Marque: TVR - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
TVR
It is more than 60 years since, what was effectively, the very first TVR was built by talented engineer Trevor Wilkinson. He produced a lightweight special using an Alvis Firebird chassis as the basis. However, it was not until two years later that the first car carrying the TVR name (derived from ‘Trevor’) was built, using a purpose-designed chassis. This model was powered by a Ford 1172cc…
TVR 350I/390SE
PRICE: £4000-£13,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1983-92 - Bodywork:
Two-door fixedhead coupé two-door convertible - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 350i 3528cc 190bhp; 390SE 3950cc 275-300bhp 4550cc 324bhp - 0-60 mph:
350i 6 sec; 390SE 5.5+ sec - Top Speed:
350i 135+ mph; 390SE 145 mph 420SE 160+ - MPG:
18-24
PAST: Spawn from the Tasmin family the V8 range became a stand alone line up in its own right with the 350i. Introduced in 1993, the Rover unit was the 3.5 but in 190bhp Vitesse EFI tune. These coupes and convertibles are more aggressively styled over the Tasmin and better appointed as well. 420 SEAC for ’85 (initials for body make-up) had 300bhp, topped by the mighty 450SE at the turn of the decade the latter
providing 324bhp.
PRESENT: Tasmin by another name but these later models offer serious cred thanks to their raw power although the 80’s power-dressing look won’t appeal to everybody. The 420 hits 160mph but even the 350s are more than quick enough plus can return over 20mpg. One of the roomiest and accommodating TVRs.
FUTURE: If any Tasmin is going to make the financial
grade it is these later cars. Good value still.
TVR Carbera
PRICE: £13,000-£28,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1993-2006 - Bodywork:
Two-door fixedhead two-plus-two coupé - Engine:
Speed Six Twin overhead camshaft straight six-cylinder 3996cc 350bhp; Overhead valve V8 4.0: 3947cc 240bhp; Speed Eight Twin overhead camshaft V8 4.2 4185cc
360bhp; 4.5 4475cc 420bhp - 0-60 mph:
Speed Six 4+ sec 4.0: 4.5+ sec; Speed Eight 4.2 4.2 sec 4.5 4+ sec - Top Speed:
Speed Six 160 mph 4.0: 150+ mph; Speed Eight 4.2 160 mph. 4.5 180 mph - MPG:
15-23
PAST: A hard top take on Chimaera with more usability from a larger 2+2 body. Launched in 1996 and produced till 2006 (three years after Chimaera), Cerbera boasts TVR’s own ‘Speed Six’ and AJP8 twin cam engines. Originally a 4.2 V8 (360bhp), in July ‘97 came the ultimate 4.5 litre (420bhp) with the entry model Speed Six following in Spring 1998. The six is a traditional straight pot, the AJ unit a V8. Revisions as per Chimaera.
PRESENT: A crushingly powerful coupe, there’s little to touch a Cerbera even if it is bigger and heavier than the ‘Griff’. Shorn of ABS and any driver aids, it is as serious as they get. The rear seats are kid’s stuff only and while the cabin looks plush and inviting, is no relaxing tourer.
FUTURE: Will become a classic certainly but buy the best you can as these TVR-made engines can be horrendously unreliable and expensive to fix while many cars have been stuffed into the barriers on track days!
