TVR Tuscan, Tamora and T350
This page covers three closely-related TVRs from the Peter Wheeler era that all share the Speed Six straight-six engine and a common chassis family: the Tuscan Speed Six (1999–2006), the entry-level Tamora (2002–2006), and the fixed-head T350 (2002–2006). The Tuscan replaced the Griffith as the flagship convertible; the Tamora replaced the Chimaera; the T350 was the closed-roof sister to the Tamora.
For engine-specific service information, see the Speed Six engine page.
TVR Tuscan Speed Six (1999–2006)
Section titled “TVR Tuscan Speed Six (1999–2006)”The Tuscan was the first TVR to use the Speed Six engine exclusively. It’s a two-seat convertible with a removable roof panel and rear window.
Variants
Section titled “Variants”| Variant | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscan Speed Six | 1999–2006 | Base convertible |
| Tuscan S | 2001–2006 | Higher state of tune |
| Tuscan R | 2003–2006 | Limited production, highest output |
| Tuscan S2 | 2005–2006 | Revised styling |
Approximate specifications
Section titled “Approximate specifications”| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3,996 cc Speed Six, DOHC 24v inline-6 |
| Power (standard) | ~350–360 bhp |
| Power (S) | ~380–390 bhp |
| Power (R) | 400+ bhp |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,375 mm |
| Length | 4,225 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,195 mm |
| Kerb weight | ~1,080 kg |
TVR Tamora (2002–2006)
Section titled “TVR Tamora (2002–2006)”The Tamora was positioned as the entry-level car in the range, with simpler styling than the Tuscan and a softer set-up aimed at road use.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3,996 cc Speed Six |
| Power | ~350 bhp |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | ~1,050 kg |
TVR T350 (2002–2006)
Section titled “TVR T350 (2002–2006)”The T350 shares the Tamora’s mechanical package but with a fixed roof and more aerodynamic bodywork. Two body styles were offered:
- T350c — fixed-head coupe
- T350t — targa with a removable centre panel
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3,996 cc Speed Six |
| Power | ~350 bhp |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | ~1,070 kg |
Common issues to check
Section titled “Common issues to check”Many weak points are common across all three cars because they share the engine, gearbox and a lot of ancillaries.
Engine (Speed Six)
Section titled “Engine (Speed Six)”- Finger-follower / camshaft wear — the best-known Speed Six weakness. Listen for top-end rattle and ask for evidence of a rebuild or upgraded followers.
- Oil pump drive — failure is catastrophic; many owners fit an uprated drive.
- Head gasket — check coolant for oil contamination and the expansion tank for pressurisation when warm.
- Water pump — finite life; often replaced with the cambelt service.
See the Speed Six engine page for detail.
Transmission
Section titled “Transmission”- Synchromesh wear, particularly on 2nd gear, is reported.
- Clutch slave cylinders can fail and are an awkward in-bellhousing job on some cars.
Brakes
Section titled “Brakes”- AP Racing calipers were fitted as standard — inspect discs and pad wear carefully.
- The brake servo is the same TRW PSA328 unit used on Griffith, Chimaera and Cerbera. See the PSA328 cross-reference.
Suspension
Section titled “Suspension”- Standard damping can feel harsh; adjustable dampers from Nitron and similar are a common upgrade.
- Check bushes and wishbone condition — these cars are light and reward a fresh chassis.
- GRP panels can develop stress cracks, especially around high-load areas and panel edges.
- Numerous panel gaps mean water ingress is common — check footwells and behind trim for damp.
- Bonnet catches and their solenoids are a known fiddle.
Electrics
Section titled “Electrics”- Dashboard instruments and warning telltales can be unreliable — confirm every gauge and lamp works on a test drive.
- Door solenoids (electric door release) need a working battery; carry a manual release method.
Safety note
Section titled “Safety note”Any work on brakes, fuel, steering or suspension on these cars should be done to the original TVR torque and fitment specifications, or by a marque specialist. The combination of light weight and significant power leaves little margin for sloppy assembly.
Compiled from community-contributed TVR knowledge — always verify against the original workshop documentation or a marque specialist before relying on it.