When we think of TVR in the 1980s, it’s easy to think of exactly one word: the wedge. Starting in the early 80s, TVR seemed committed to building cars of a certain profile, and they deservedly earned a moniker that highlighted a resemblance to a door stop. This particular car is a 1990 400SE that was not officially imported to the U.S. like the earlier Tasmin and 280i. The seller imported this right hand drive wedge in 2018 and after getting through some maintenance projects, he stopped working on it due to health reasons – and he believes it’s just one of two in the USA. Find it here on eBay with bids to $5,900 and the reserve unmet.
The 400SE, however, was a distinctively different car than the earlier Tasmin. It was much more of a 90s car versus an 80s design, with a large rear spoiler, underbody spoilers, and hood vents used to dispel heat from the larger 4.0L Rover V8 engine. The taillights strike me as being very Volvo 740 in nature (they’re not), as they appear to be from another car entirely. Regardless, there’s no denying what family tree this TVR fell out of when you see the front profile. The TVR still sports its British number plate and other details that suggest it hasn’t been messed with since arriving in the states.
But that’s where we get into what the seller has been able to get done, which is dealing with the troublesome Lucas fuel injection. The listing details how he purchased a kit from Loyd’s Engine Tuning in the UK, which would ultimately convert the TVR to a distributor-less ignition. It also comes with eight new injectors, but the seller admits to getting the conversion started but that it remains unfinished due to his health concerns. Prior to the project starting, the seller treated the TVR to a tune-up and installed a new exhaust system, as it arrived stateside with the mufflers deleted.
The TVR looks great in photos, but the seller admits that it needs a paint job and some fiberglass work. The interior also looks good to me, but once again, the seller says he has a brand new blue with magnolia piping carpet kit, so perhaps it’s not as clean as it looks in photos. The good news is, it certainly looks fine to use as-is while the running issues are sorted out. The challenge will be finding a buyer who isn’t bothered by RHD steering and sees enough appeal to buy this late-production wedge over a US-spec Tasmin. This is an unusual find, and hopefully one that gets back into running order soon.
The good old aluminum 215 Buick V8 I assume.
No, it’s a Rover engine. The Buick 215 V8 was the starting point for the 3.5 L Rover engine development, but Rover modified it considerably. The 4L with fuel injection is only a very distant relative to the Buick engine.
Buick never got the aluminum casting process sufficiently under control. That is why they sold the design to Rover.
$7,800 now, and reserve still not met.
Interesting car,but can you trust someone who would
illegally register their car to avoid paying taxes?If they’re
dishonest about that,what else would they be dishonest about?
I reread the ad and write up, yet I see no evidence of tax “evasion”. Based upon the rear view, the car appears to have been registered in Montana in 2023 (I see cars with longer-expired license plates in my town often). Presuming that there is a clear title, I don’t see why this is a “problem” vehicle, and I am unclear as to the suspicion. Can you elaborate?
Bizarre proportions, tho the radiator & engine are well protected from front impacts.
Ridiculous too wide rear spoiler.
Great interior, tho.
I am generally pretty fond of TVRs, but not so much this one. That is one strange shaped automobile, (a face only a mother could love?)
Good luck finding parts when needed. I like the speed limit 80 mph sign!
Sold $9k.