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History1980 - The original Tasmin was launched with a Ford V6 'Cologne', initially as a coupe with convertible and 2+2 fixed head models following in October that year.
TVR Tasmin FHC
TVR Tasmin 280i
1981 – An entry level model was launched, the Tasmin 200 with the Ford 4 cylinder ‘Pinto’ engine aimed at the market recently vacated by the Triumph TR7. The coupe used the original coupe body, while the V6 cars received the longer body used by the 2+2. The Tasmin 200 was not a success, and it was dropped in 1984.
1983 - A 190bhp Rover V8 engine was ‘shoe horned’ into the chassis, producing the Tasmin 350i (later on the ‘Tasmin’ name was dropped). The 350i became the best selling model in the TVR range at that time. Most were convertibles but a few coupes were built, plus 6 highly sought after 350i+2s. At around the same time, the Ford engined cars were also renamed 280i. 1984 - The 390SE was launched with a 275bhp V8 fitted ‘bored out’ to 3,905cc by Andy Rouse. By 1985 subtle changes to the bodywork made the car more rounded, and a Series 2 version was launched in 1987. TVR offered the option of the 4.2 litre engine from the 420SEAC to create the rare 420SE. 
TVR 390SE
1986 - TVR launched the 300bhp 420SEAC, SEAC standing for: Special Equipment, Aramid Composite. The SEAC styling was a lot less ‘angular’ than the 350/390 and the SEAC became the most rounded looking wedge produced. Many were also fitted with a rather large boot spoiler. The 324bhp 450SEAC became the top of the TVR range in 1988.
TVR 420 SEAC Racer
TVR 420 SEAC
1988 - The 280i series was discontinued and the 275bhp 400SE was launched featuring a ‘wraparound’ cockpit along with various other bodywork and styling improvements.
TVR 400SE
1989 - The 450SE version was launched with a 320bhp 4441cc alloy V8. Only a very small quantity of these were produced. The wedge series continued in production until 1991 when the launch of the new curvaceous TVR Griffith at
the Motorshow finally ended the wedge car era. |
Technical SpecificationsTVR 280i
Engine: Ford V6 Capacity (cc): 2792cc Performance: 0-60mph 8.2 seconds Max Speed: 130mph TVR 350i
Engine: Rover V8 Capacity (cc): 3528cc Power: 190 BHP @5280rpm Torque: 220lbft @ 4000rpm Performance: 0-60mph 6.6 seconds Max Speed: 136mph TVR 390SE
Engine: Rover V8 Capacity (cc): 3905cc Performance: 0-60mph 5.6 seconds Max Speed: 144mph TVR 420SEAC
Engine: Rover V8 Capacity (cc): 4228cc Performance: 0-60mph 4.6 seconds Max Speed: 147mph TVR 450SE
Engine: Rover V8 Capacity (cc): 4500cc Power: 325 BHP @ 5600rpm Production Numbers
Tasmin S1 - 118 Tasmin 280i - 862 Tasmin +2 - 47 Tasmin S2/280i - 140 Tasmin 200 FHC - 16 Tasmin 200 - 45 350i - 897 350i FHC - 52 350i +2 FHC - 6 390SE/420SE - 103 400SE - 242 450SE - 35 420SEAC - 18 450SEAC - 18 Source: The TVRs by Graham Robson PrototypesThere are a couple of noteworthy 'Wedge' prototypes; The 'Turbo' and the 'White Elephant'. See the TVR prototypes page for more details
TVR 'Wedge' Turbo
TVR 'White Elephant'
InteriorThe interior layout changed throughout the evolution of the models, and in typical TVR style could vary within the same model sometimes too.
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ARCHIVES
Find out more in the TVR Tasmin / Wedge Archives (Members Only) |
TECHNICAL
Find out more on the TVR Tasmin/ WedgeTechnical Page (Members Only) |
Reviews from the period
TVR 390SE - The first real blood and guts sportscar to come from this side of the Channel in ages. Autocar, Oct 17 1984 |
TVR Tasmin 350i - He-man muscle from Rover's magnificent injected V8 engine elevates the Tasmin's performance to supercar levels - Motor, Aug 27 1983 |
Useful Links
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TVR Tasmin Turbo in the Prototypes section
TVR Wedge Technical pages |
