Today, TVR has a large fan-base who marvel over its sleek, sexy, and stylish cars. But how many know that it’s history stretches back more than half a century? The first car under the TVR name appeared in 1949a two-seater alloy body with a tubular chassis built by founder Trevor Wilkinson and partner Jack Pickard. The TVR brand comes from Trevor’s name.All models from this era are very rare since only a few copies of each were built, although the second one ever built still exists. Starting in 1957, TVR started normal production runs and became so popular that Wilkinson and Pickard needed to find a financial backer. A series of name changes followed this point, from Layton Sports Cars to Grantura Engineering. In 1965, the company was purchased by a Grantura shareholder and returned to its original name, as well as its original level of quality.In 1985, Peter Wheeler became owner of the company and proceeded to update it just as any TVR fan would if given the chance. The normal V6 engines were replaced with V8s, capacity rose from 3.5 to 5 liters, and body designs became exercises in beauty and efficiency that were unrivaled at the time. It was under Wheeler’s ownership that the infamous Cerbera 12 went into production.Ownership took an unexpected turn in 2004 when 24-year-old Russian millionaire Nikolay Smolensky purchased the company for 15 million. This catapulted the company into economic difficulties, with layoffs occurring in 2006. Smolensky has since resigned and then rebid for ownership of the company, then announced plans to sell in 2007. However, Smolensky is currently still in control, with German firm Gullwing slated to start producing a new car in September. Gullwing owner Juergen Mohr has hinted that the brand may move into electric car production in the future. But if TVR has shown anything in its long history, it’s that there’s no predicting what happens next.