Monday 15th August 2016

TVR 'White Elephant' at the Classic Car Show

The car made for Peter Wheeler to go shooting in will be on show to the public next month

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Do you know of the TVR 'White Elephant'? Chances are you might if you're on PistonHeads but, for those who don't, here is what it looks like. And there's chance to see it up close very soon.

Could it look any more 80s?

The car was registered in 1988, built on a SEAC race chassis but with a body comprising glass fibre over foam. It was the first TVR built using this technique. The engine is an 'experimental' 5.0-litre V8 from Holden, described as a 'Bathurst race engine' that was given to Peter Wheeler for evaluation. The claimed numbers are 405hp and 380lb ft, apparently enough for 170mph and four seconds to 60mph.

While the front end is recognisably TVR, there are just a few features that mark this out as unique. The dog basket for Peter's gun dog Ned, for example. Keep a look out too for a hidden compartment in the back that was there to house his gun boots, shotguns, cartridges and pheasants. Also - in one of the less interesting pieces of TVR trivia you will ever hear - this car was the first TVR to feature a numberplate backlit from inside the cabin.

The White Elephant will be displayed at the Footman James Classic Car Show at EventCity in Manchester on the weekend of September 17/18. There will be plenty of other TVRs in attendance to check out as well, including one of the last Sagarises ever made. Should be a great show!

[Photos: Charlie Magee and Mark Robinson – Copyright TVR White Elephant]

[muckyman]

that reg is a white 3.5ltr tasmin, according to my 'app'.
Either the app is wrong or the car needs its V5 updated to the right engine size.
Never knew this one off even existed though!