TVR 390SE

The TVR 390SE is a sports car designed and built by TVR. It was introduced in October 1984. It featured many novelties not found in other 'Wedge' TVRs before and was also the most powerful one yet. It never received British Type Approval, so technically speaking the 390SE was just a 350i with special equipment fitted.

TVR 390SE
Overview
ManufacturerTVR
Also calledTVR 420SE
Production1984–1989
DesignerOliver Winterbottom
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
PlatformTVR Wedge
RelatedTVR 350i
Powertrain
EngineTVR Power Rover V8
Transmission5 spd manual
Chronology
SuccessorTVR 400SE

History

TVR Engineering worked with Andy Rouse, a Rover Tuning specialist to produce a blueprinted engine, turning out an extra 85 bhp (63 kW; 86 PS), taking it to a claimed 275 bhp (205 kW; 279 PS). The engine achieved these numbers by using some very interesting improvements such as an increased capacity of the engine to 3,905 cc, high lift camshafts, gas flowed cylinder heads with large valves and Cosworth machined pistons. A stronger clutch, limited slip differential and wider Yokohama tyres were fitted to help get the extra power down onto the road.

The styling of the car was also improved - or at any rate made more aggressive - with a deeper front air dam, and a rear under body aerofoil. Subsequent updating saw the bodyshell gain flared wheelarches and different sills. Ventilated front disc brakes and fifteen inch wheels were part of the package as well. A Series 2 car appeared in 1988 with the most obvious difference being a rounder nose.

Production of the modified Rover V8 was handled by different engineering companies throughout the car's life with most units being produced by North Coventry Kawasaki (NCK); which company was subsequently purchased by TVR to become their in-house engine division, TVR Power. About 100 390SEs were built.

Owing to the United Kingdom 'Type Approval' rules, it was not economical for TVR to homologate the small-volume 390SE as a separate model from their more common '350i' so the customer was invoiced for the car and engine work separately. Therefore most 390SEs are officially registered as 3.5 litre cars.

420SE

1987 TVR 420SE

At the customer's request, further engine work could be performed taking the V8 to 4.2 L capacity - thus creating the '420SE' in the process, of which only seven were built in 1986 and 1987.[1] These cars were development cars for the 4.2-litre V8 used in the later, wilder 420 SEAC. The SE, in addition to more restrained bodywork, also featured somewhat milder cams than did the SEAC. However, due to the development status and its being handbuilt, the specs of each 420SE built are likely to differ.

Specifications

Version 390SE[1][2] 420SE[1][2]
Engine TVR Power Rover V8, EFi
Displacement 3,905 cc 4,228 cc
93.5 x 77.1 mm
Power 275 bhp (205 kW; 279 PS) at 5,500 rpm 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS) at 5,500 rpm
Torque 270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 3,500 rpm 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) at 4,500 rpm
Top Speed 144 mph (232 km/h) n/a
Acceleration (0–60 mph) 5.6 sec n/a
Acceleration (0–100 mph) 14.9 sec n/a
Chassis Tubular spaceframe, rear-wheel drive
Body Fibreglass, 2-seater convertible
Weight 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)
Transmission Five speed gearbox (LT77)
Wheelbase 2,387 mm (94.0 in)
Track (F/R) 1,450 / 1,480 mm (57.1 / 58.3 in)
Length/Width/ Height 4,013 / 1,728 / 1,205 mm
(158.0 / 68.0 / 47.5 in)

References

  1. "TVR Wedge: SE's". Pistonheads.com. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
  2. Åhman, Michael; Dackevall, Gunnar, eds. (1987). Car Katalogen 1988 (Swedish edition of German Auto Katalog) (in Swedish). Stockholm, Sweden: PM Press AB. pp. 242–243.
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