This T400R reminds us how awesome TVR can be

This T400R is an example of the 7 early 2000s GT2 monsters, and was campaigned by Rollcentre Racing in the 2001 British GT Championship. Three pole position finishes comprised of two victories and a second place made for a successful introduction for the successor to the Cerbera Speed 6. The 2002 season saw continued British GT success for this car, with four more wins and three second places, taking Rollcentre to within a hairs whisker of the title before mechanical issues had them fall short at Donnington. This car also took TVR overseas, scoring second in class at the Suzuka 1,000km. 

From there, this unique Tuscan R bodied T400R went relatively quiet. Some Le Mans work with Chamberlain Racing followed, but Jason Clegg of Str8six found it with a severely un-TVRish Advanced Engine Research 2.0 turbo with nearly 1,000bhp and wearing the purple hue of the Le Mans cars. He snapped it up and undertook a slow but intensive three-year top-to-bottom restoration of the car back to its original condition. That includes a new Speed 6 engine, up-to-date fuel tanks and systems, uprated brakes, all new wiring and a recreation of its original livery. 

It is after this and in the hands of Clegg, that this T400R has found its second wind. November 2015 saw it cross the pond to participate in the Daytona Classic. Fourth in class, 12^th overall, 600 miles covered and a 172mph start/finish line top speed define an explosive return for this incredible machine. It's great to see it here at the Silverstone Classic, and so timely with TVR looking to make a triumphant return soon. This T400R is a reminder of just how awesome TVR can be. 

Photography by Tom Shaxson