SVW iguana 1.0

The 1975 SVW Iguana was a daring departure from conventional British sports cars of its era. Produced by SVW Motors, a small automaker based in Coventry, England, the Iguana emerged as a response to an increasingly turbulent automotive market, shaped by the 1973 oil crisis and growing competition from sleek Italian and German rivals.

The Vision:
The Iguana was envisioned as a "futuristic predator", blending aggressive styling with cutting-edge technology. Designed by Victor Henshaw, SVW’s maverick lead designer, the car’s angular, low-slung body drew inspiration from the wedge-shaped designs popularized by Italian exotics, but with a distinctly British engineering philosophy. The name “Iguana” symbolized adaptability, speed, and a slightly rebellious edge—a nod to SVW’s ambition to redefine its image as a forward-thinking innovator.

The Engineering:
Underneath its striking blue chassis lay a 5.5L V12 engine, which, while modest compared to its Italian counterparts, offered impressive power for its size. Tuned for responsiveness and precision, the Iguana prioritized handling over outright speed, making it a favourite on winding British roads. The aerodynamic bodywork was ahead of its time, featuring a sharp nose for reduced drag, and a honeycomb grille accents reminiscent of its reptilian namesake.

Despite its bold styling, the car was remarkably practical for a sports coupe, boasting a lightweight aluminium frame paired with reinforced fiberglass panels, which kept it nimble and economical for an era when fuel efficiency was paramount.

The Launch:
The Iguana debuted at the 1975 British International Motor Show, where it turned heads with its unconventional display under neon hexagonal lighting—a marketing campaign that emphasized the car’s futuristic vibe. Critics lauded its aesthetic as daring but polarizing, with many dubbing it “the car that could belong in tomorrow’s world.” While praised for its ingenuity, some purists balked at its deviation from traditional British design cues.

The Legacy:
Unfortunately, the Iguana was plagued by bad timing. The mid-1970s economic downturn, coupled with SVW’s limited production capabilities, meant that only 250 units were ever produced. Today, the Iguana is a sought-after collector's item, celebrated as a hidden gem of British automotive history. Its distinctive style and rarity have earned it a cult following among enthusiasts who see it as a symbol of ambition, innovation, and the bold risks of a bygone era.