April’s Restoration Project Winner: Paul’s TVR Vixen s2

April’s Restoration Project Winner: Paul Wells and His TVR Vixen S2 Revival

At Motaclan, we’re constantly inspired by the ingenuity and perseverance of Britain’s classic car community. Each restoration tells a story of passion and dedication—and for April’s Restoration Project of the Month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Paul Wells and his extraordinary revival of a TVR Vixen S2.

From Forgotten to Fierce: The Rebirth of a TVR Vixen S2

Abandoned in a hedge and untouched for over two decades, this rare British sports car has been transformed into a precision-built hillclimb machine—thanks to nearly a decade of persistence, performance engineering, and sheer willpower.

A Ten-Year Restoration with a Racing Twist

While the restoration officially began ten years ago, progress was anything but linear. The build was often paused due to Paul’s other racing commitments, including time spent on a demanding single-seater project.

The restoration kicked off with a vital upgrade: a brand-new chassis. From there, Paul painstakingly stripped the fibreglass body, uncovering an incredible 19 layers of old paint—each one telling a chapter in the car’s colourful past. One front wing was so damaged it had to be completely cut away and replaced.

Performance Upgrades Fit for the Track

The original engine block was beyond saving—frozen and cracked beyond repair. Paul chose a BRM Formula Ford block, bored out to 1700cc and finely tuned for competitive hillclimbing. Now, it roars with:

• Knife-edged crankshaft

• Accralite pistons

• Neil Roper head

• Twin 45 DCOE carburettors

The result? A thunderous 200bhp at the flywheel.

The drivetrain was upgraded to match the power: a Quaife straight-cut gearbox and a limited-slip differential give the Vixen the aggressive edge it needs on the hills.

Built for Speed, Engineered to Last

The original suspension was unsalvageable, so Paul fabricated custom jigs and crafted new suspension arms from scratch. The car now runs on a fully rose-jointed setup, delivering precise, responsive handling in race conditions.

Although the Vixen is fully road legal, Paul will spend the remainder of this year fine-tuning and testing, with plans to return to full competition next season. This is a classic car built to perform—blending heritage with modern motorsport engineering.

The Gallery

Want to see this incredible transformation for yourself? Scroll through our exclusive photo gallery to witness the before, during, and after stages of Paul’s TVR Vixen S2 restoration. From rusted panels and fibreglass repairs to the gleaming, track-ready finish, every image tells a story of dedication and craftsmanship.

Why the TVR Vixen is a Rare Gem

Produced between the late 1960s and early 1970s, the TVR Vixen is known for its lightweight fibreglass constructionand Ford powertrains, making it a favourite among club racers and classic car purists. With its agile chassis and distinctive profile, the Vixen remains one of the most admired under-the-radar British classics.

Paul’s Vixen S2 restoration takes that legacy to the next level—combining vintage character with track-ready performance. It’s a project that truly reflects what Motaclan stands for: dedication, ingenuity, and a deep respect for British motoring heritage.

Could You Be Next Month’s Restoration Winner?

Each month, we spotlight one passionate restorer from across the UK. Whether you’ve brought a Triumph, Morris, Land Rover, Mini, or any other British classic back to life, your project deserves recognition.

With tens of thousands of parts in stock, Motaclan is your one-stop shop for all your classic British car restorationneeds. Whether you’re rebuilding a chassis or searching for rare interior trim, we’re here to help you get your project over the finish line.

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