2002 TVR

Furlonger are excited to offer this remarkably rare TVR T440R finished in Ruby Red; believed to be one of just three produced and the only example to be road registered. This very car, registration no. ‘PN02 ZNG’, represents a crucial point within the ‘Wheeler era’ of TVR’s motorsport history, presented to the FIA and homologated as the road-going example of what would be entered into GT1 racing and Le Mans.

The TVR T440R is essentially a race car for the road. Its componentry and construction utilised technology that was revolutionary in period, including an array of carbon fibre and a honeycomb-designed flat floor. Building on this incredibly light and stiff foundation, the T440R is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.4 litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 440 horsepower (hence the name). All power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. Although TVR had originally planned to build these cars with a sequential gearbox and a supercharger, unforeseen obstacles during the development process would see the car finalised as is presented today. Accompanying the car is its original Homologation Technical Passport (Homologation no. LMGT11) confirming its specifications.

‘ZNG’ was once used as a promotional car for TVR’s motorsport division, liveried in the iconic DEWALT colours resembling one of the race cars. This car was subsequently purchased from the factory by Racing Green TVR, then supplied to its first private keeper in 2008. Having since visited some notable TVR specialists, and receiving an extensive restoration, the car now presents exceptionally in all regards. Furlonger are fortunate to have handled many special early production, prototype, and promotional supercars over the years, but few share the substance that ‘ZNG’ has to offer. An exceptionally rare and highly engaging British sports car, fit for the very finest of collections.

This car will receive a service and any required mechanical preparation within the sale via our workshops.

Founded in 1947 by Trevor Wilkinson in Blackpool, England, TVR still remains a symbol of bold British sports car design, known for its uncompromising approach to performance and style. Initially focused on engineering and chassis-building, TVR began producing its own cars in the 1950s, gaining a reputation for lightweight, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars with distinctive styling and powerful engines. During the 1960s–80s, TVR produced various innovative models, including the Griffith and Tuscan, and became known for its raw, driver-focused cars. Under Peter Wheeler’s ownership from the 1980s to early 2000s, TVR introduced iconic models like the Cerbera, Chimaera, and Sagaris, often featuring in-house Speed Six and Speed Eight engines.

Peter Wheeler, a chemical engineer and successful businessman was a proud custodian of a TVR Taimar Turbo. Having an excellent relationship with the factory, Wheeler quickly learned of TVR’s financial trouble, to wit he negotiated and purchased control from its then chairman, Martin Lilley. Wheeler innovatively resurrected the brand with the intention of expanding and improving TVR’s range, including the launch of a one-make race series that he actively took part in.

After financial struggles, the company changed hands multiple times and production halted in the mid-2000s. In 2013, TVR was revived under new ownership. A major relaunch came in 2017 with the announcement of the new TVR Griffith, designed by Gordon Murray and powered by a Cosworth-tuned V8.