TVR 450SE

TVR 450SE

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SE stood for “special edition”. The 450SE was the fourth of five models in a series that spanned approximately seven production years. 450SE was offered in 1989 and 1990, whereas the SE range was offered from 1984 through 1991. (The 400SE came slightly later, but had a lower model number because the model number designations indicate engine displacement.) The 450SE had the biggest engine in the SE series.

All SE’s are essentially similar in styling and chassis engineering, although details (such as air dam shape) changed somewhat.

The “SE wedges” were derived from TVR’s “Tasmin” model which started production in 1980 and continued in various variants through 1988. The Tasmin model, however, featured a Ford 2.8L V6 engine. (A few were made with the Pinto four-cylinder engine, but that wasn’t a popular option.) Besides their engines, many of the Tasmin’s mechanical components were sourced from Ford cars, including specifically the Cortina (front suspension), Sierra (gearbox), and Granada (front brakes).

In 1983, fully aware of the limited performance potential of the Ford V6, TVR introduced a more powerful model based on the 3.5L Rover V8. They called this model the “350i”, and for TVR it was a great success. The 350i had an updated and much improved front suspension. The “SE” wedges share the 350i’s chassis and suspension, but feature hotter engines.

According to a previous post, the TVR Production, only 35 TVR 450 SE were made. One of them is really a treasure: it’s a special unit made for the Sultan of Bahrein and maybe is the only Left Hand Drive 450 SE in existance. Anyway she takes her chances with another very special car: the TVR 660 SEAC, a one of a kind which was built in 1987 with nearly 600 hp.

[images come from HERE]

2 COMMENTS

  1. What happen to the “write up” on the 3 (only) ever leaving the factory of the Awesome 430SE I would like your reply to my question please

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