The TVR 400SE and 400SX sports car
A review of The TVR 400SE and 400SX Sports Car, covering the development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.
From classic to modern:
The TVR 400SE
In 1988, the TVR 400SE was launched, very similar, in all respects except the engine, to its predecessor, the 390SE.
One important facet, however, was that the 400SE represented the end of wedge-shaped styling, with the last of these cars being built in late 1991.
It was powered by a larger Rover V8 engine, this time increased from 3905 cc to 3948 cc.
It developed 275 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 270 ft/lbs of torque at 3,500 rpm, producing a top speed of 145 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, and a 0-100 mph time of 14. 8 seconds.
Body styling was like the 390SE Series 2, retaining the rounded nose section and large rear airfoil positioned under the body.
The hood was now ventilated and a large spoiler was installed at the rear.
However, the existence of a large transmission tunnel limited the space in the footwell region.
In addition, the presence of a huge engine in a fiberglass body made the interior of the cabin unduly hot.
However, this was more than made up for by scintillating acceleration and the rumbling sound of the exhaust.
For now, ventilated front disc brakes and 15-inch wheels were standard equipment, while power steering, initially an optional extra, later became standard equipment.
The TVR 400SX
In 1989, the TVR 400SX variant was introduced as a successor to the 350SX.
It featured the same engine as the 400SE, but with the addition of a Sprintex Supercharger, from DPR Racing.
Although exact production numbers were not available, they would likely be comparable to the 350SX, which produced more than a 30% increase over that produced by the 350SE.
The supercharged variant was noted for producing an excellent midrange power boost.
It is likely, as was the case with the 350SX, that only a handful of this variant were built.
The TVR 430SE
In 1991, the TVR 430SE was introduced at that year’s Birmingham Motor Show.
It was powered by the 4,280 cc Rover V8 engine that would also be used in the TVR Griffith, a model to be launched in 1992.
It developed 280 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 305 ft/lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm. Unfortunately, no further performance figures were available.
Only 3 units of the 430SE were built, all in 1991.
Each of these variants was based on a fiberglass body mounted on a space frame chassis, in the form of a two-seater convertible, and using a five-speed gearbox, with four-wheel independent suspension.
This marks the end of my review of the TVR 400SE and 400SX sports car.
I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the full range of TVR sports cars that were introduced in the eventful era spanning from 1946 to 2000+.
I hope you’ll join me on my nostalgic trips “down sports car memory lane.”
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