There was a time when Marketing rules were unnecessary. People did not feel the need to be convinced of the value of a product but emotional feelings came out just looking at the spec sheet. TVR cars never needed a Marketing champion to find a buyer. When in far September 2017 the new TVR Griffith was introduced at the Goodwood RevivalΒ enthusiasm was massive and many enthusiasts payed the deposit to buy the TVR of the new era.
Were a lot efforts compulsory by a Marketing strategy? Of course no. Because the new Griffith was just beautiful and Ceo Les Edgar spent few words: the essence of the car was immediatly clear.
On the T440R this impressive core is even clearer. The only one roadgoing version is for sale at the stunning price of nearly 193,000 Β£ (226.000β¬). Here’s the ad text: ”
The Auto Lounge Ltd are delighted to present for sale the only TVR T440R ever produced, a complete one of one and a unique opportunity to purchase a piece of motoring history! Having only recently been recommissioned by it’s second owner, they have decided that it’s time to part ways and allow someone else the pleasure of owning this masterpiece. The T440R was derived from TVR’s T400R race cars which were built specially for endurance racing at Spa, Sebring, British GT and of course the Le Mans 24 Hours. TVR made 4 roads cars to obtain FIA Homologation – 3 TVR Typhons (originally intended to feature a Supercharged 4.0L Engine, but were eventually finished with a naturally aspirated 4.0L engine) and the T440R – the only car which was built to run with a naturally aspirated 4.2 litre specification.
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The T440R incorporated a gas-flowed cylinder head, steel crankshaft and conrods, a carbon fibre airbox with 6 upper injectors (12 in total for the 6 cylinders) and bespoke exhaust headers. Whilst most of the components are derived from the race car, the engine was detuned to 440bhp to make it more durable for road use.
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Upon close examination of the car you will see extensive use of carbon fibre allowing the car to be as light, but as stiff and rigid as possible. The flat under-floor is constructed from resin-sandwiched aluminium honeycomb, to which the tubular and square section is bonded and bolted. A separate carbon fibre tub is then bonded to the chassis and finally the cars carbon fibre bodywork is bonded to the tub and to the flat floor.
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Extensive aerodynamic work has created astonishing stability due to the combination of flat floor, front splitter and rear diffuser creating a drag co-efficient of only 0.32. The handling is surprisingly predictable and confidence inspiring and the light weight construction allows for a 0-60 time of sub 4 seconds and a V Max of circa 200mph!
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Inside there is extensive exposed carbon fibre, and a 2+2 seating setup with all 4 seats fitted with Willans Racing Harnesses. The carbon backed seats are finished in two-tone black and red leather and a black alcantara headlining.
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This really is a motoring marvel and a unique opportunity to purchase something with so much provenance and racing pedigree at a fraction of the cost of it’s competitors (the McLaren F1 & Ferrari F40).