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 Grifith
PRICE: £8000-£18,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1991-1997 - Bodywork:
Two-door fixedhead convertible - Engine:
Overhead valve V8 3950cc 240bhp; Overhead valve V8 4998cc 350bhp (TVR Power/Rover) - 0-60 mph:
4-5 sec - Top Speed:
150-160mph - MPG:
19-25
PAST: First of the genuine Peter Wheeler-inspired TVRs, the brutish Griffith was introduced in 1991 and ran until 1997. If the Chimaera is a modern Healey then arguably Griffith is a cut-price Cobra. Basis of car is a 450SEAC Tuscan. Originally Rover motivated (Rover/TVR tuned) later cars feature TVR’s own ‘Speed Six’. Limited run ‘500’ was 5-litre stop-gap model before AJP engine could be installed. SE was latter take on car representing last 100 made and can be as recent as 2002 reg.
PRESENT: Perhaps the purest modern TVR of them all, even power steering was optional, the Griffith is lovely old school he-man super-car stuff with awesome performance and handling. Cockpit is surprisingly luxurious for such a raw road burner and still one of TVR best efforts.
FUTURE: So long as you buy a good one Griffiths are superb value, starting comfortably under £10K. Rover V8 models cheapest and easily the simplest to look after.
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.
