) |
Despite its strong reception and evident potential,
the Tina Spyder never progressed beyond the prototype stage. Yet it did not disappear into obscurity. The convertible prototype was later registered for road use, passed through private ownership, and eventually crossed the Atlantic. Today, it is known to survive in the hands of a private collector, preserved rather than displayed, rarely seen but very much real. In that quiet survival lies the true legacy of
the Tina—an unfinished idea that still exists as proof of a moment when creativity, confidence, and collaboration briefly aligned.
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The foundation of the Tina Spyder came from the Hillman Imp, reflecting TVR’s long-standing habit of using donor components to keep development realistic and flexible. This approach had already shaped the company’s early identity and reputation, allowing it to focus resources on innovation rather than large-scale manufacturing. In the Tina, that philosophy supported a new direction rather than limiting it. The naming of the car became part of its charm. Lilley wanted something quickly, and since racing driver Gerry Marshall—an important figure at the Barnet Motor Company—was closely involved, the team chose to name it after his daughter, Tina. 
Designed as a compact 2+2 convertible sports car, the Tina carried a distinctly modern character for its time. The styling was the work of Trevor Fiore, whose design balanced clean lines with a light, contemporary feel. Its body shell was crafted by Carrozzeria Fissore in Italy, giving the car a subtle elegance and reinforcing its cross-cultural identity. The open-top layout further emphasized its relaxed, forward-looking personality. 
