Used as a press car, this T350 was hot rodded by the factory to feature a larger engine than the production version was sold with
- This TVR T350 C 4.0 was built as a display model for the British Motor Show.
- Later used as a press car, it was equipped with a larger engine than the customer car.
- Now available at auction, estimates suggest that it could go for as much as $44,000.
While there is no such thing as a TVR that isn’t rare, this T350 C is extremely special, having been commissioned by the automaker to serve as a show car for the British Motor Show in 2002.
One of just two examples built for auto shows, this is believed to be the first. Interestingly, it was produced so early in the run, that it doesn’t even use the (roughly) 3.5-liter engine that inspired the name T350 C.
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Instead, this example is equipped with a 4.0-liter version of the Speed-Six engine, which, tantalizingly, may make it even more of a hot rod than the standard car. The production car’s engine was rated at 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS), which made it pretty speedy, and capable of reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds.
However, in its most powerful guise, as seen in the later Sagaris, the 4.0-liter engine could make up to 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS). Unfortunately, an official power rating for this car has not been listed as part of the sale.
Regardless of how much horsepower the engine generates, it has been well taken care of. Although the car initially served as a press car (and many journos tend not to be the most careful drivers), it was later owned by a TVR engineer, and the power unit was rebuilt at 56,000 miles (90,123 km).
Today, the car has a little over 82,500 miles (132,770 km) on the odometer, and has benefited from a few other modifications like ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds, Sagaris brakes, Bilstein “S” shocks from the Tuscan, and Eibach springs. Its interior was also retrimmed by the current owners, who found Peter Wheeler’s name (the chairman of TVR when this car was built) hidden under the upholstery.
A totally unique car that was featured in Top Gear’s British Motor Show Special, this TVR T350 C 4.0 is being offered for sale at Iconic Auctioneers May 18 Supercar Fest Sale. Estimates suggest that it will go for between £30,000 – £35,000 (around US$37,600 to US$43,900 at current exchange rates).