1990 TVR 430SE

KEY FACTS

• An exceptionally rare machine; one of only three built by TVR, which are among the last ‘wedge’ cars built.
• Under the bonnet is a 4.3-litre Rover V8 producing up to 280bhp and 305lb-ft of torque, which would be available as an option in the TVR Griffith the following year, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.
• It is offered from cherished 29-year ownership. Prior to this, it was owned by TVR Blackpool and was exhibited at the 1990 British Motor Show.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The 430SE, or ‘Special Equipment’, was an evolution of the 400SE. It featured a fibreglass body over a space frame chassis, and was equipped with four wheel independent suspension.
• It rides on OZ Racing 15-inch split-rim alloy wheels, with TVR centre caps, and fitted with grippy Toyo Proxes tyres.
• This car is finished in metallic blue over a magnolia leather interior.
• Compared to earlier ‘wedge’ TVRs, the 430SE features a notable aerodynamic body kit, and the car remains in original specification throughout.
• The roadster has a two-piece convertible system, with a folding rear section that can be raised to create a Targa-top style silhouette, and which is then protected from the elements when the middle roof section is also fitted.
• Accompanying the car is the original owner’s handbook and service record, plus lots of invoices and service bills, all old MOT certificates, and a letter from TVR Blackpool confirming the car’s authentic factory 430SE specification.

CONDITION

• There is no known prior bodywork damage.
• Its blue paintwork is in very good condition for its age. There are the odd stone chips and minor age-related marks as shown in the gallery, plus some ‘road rash’ around the lower wheel arches and body kit.
• The magnolia leather is all original and in good order. The driver’s seat has some more obvious surface wear and slight discolouration, but could easily be improved with a re-connolising treatment.
• There are two splits in the thin walnut veneer on the dashboard, and the surround of the dials, but overall the cabin presents very well.
• It has no electrical faults, and no warning lights are illuminated.
• The most recent MOT test was.on 20 April 2021 at 18,791 miles, when it passed at the first attempt, with advisories for a minor exhaust leak, reduced reserve travel in the handbrake, weak gas struts for the bonnet and boot, and minor foibles with the offside front headlight aim and windscreen washer jet.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The current owner is a mechanic and has carried out all routine servicing on the TVR. For anything beyond this, including refurbishment or repairs, it has been sent to TVR experts Mole Valley Specialist Cars or Austec Racing.
• The car has only covered around 3,400 miles since 2006, but has had routine oil and filter changes as needed, and has relatively new brake pads all round.
• The vendor notes it has a slight blow from the exhaust.

SUMMARY

This TVR 430SE is one of just three examples built, and as such is bound to appeal to any dedicated marque collectors or enthusiasts with a particular passion for British classics. It remains in original specification and is in very good order for its age, with very low mileage from new. Boasting superb provenance, and having remained in single ownership for the last 29 years, this is a cherished sports car that is sure to delight its next owner.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.