The possibilities of seeing a brand new TVR are slim for the reason that modern Griffith remains to be a no-show greater than six years later. But again when the British sports activities automobile model was nonetheless kicking, it was making some attention-grabbing vehicles – this uncommon T440 R isn’t any exception. A homologation particular and the one surviving instance, the rear-wheel-drive machine has now been totally restored and is up for grabs.

At the guts of the curvaceous sports activities automobile was a naturally aspirated 4.4-liter six-cylinder engine that made 440 horsepower and almost 400 pound-feet. TVR touted a formidable prime velocity of 215 mph and a curb weight of simply 2,315 kilos, making it roughly it as heavy as an ND Miata.

To hold weight in test, it had a full carbon fiber physique and a carbon monocoque with an built-in roll cage. The glossy physique additionally had a drag coefficient of 0.32, which wasn’t too shabby for a street-legal automobile within the early 2000s. Gearing additionally performs an essential function so far as prime velocity, and TVR tweaked the transmission particularly for this automobile.

Drivetribe had the chance to get an in depth take a look at what was the unique press automobile owned by TVR. Jeremy Clarkson drove the exact same automobile again in 2002 for his No Limits video launched on VHS and DVD. Originally known as the Tuscan R, the intent was to get the FIA’s approval to enter endurance racing within the GT1 class. But it by no means obtained to race.

Drew Wheeler Sports & Classics has the lesser-known TVR mannequin on the market and is charging £240,000 for a automobile that lacks ABS and traction management, though it does have energy steering. At present trade charges, it really works out to just about $306,000. Sure, you may purchase a model new sports activities automobile for that worth, however there’s one thing particular about TVRs – and this T440 R with a freshly constructed engine and a bespoke exhaust has quite a bit going for it.