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!

[SpudLink]

article said:

The dog basket for Peter's gun dog Ned

Ned? Was he the dog that served as head of design on the Cerbera?

[Devil2575]

That is very ugly. Was the designer blind?

[400SE Dave]

I have seen it in the plastic many times and it is a stunner and has been rebuilt to an amazing standard with massive commitment in both time and money by the current owner.

Looks are always subjective but imagine the road presence of this is the 80's. And don't forget the noise

Personally I am glad it is going on display for many more to see

[dunc_sx]

Revolting

[Bencolem]

Never seen this before. Seeing lots of BMW Z1!

[McAndy]

SpudLink said:

Ned? Was he the dog that served as head of design on the Cerbera?

Ned took out the chunk around the Chimaera front indicators that were shared with the Cerbera, according to Clarkson on the original Top Gear TV review.

[rodericb]

Nice!

[theholygrail]

Absolutely stunning car. In fact probably the only white car I've ever liked. Had a good nose around it, thanks to the very friendly owner, at the recent Topcats TVR Wedge Fest. Immaculately finished at great expense and fascinating back history.

[portzi]

dunc_sx said:

Revolting

look at some of the 80's cars that Porsche and lotus produced they looked so dated now, but this in its original form still looks good, although the interior is definitely not !!!

[Quickmoose]

portzi said:

dunc_sx said:

Revolting

look at some of the 80's cars that Porsche and lotus produced they looked so dated now, but this in its original form still looks good, although the interior is definitely not !!!

[toby-w8jtf]

I love this, if you squint a little is kind of looks like a BMW Z1 / Tasmin creation.

[SturdyHSV]

McAndy said:

SpudLink said:

Ned? Was he the dog that served as head of design on the Cerbera?

Ned took out the chunk around the Chimaera front indicators that were shared with the Cerbera, according to Clarkson on the original Top Gear TV review.

This story was actually told to Clarkson by Wheeler on camera, just in case anyone dismisses it as a 'Clarksonism'

[wedgeman]

muckyman said:

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!

Quite right - the V5 needs updating...

[Bladedancer]

portzi said:

dunc_sx said:

Revolting

look at some of the 80's cars that Porsche and lotus produced they looked so dated now, but this in its original form still looks good, although the interior is definitely not !!!

Please tell me you're not serious.
F40, 959, even Esprit may look a bit dated in places (those small wheels!) but still look good.

This thing, however, was always ugly as sin. I would put it right up there with the likes of Pontiac Aztek, Fiat Multipla and Ssangyong Rodius level ugly.

[tadaah]

That is truly foul

[sgq89]

That looks so cool!

[McAndy]

SturdyHSV said:

This story was actually told to Clarkson by Wheeler on camera, just in case anyone dismisses it as a 'Clarksonism'

Ah yes, I remember now. I haven't watched it, but I think I've found an appropriate link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1X9Tl_qe4

[FN2TypeR]

McAndy said:

SturdyHSV said:

This story was actually told to Clarkson by Wheeler on camera, just in case anyone dismisses it as a 'Clarksonism'

Ah yes, I remember now. I haven't watched it, but I think I've found an appropriate link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1X9Tl_qe4

[McAndy]

FN2TypeR said:

I know; that hair!