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 Chimaera
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1993-2003 - Bodywork:
Two-door fixedhead coupé two-door convertible - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 4.0 3947cc 240bhp; 4.5 4550cc 285bhp; 5.0 4997cc 320 bhp - 0-60 mph:
4.0 4.5+ sec; 4.5 4.5+ sec, 5.0 4+ sec - Top Speed:
4.0 150+ mph; 4.5 160 mph, 5.0 165+ mph - MPG:
4.0: 15-23; 4.5 11-18+; 5.0 10-18
PAST: Chimaera was arguably the first ‘popularist’ TVR. A ‘softer’ alternative to the similar Griffith, it was larger and more practical. Rover V8-powered of course (4.0/240bhp), but in 1994 the Rover gearbox was replaced by a B/W T5 unit. By the close of that year the engine option had stretched to 5-litre (325bhp) and at one time the choice was 4.0, 4.5 and 5-litres. The shape remained largely unchanged save for minor revisions, the most important being when the headlamps were faired in and the seats improved.
PRESENT: In essence, Chimaera is the modern Healey personified. Performance is terrific whatever engine you choose with the 4-litre being the most usable. The power steering is well geared and the handling is predictable and neutral – except in the wet.
FUTURE: They are as cheap as they’ll ever be and the market recognises this. TVR engines differ from normal V8 but parts supply and support remains good.
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.
