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  TVR Tuscan T400R      

  Article Image gallery (52) SDTLA18A33B001104 Specifications  
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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced from:2003 - 2005
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:November 21, 2005
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Click here to download printer friendly versionUnder the leadership of Peter Wheeler TVR was transformed into a modern manufacturer with a varied line-up. He made sure his TVRs embodied the same principals that had made the early TVRs so successful. With eccentric designs and stunning performance the TVR models entered many enthusiasts' favourites list in the 1990s. Thanks to powerful engines and lightweight construction the cars offered the best bang for buck, for those fortunate enough to live in Great Britain.

TVR's minimalistic approach meant that the road cars could very easily be transferred into full blood racers. A one-make series was setup for owners to do just that, but Wheeler believed the TVRs could also take on the likes of Porsche and Ferrari in GT racing. One of the first full blooded competition cars to come out of the Blackpool factory was the outrageous Cerbera Speed 12. Combining two Speed Six engines, the 8-litre V12 developed an estimated 800 bhp. Although the car was raced a few times, the project was abandoned shortly after.

A more sensible racer was developed for 2003 to campaign in various GT championships and the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. It was derived from the Tuscan road car and packed a 400 bhp version of the four litre straight six engine. Aptly named T400R, the racing car was available for customer teams, but also as a fully upholstered road car. Underlining that the engine's performance was restricted by the mandatory restrictors, TVR launched the 440 bhp T440R shortly after.

In the T400R's debut season the DeWalt racing team entered two examples in the Le Mans endurance race where it faced opposition from the well seasoned Porsche 911s. Although the road going TVRs might have been a strong competitor for the Stuttgart cars, on the track the British racers were taught a lesson in speed and reliability. In the 2004 edition both entered examples managed to cross the line, 29 laps behind the class winning Porsche. In the British GT championship the T400Rs did frequently showcase their potential.

Two teams with a total of three cars prepared for the 2005 international racing season. Livered in purple and orange the Team LNT cars were entered in the LMES and FIA GT series with two cars and the Peninsula team campaigned their sole TVR in the LMES and 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the season opening and very foggy Spa 1000 km one of the LNT cars took a surprise class win, beating the Ferraris and Porsches. In the remainder of the season persistent technical problems prevented the three cars from being a real challenge again.

The very first T400R was raced into the 2006 but little success. To date, this was TVR's last international racing program. Seven examples were built and all have survived. In recent years, three have re-appeared in historic events.

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  Article Image gallery (52) SDTLA18A33B001104 Specifications