Wedge Salad Shooter: 1987 TVR 390SE
I don’t know what it would take a import and legally drive this next car on the road in a place like California…but I’m sure there are states with better power grids, fewer wildfires, and a more reasonable motor vehicle department that would allow you the pleasure of driving a right-hand-drive convertible TVR from the 80s. The 390SE adds Rover V8 power to the sporty 350i/Tasmin chassis to make a tasty wedge salad you see here. Find this 1987 TVR 390SE bidding for $7200 CAD ($5452 USD) reserve-not-met with 5 days to go, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
From the seller:
SUPER RARE! Only 100 were ever made. 1987 TVR 390 SE Total frame off restoration. Brand New interior. This is a Super nice ride and Fast. 3.9 L V8 .5 speed. Jag rear end. Too much to list. Questions? Just Ask! That is a super deal of a life time for a rare find. Also try to find one of these in Canada. A total rare find and a must for your collection. This Sports Car is Alberta Registered.
TVR cars are British sports cars that are NOT mass produced. Founded in 1947 in Blackpool England by Trevor Wilkinson it is one of the oldest and most revered sports car companies in the world. Our example is known to be one of less than 2 dozen coupes for US production. The factory indicated only 7 were legally imported thru US Dealers as new cars, however there are 16 such coupes documented in the Model Registry of the TVR Car Club of North America. This body style was designed by a Lotus Engineer, hence resembling many Lotus models.This vehicle is in beautiful original condition . It has been driven on occasion and stored in our climate controlled garage. This sporty Brit has the reliability of most European cars as it uses Bosch electronics and fuel injection. It has a Powder Coated Tube Frame, 4 wheel independent suspension and inboard rear disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight which makes it handle like a Race Car!
On 24-Aug-20 at 17:53:16 EDT, seller added the following information:
Just to add to the description. 10 years ago was the restoration. Changed the fuel injection to a 500 CFM holley carb. Has some minor scratches. New interior seats door panels etc. Over all the car is in great shape. Drives and runs super great.. Its not new. But one of the best ones on the market…Happy Bidding
| Year: | 1987 | Mileage: | 5000 |
| Engine: | 3.9L | Number of Cylinders: | 8 |
| Model: | 390 | Transmission: | Manual |
| Drive Side: | Left-hand drive | Disability Equipped: | No |
| Interior Color: | Blue | Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
| For Sale By: | Private Seller | Exterior Color: | Blue |
| Make: | TVR | Trim: | SE |
| Drive Type: | RWD | Body Type: | Convertible |
| Options: | Convertible | Warranty: | Unspecified |
| Power Options: | Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows |
Probably equal amounts headaches and fun with this one. I recall Jeremy Clarkson saying that all of these older TVRs were designed to kill you.
Headaches and fun…hmmm…what does that remind me of…oh crud..she might read this website.
Gee that seems like a lot of carb. 500 cfm on a 3.9 liter engine is good for 9000 rpm according to the back of this envelope and a handy calculator.
My experience is that big carbs just make for lousy drivability where you step on the gas and just stall unless it has a small idle circuit and big secondaries.