TVR T440R: unique Le Mans homologation special heads to auction

TVR is back in the headlines again, although not because it is finally launching the all-new Griffith sports car – originally promised to arrive in 2018.

Making the news this week, the amphibious TVR Scamander concept will make a surprise appearance at the forthcoming London Concours event.  

However, it is the auction of another one-off TVR, the 2002 T440R – being sold at this month’s Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest sale – that has really grabbed our attention at Retro Motor.

A homologation hero

The T440R sprang from one of the most ambitious plans created by the late Peter Wheeler. The owner of TVR between 1981 and 2004, Wheeler decided to take the marque racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1990s.

To secure homologation for the GT1 class of endurance racing, a car initially called the Tuscan R was developed. Later changes would lead to it being renamed T440R.

A bespoke tubular chassis with an integrated roll cage was the starting point for the T440R. A carbon fibre tub was bonded to it, with carbon body panels bolted on for good measure.

Underneath, a completely flat floor (made from resin-filled aluminium honeycomb), contributed to a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.32. The T440R was a thoroughly modern race car with the potential to go beyond 200mph.

The sole survivor

Early plans involved the use of a 4.0-litre version of TVR’s Speed Six engine, producing 400hp. However, this was later upped to a 4.2-litre unit with 440hp – hence the ‘T440R’ name.

A 585hp supercharged Typhon model, with a six-speed sequential transmission, was planned as the ultimate incarnation of the T440R. Sadly, Peter Wheeler had sold TVR before the Typhon came to fruition.

Only two examples of the T440R were produced, with this Candy Apple Red car being the sole survivor. 

The first example completed, it appeared in the Jeremy Clarkson film No Limits, along with being displayed at Le Mans for promotional purposes.

Blackpool’s best made better

Sold into private ownership in 2008, the T440R has undergone a complete restoration by TVR specialists. This includes a 4.4-litre Speed Six engine being installed, which is close to the ‘aspirational’ 440hp output.

A new close-ratio gearbox, clutch and differential have also been fitted, along with replacement suspension dampers. The unique nature of the T440R meant many parts required custom fabrication. 

The exterior has been resprayed in authentic Candy Apple Red, with the interior upholstered in a combination of black and red leather.

A packed folder of paperwork, documenting all the work undertaken, will be supplied with the car when sold.

Putting a price on TVR history

When it comes to a guide price, Iconic Auctioneers has given an estimate of between £190,000 and £230,000.

For a genuine Le Mans homologation special, with endless provenance and coming fresh from a complete restoration, this seems to us like relatively good value.

For comparison, a TVR Cerbera Speed 12 sold by Iconic Auctioneers achieved £601,500 on the block in 2003.

If such prices look too steep, however, the Supercar Fest sale also includes the first of two TVR 350C models commissioned for the 2002 British Motor Show. You could grab a potential bargain, with an estimated sale price of £30,000 to £35,000.

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