When you think of a British sports car, there’s a good chance TVR is not among the first names to come to mind. Despite the brand being founded back in 1946, it has had a rough past, even exchanging ownership a couple of times. While the brand is still recovering from its turbulent past, it has given us some of the most distinctive and visceral, lightweight, British sports cars. Here’s an overview of all TVR models, produced so far.

TVR Jomar / Open Sport / Coupe (1956 - 1959)

TVR produced its first three models, as an independent brand, in 1956. In the same year, the British carmaker came up with the Jomar, Open Sport, and Coupe models, all of which shared TVR’s new semi-spaceframe chassis with a central backbone. The Jomar was a fastback coupe and often referred to as “the Abarth from Britain”. The Open Sports was, essentially, a speedster version of the car, and the Coupe was a notchback version, requested by customers who wanted more usability.

Engine-wise, the Jomar came with a Coventry Climax 1.1-liter or a Ford 100E sidevalve, 1.2-liter with an optional supercharger. The Open Sport and Coupe added another option – the BMC B Series 1.5-liter from the MGA. The TVR Jomar could be had with either fiberglass or aluminum bodywork.

TVR Grantura (1958 - 1967)

TVR Grantura was produced in four generations. Up until generation-three cars, it was based on a version of the Jomar chassis and featured VW Beetle-style suspension. Early cars were powered by the familiar 1.1 and 1.2-liter engines although later cars would offer engines up to 1.8 liters and 97 horsepower.

Mk. III and Mk. IV Granturas were completely new from the ground up and featured a stiffer chassis, designed by John Thurner. These were the first road-going TVRs with coil-spring independent suspension.

TVR Griffith (1963 – 1967)

In true TVR tradition, the Griffith was a small, lightweight sports car with a fiberglass body that utilized a version of the TVR Grantura chassis. In the US, the car was sold as the Griffith Series 200. In 1964 came the TVR Griffith 400, which had upgraded differential and taller gear ratios. Both versions were powered by the 4.7-liter Ford 289 Windsor V-8, more specifically, the “HiPo” variant with 271 horsepower.

The Griffith 400, in particular, came with a new double-wishbone suspension all-around. It was also much lighter than a 289 Cobra. Power was sent to the rear through a four-speed manual and in the case of the Griffith 400, the top speed was 155 mph (250 km/h).

TVR Griffith specifications

Engine

4.7-liter Ford 289 Windsor V-8

Power

271 HP

Transmission

four-speed manual

Top speed

155 mph


TVR Trident (1965)

Despite 1965 being one of the worst years in TVR history, the brand came out with four prototypes of the TVR Trident, later joined by another two, and a single convertible. The model featured a 4.7-liter Ford 289 Windsor V-8 with 271 horsepower and was capable of 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.0 seconds, on to a top speed of 150 mph (242 km/h). The steel and aluminum bodywork was designed by Carrozzeria Fissore. The Trident was also available as a kit car.

Following TVR’s liquidation in 1966, TVR dealer Bill Last acquired the Rights to the Trident name, by controversial means, resulting in the Trident Clipper. Due to engine supply issues, some Clippers had a Chrysler 5.4-liter V-8. A total of 39 Clippers were made, in addition to the seven TVR Tridents.

TVR Trident specifications

Engine

4.7-liter Ford 289 Windsor V-8

Power

271 HP

0 to 60 mph

5.0 seconds

Top speed

150 mph


TVR Tuscan (1967 – 1971)

The TVR Tuscan was an evolution of the Grantura and shared its overall styling and chassis. The biggest difference was the engine. The 4.7-lter Ford V-8 featured a four-barrel carburetor, produced 271 horsepower, and allowed the Tuscan to reach a top speed of 155 mph (258 km/h) with a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of around 5.0 seconds. The TVR Tuscan’s stopping power came from front and rear disc brakes.

A year later, in 1969, the Tuscan got a more affordable V-6 version. The 3.0-liter Ford Essex OHV V-6 was shared with the Ford Capri and produced 138 horsepower and 182 pound-feet (247 Nm). The Tuscan V-8 was produced in three versions – short wheelbase (SWB), long-wheelbase (LWB), and long wheelbase with a wide-body (LWB SE), with the total number being 73 cars. The V-6 version was produced in 101 examples.

TVR Tuscan specifications

Engine

4.7-lter Ford V-8

Power

271 HP

0 to 60 mph

5.0 seconds

Top speed

155 mph


TVR Vixen (1968 – 1972)

The Vixen marks TVR’s return to inline-four engines. The Vixen shared its overall looks and architecture with the high-performance Tuscan. There were five versions of the Vixen – the S2, S3, and S4 all used the 1.6-liter Ford Kent unit with 87 to 89 horsepower. The 1300 came with a Triumph 1.3-liter inline-four and 75 horsepower while the 2500 came with a Triumph 2.5-liter inline-six and 106 to 150 horsepower, depending on the market and whether it was carbureted or fuel-injected.

The Vixen S4 was the latest version of the car and was based on the new TVR M Series chassis. All versions used a Ford, four-speed manual with a synchro-mesh. In true TVR tradition, the Vixen was hand-built. The TVR Vixen had a total production run of 1,029 cars.

TVR Vixen specifications

Engine

2.5-liter inline-six

Power

106 - 150 Hp

Transmission

four-speed manual


TVR M Series (1972 – 1979)

The M Series of TVR models marked the beginning of a change in TVR. The car was underpinned by a new chassis, which was first seen on the Vixen S4, and the design was a bit more distinctive than its predecessors, although still closely related. The 1.3, 1.6, and 2.5-liter engines were a carry-over from the Vixen.

In pursuit of more performance, in 1971 TVR introduced the 3000M (coupe), 3000S (convertible), and Taimar (hatchback), which had the Ford Essex V-6 with 142 horsepower and 171 pound0feet (233 Nm). The most powerful version came out in 1976. The TVR 3000M Turbo and later 3000S Turbo (1978), had a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter V-6, which made 230 horsepower and 273 pound-feet (370 Nm). The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint took 5.7 seconds and the top speed was 140 mph (226 km/h).

TVR 3000M Turbo specifications

Engine

3.0-liter V-6

Power

230 HP

Torque

273 Lb-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.7 seconds

Top Speed

140 mph


TVR Tasmin (1981 – 1987)

The Tasmin was the first TVR that had nothing in common with its predecessors, in terms of styling and mechanicals. It came in two body styles – coupe and convertible. For the first year, you could only get a Tasmin 280i, which had a Ford Cologne, 2.8-liter V-6 with Bosch fuel injection. The unit was good for 160 horsepower and allowed for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in 7.8 seconds.

In 1981, came the more budget-friendly Tasmin 200, which had the 2.0-liter inline-four engine from a Ford Pinto that produced 101 horsepower. The Tasmin 200 failed to become a success and was discontinued in 1984. The Tasmin 280i continued being produced after TVR’s acquisition by Peter Wheeler in 1981, all the way until 1987.

TVR Tasmin specifications

Engine

2.8-liter V-6

Power

160 HP

0 to 60 mph

7.8 seconds


TVR S350 / 400 / 420 / 450 Series (1983 – 1991)

Peter Wheeler, at the time TVR’s new owner, wanted a more powerful version of the Tasmin. The solution was a 3.5-lier Rover V-8 with 190 horsepower, which spawned the TVR 350i. It had a Tamsin chassis and almost identical body but was never sold as a Tamsin. It would later be followed by the 350SX – a supercharged version with around 260 horsepower. Other performance versions of the wedge-shaped TVR include the 390SE, 400SE, 450SX, 420SEAC (1986), and 450SEAC (1988).

SX-designation was reserved for supercharged cars, which had up to 323 horsepower and a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds. SEAC stood for Special Equipment Aramid Composite, which indicated 20 percent of the body was made of Kevlar. The more powerful 450SEAC produced 325 horsepower and 320 pound-feet (434 Nm).

TVR 450SEAC specifications

Engine

3.5-lier Rover V-8, supercharged

Power

325 HP

Torque

320 Lb-FT


TVR S Series (1986 – 1993)

The TVR S Series went away from the wedge-style design, in favor of a more traditional one. The S1 to S4 versions came with the Ford Cologne V-6, in either 2.8 or 2.9-liter form and 160 to 170 horsepower. Cars with the “c” designation had catalytic converters. In 1991 came the TVR V8S, which was motivated by a 4.0-liter Rover V-8 with 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet (366 Nm).

This version could sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds making it quicker than a Porsche Carrera, Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, and even Ferrari Testarossa. There was also an Italia-special version with a 2.0-liter supercharged V-8, based on the Rover 3.5-liter V-8. It produced 230 horsepower and 196 pound-feet (266 Nm). It was created in response to Italy’s taxation, based on engine displacement.

TVR V8S specifications

Engine

4.0-liter Rover V-8

Power

240 HP

Torque

270 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

4.9 seconds


TVR Griffith (1991 – 2002)

In 1991, the Griffith name made a comeback and it wouldn’t be the last time it does so. In true TVR tradition, it was a fiberglass-bodied, two-door, two-seater, with a very low curb weight of 2,337 pounds (1,060 kg) and lots of power. The engines were exclusively Rover V-8 powerplants, ranging from 4.0 to 5.0-liters. They were rated at 240 to 340 horsepower and 270 to 350 pound-feet (366 to 434 Nm).

The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint took as little as 4.1 seconds with a top speed of up to 169 mph (272 km/h). Power was sent to the rear through a five-speed manual. The more powerful versions got a Tremec T5 transmission. For its 11-year production period, 2,351 units were made.

TVR Griffith specifications

Engine

4.0 - 5.0-liters Roger V-8

Power

240 - 340 HP

Torque

270 - 350 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

4.1 seconds

Top speed

169 mph

Transmission

five-speed manual

Weight

2,337 pounds


Read our full review on the TVR Griffith

TVR Chimaera (1992 – 2001)

The Chimaera was a retro-styled roadster, somewhat resembling the S Series that was named after a creature from Greek mythology. It shared a chassis with the 1991-2002 Griffith and had the same Rover V-8 engine options, with an output ranging from 240 to 340 horsepower and 270 to 350 pound-feet (366 to 434 Nm).

Like the TVR Griffith, the TVR Chimaera also had a 500 version, which was the most powerful of all, and swapped the Rover five-speed for a stronger Tremec T5 unit. In 1996, the Chimaera underwent something of a facelift, with the wire front grille being replaced by a split-intake design. With 5,256 units produced over a nine-year production run, the Chimaera was more mass-produced than the Griffith.

TVr Chimaera specifications

Engine

4.0 - 5.0-liters Roger V-8

Power

240 - 340 HP

Torque

270 - 350 LB-FT


Read our full review on the TVR Chimaera

TVR Cerbera (1996 – 2005)

The Cerbera was conceived in interesting times when Rover was purchased by BMW. This prompted TVR to develop their own V-8 engine, with help from automotive engineer Al Melling. The SpeedEight, also known as the AJP8 came in a few flavors, from 4.2 to 4.5 liters, and a 4.7-liter race variant. There was also a 4.0-liter SpeedSix version of the Cerbera. Power ranged from 345 to 440 horsepower, with the more powerful versions being capable of 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h).

Despite being a two + two grand tourer, the Cerbera was still very lightweight – 2,425 pounds (1,100 kg). It was also named after Cerberus – a three-headed watchdog of the underworld, from Greek mythology. TVR Cerbera was also the basis for one of the most insane cars, ever created – the Cerbera Speed 12. It was intended for GT1 racing and, with a 7.7-liter V-12 producing almost 1,000 horsepower, it was, theoretically, capable of higher top speed than the McLaren F1.

TVR Cerbera specifications

Engine

4.0-liter SpeedSix

Power

345 - 440 HP

0 to 60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

196 mph

Weight

2,425 pounds


Read our full review on the TVR Cerbera

TVR Tuscan (1999 – 2006)

The Tuscan is another TVR nameplate from the 1960s that made a comeback in the 1990s. The two-seater sports car came as a coupe or as a Targa and was powered exclusively by the SpeedSix engine, with versions ranging from 3.6 to 4.2 liters, but always retaining the inline-six, naturally-aspirated setup. The 3.6 and 4.0-liter versions were available from the beginning, with 345 to 395 horsepower and 290 to 315 pound-feet (393 to 427 Nm), but were later joined by the range-topping Tuscan T440R, with a 4.2-liter inline-six that made 434 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm).

The TVR Tuscan T440R was capable of 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 216 mph (347 km/h). More impressive was the fact, most of the “lesser” versions were also capable of sub-4.0-second 0 to 60 mph time. The Tuscan really came into its own, after the 2005 chassis refinements, which made it sportier and more compliant. As with any other TVR, the Tuscan was very light, tipping the scales at 2,308 pounds (1,067 kg). Most variants came with a five-speed manual, except the T440R, which got a six-speed unit. A total of 1,677 units were produced.

TVR Tuscan specifications

Engine

4.2-liter Speed Six

Power

434 HP

Torque

350 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

216 mph

Weight

2,308 pounds


TVR Tamora (2002 – 2006)

While sharing many design elements with the 1999 Tuscan, the TVR Tamora was a more compact two-seater, and often referred to as the “Baby TVR” of the lineup. According to many, it’s also the best car TVR has made. At 2,337 pounds (1,060 kg), it’s also one of the lightest modern-day TVRs ever built. Like almost all TVRs in history, the Tamora boasted double-wishbone suspension all-around and AP Racing brakes – 12.0-inch (300mm) at the front and 11.1-inch (280mm) at the rear.

TVR Tamora only one engine option – the 3.6-liter Speed Six, inline-six unit, which made 350 horsepower and 290 pound-feet (393 Nm). Power was sent to the rear through a five-speed manual. The TVR Tamora was capable of 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in 4.2 seconds, quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds, and a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h). Sadly, only 356 Tamora units were built.

TVR Tamora specifications

Engine

3.6-liter Speed Six

Power

350 HP

Torque

290 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

4.2 seconds

Top Speed

175 mph


Read our full review on the TVR Tamora

TVR T350 (2002 – 2006)

Like the Tamora, the T350 was one of the last TVRs, made under Peter Wheeler’s ownership, before the brand’s acquisition by Russian banker, Nikolay Smolenski. The Tamora was, actually, the basis for the T350. The car came in two boy styles – T350C (coupe) and T350T (Targa). Motivating the T350 is the familiar, 3.6-liter Speed Six engine, with 350 horsepower and 290 pound-feet (393 Nm) or 375 horsepower and 320 pound-feet (434 Nm) for the Red Rose edition.

Depending on the version, 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 4.3 to 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph (307 km/h). The T350 is a bit heavier than other TVRs, although still very light, at 2,617 pounds (1,187 kg). Only 460 examples of the T350 were made.

TVR T350 specifications

Engine

3.6-liter Speed Six

Power

350 - 375 HP

Torque

290 - 320 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

4.3 - 3.8 seconds

Top Speed

190 mph

Weight

2,617 pounds


Read our full review on the TVR T350

TVR Sagaris (2004 – 2006)

Sagaris was the first TVR, conceived under Nikolay Smolenski’s ownership. The name Sagaris comes from an ancient Persian battle-ax ad the car’s aggressive styling suggested one was used in the design process. The TVR T350, which was based on the Tamora, was in turn, the basis for the TVR Sagaris. The cars have almost identical bodywork, with the most notable difference being the taillights and different front fascia.

At 2,376 pounds (1,078 kg), it’s lighter than its predecessor, while packing a bigger 4.0-liter inline-six engine, with 400 horsepower and 349 pound-feet (473 Nm). The transmission is still a five-speed manual with power being sent to the rear. With only 211 units made, the Sagaris is among the rarest TVR models produced.

TVR Sagaris specifications

Engine

4.0-liter inline-six

Power

400 HP

Torque

349 LB-FT

Transmission

five-speed manual

Weight

2,376 pounds


Read our full review on the TVR Sagaris

TVR Typhon (2004 – 2006)

The development of the Typhon started with ex-TVR owner, Peter Wheeler’s desire to enter Le Mans. Three prototypes were built for homologation purposes one of which with a 4.0-liter Speed Six engine and at least one other with a 4.2-liter supercharged engine. At one point, the cars were named 400R and 440R, but eventually, all adopted the name Typhon.

The supercharged 4.2-liter variant made 585 horsepower and 467 pound-feet (633 Nm). The car was capable of 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 mph (346 km/h). Only one of the cars was ever delivered to a customer. One of the other two – a red example with a sequential gearbox, stayed in the TVR factory until it closed down and was bought by a private owner in 2010. The third one was a show car, eventually, used by TVR owner, Nikolay Smolenski. The three existing cars were gathered together at the 2012 Goodwood festival.

TVR Typhon specifications

Engine

4.2-liter supercharger

Power

585 HP

Torque

467 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

215 mph


TVR Griffith (2018 – present)

TVR’s latest sports car bears the name Griffith, first introduced in 1963 and then reintroduced in 1991. The brand’s revival, however, was halted, initially, due to emissions, later because of issues with the production plant, and even later, by the 2020 pandemic. According to the latest update, TVR has scheduled the new Griffith for 2023. In true TVR tradition, the car has a low curb weight of 2,756 pounds (1,250 kg) and a double-wishbone suspension all-around.

The new Griffith also boasts a perfect, 50:50 weight distribution. For the first time in a while, there’s a V-8 engine in a TVR. It’s a Cosworth-tuned, 5.0-liter Coyote V-8. The mad scientists from Cosworth have managed to extract 500 horsepower and at least 390 pound-feet (530 Nm). Power is sent to the rear through a Tremec, six-speed manual.

2018 TVR Griffith specifications

Engine

5.0-liter Coyote V-8

Power

500 HP

Torque

390 LB-FT

Transmission

Tremec, six-speed manual


Read our full review on the TVR Griffith

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TVR mean?

TVR is an abbreviation for the name Trevor. The brand was named after its founder, Trevor Wilkinson.

Are TVR cars still made?

TVR is planning to resume production sometime in 2022, in order to deliver the new TVR Griffith, which was unveiled back in late-2017.

No, they are not. In fact, TVR models produced between 1996 and 2006 are banned in America. TVRs come from the factory with no safety systems and no airbags, which is the main reason for the ban.

Are TVR good cars?

TVRs are great to drive. They are lightweight, have plenty of power going to the rear wheel, and are almost exclusively with a manual gearbox. There are also zero safety systems.

Are TVR a good investment?

While only time can tell for sure, most TVR models tend to appreciate in value, eventually. Most TVRs are produced in less than 1,000 units, which makes them quite rare.

Are TVR cars reliable?

TVR cars have a dodgy reputation when it comes to reliability. While engine-wise, most cars are okay, there have been inconsistencies in build quality. The general opinion is that later models are much better than earlier ones.

Can TVR run on E10 fuel?

The general opinion is that if your vehicle is built after 2010, it’s E10 compatible. Keep in mind, however, that because of the higher bioethanol content, E10 is corrosive and can damage any rubber components as well as to cause blockages by dislodging built-up deposits.

How many TVR Sagaris were made?

With only 211 units built, the TVR Sagaris is one of the rarest TVR models.

How many TVR Tuscans were made?

The original, 1966 TVR Tuscan was built in just 73 units, while 1,677 untis of the 1999 TVR Tuscan were built.

How many TVR Griffiths were made?

The original, 1963 TVR Griffith had a total production run of 261 cars while the 1991 TVR Griffith was produced in 2,351 copies.

How many TVR Cerbera left?

According to latest records, just 382 TVR Cerberas are still driving on the road while 452 have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

When did TVR go out of business?

TVR went out of business in 2006. While that is the most recent case, TVR was liquidated back in 1966, although it recovered under new ownership.

When was TVR founded?

TVR was founded in 1946 by Trevor Wilkinson, in Blackpool.

Who owns TVR now?

In 2013, TVR Motors Company Limited was reorganized into TVR Automotive Limited, after Russian banker, Nikolay Smolenski bailed on the carmaker.