Different by Design: Mark’s Tornado Talisman

As we reach the end of January, it feels entirely appropriate that our first Vehicle of the Month story for 2026 centres on a car that made an appearance right at the very start of the year — and close to home. When we learnt that Mark’s outstanding Tornado Talisman attended Vintage Stony Stratford on New Year’s Day, it immediately rang a bell. Beautiful on the eye, exquisitely different, and quietly confident, this is not a story defined by heavy restoration or concours excess, but by authenticity. A genuine classic that draws attention wherever it goes — and rightly so.

The Tornado Talisman occupies a fascinating corner of British motoring history. Built in 1962 by Tornado Cars in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, the Talisman was produced in extremely small numbers — fewer than 200 cars in total — making surviving examples genuinely rare today.

That rarity is immediately obvious at shows. While many enthusiasts may be familiar with the name, very few have ever seen a Tornado Talisman up close. As a result, Mark’s car often becomes a focal point, drawing in curious onlookers keen to learn more about a marque that briefly promised great things in the early 1960s.

A Car with Provenance and Continuity

This particular Talisman benefits from a strong sense of history and continuity. First registered in 1962, it has been carefully looked after across decades of ownership, with original documentation retained as part of its story.

Rather than being reinvented, the car has been recommissioned and refreshed where necessary, allowing it to remain faithful to its roots while still being used and enjoyed. 

Under the bonnet sits a Ford pre-crossflow GT engine, replacing the original Cosworth tuned unit fitted when new. While not strictly original, the choice is sympathetic and entirely in keeping with the car’s character, prioritising reliability and usability without compromising period feel.

Seen, Driven, and Appreciated

Mark’s Tornado Talisman has been anything but static. Since returning to the road, it has appeared at a wide range of classic car events, from relaxed enthusiast gatherings to major shows.

Highlights include appearances at the NEC Classic Motor Show, long-distance road runs such as the London-to-Brighton Classic, and international outings including the Le Mans Classic — where the car received notable recognition among its peers.

At specialist events, the Talisman has also earned awards, including the Bill Woodhouse Trophy for best Tornado — a fitting accolade given the marque’s short but memorable history.

What truly sets this car apart is not just its rarity, but the way it presents itself. Finished with period-correct details — including steel wheels, chrome hubcaps and classic Pirelli tyres — it looks exactly as a Tornado Talisman should.

Among rows of familiar classics, it stands quietly apart. People stop, ask questions, take photos, and linger. It’s the kind of car that rewards curiosity and leaves a lasting impression long after the event has ended.

With that in mind, we invite you to enjoy Mark's full car story, our first Vehicle of the Month for 2026: 

1962 TORNADO TALISMAN