Period pictures
Discussion
I think these photos are from 2 different shows, the Evolution S was certainly at the 87 Earls Court show but I think this is the only time it appeared. It didn't have an engine, TVR were talking of using a Sierra Cosworth engine, a 3.2 litre version of the Cologne V6, or a 3.3 litre V6 from Holden but the project died and was effectively replaced by the V8S.
I think the Tuscan racer wasn't shown until 1988, since the first race series was in 1989.
Oliver.
I think the Tuscan racer wasn't shown until 1988, since the first race series was in 1989.
Oliver.
Ah yes - the 3.2 cologne engine. It was a long-stroke 6-port conversation by Swaymar, was set to go into production but proved more costly than the RV8. The claimed power output was 260bhp, which does sound optimistic.. I have the only such converted Cosworth Cologne, converted by Dave Martin shortly before he retired.
oliverb205 said:
I think these photos are from 2 different shows, the Evolution S was certainly at the 87 Earls Court show but I think this is the only time it appeared. It didn't have an engine, TVR were talking of using a Sierra Cosworth engine, a 3.2 litre version of the Cologne V6, or a 3.3 litre V6 from Holden but the project died and was effectively replaced by the V8S.
I think the Tuscan racer wasn't shown until 1988, since the first race series was in 1989.
Oliver.
I think the Tuscan racer wasn't shown until 1988, since the first race series was in 1989.
Oliver.
Earlier this year I went to look at a 1985 280i FHC that had the engine stroked to 3.2. Hard to tell how quick it was because the engine was very sick. White smoke out the tailpipes and thick mayonnaise for oil. I was told the conversion was done here in the States, probably a kit from the UK.
GBinUSA said:
Earlier this year I went to look at a 1985 280i FHC that had the engine stroked to 3.2. Hard to tell how quick it was because the engine was very sick. White smoke out the tailpipes and thick mayonnaise for oil. I was told the conversion was done here in the States, probably a kit from the UK.
Hi mate...Sounds like a car clinic conversion..They do a 3.2 conversion to the V6..It has a long stroke crank..This was something i was considering pre-Blower...Sounds like the head gasket is nadgered...Zigahttps://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
Further news on C833 OFV. I now now own her and know a good deal more of her early history (1985 to 1990) from Steve Armitstead who was commissioned by Peter Wheeler to have this car specially built. He kindly provided lots of info and confirmed that she was built as a development car made from “bits and pieces from around the Company” She would be primarily used for the EEC/ECE type approval testing (homologation) necessary to obtain European whole vehicle certification. The main “bit” of the car was a prototype convertible body originally destined for the USA, a project recently shelved. This explains the American spec side repeaters in the early photos and why it didn't quite look right for a 390SE. Also, when born, it was LHD. Although registered in 1986 as a 390SE, it was built in 1985 and originally fitted with a 350i engine, running on trade plates, and then for several months on the well-known TVR 100 plate.
The car was used for exhaust emissions, noise, brakes, and RFI EEC approvals etc. Many of these tests were done abroad, mainly in France. It took about 6 months to complete the testing schedule and homologate the 350i for Europe.
In 1986, the 350 engine was removed and NCK (became TVR Power?) rebuilt it as a 390 and the car went through the respective type test again. The 390 engine was then swapped out for a 400, again for another round of approval tests.
In 1987 the steering column used by TVR and manufactured by Triumph, became obsolete and a replacement, as used on the Ford Granada was sourced. During the engineering and electrical design work on the car, Peter Wheeler authorised the cars conversion to RHD.
The 400 was then uprated to 450 for the next round of VCA approvals (using revised crankshaft), but this engine config wasn’t v good for the car so the engine was changed back to 400. Cant be certain but I think this is the engine it has now.
Apols a bit of a long post but this is only a summary of her v interesting early history up to 1990, as described to me by Steve. He left TVR at the end of 1990 but the car then stayed in TVR ownership ‘til 2000. MoT records show it was still clocking up miles until 1993 but then no MoTs ‘til 2000 when it was tested and sold by TVR. Any further intel re this car would be greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoyed the read
gmw9666 said:
as we are going down memory lane.....time to watch the wedge sales video again, classic = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6oz388s26Q
I've still got the original VHS tape of that 
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