TVR T350 T350C
The TVR T350, produced from 2002 to 2006, was one of the most focused and exciting products of TVR's Peter Wheeler era. Available as either a coupe (T350C) or targa (T350T), it combined TVR's in-house Speed Six engine with a compact, lightweight chassis to create a car that prioritised driving excitement above all else.
The T350 was based on a shortened version of the Tamora chassis, with a wheelbase reduced to just 2,360 mm. This created a compact, nimble platform that was perfectly suited to the 3.6-litre Speed Six engine's 350 bhp output. The Speed Six was TVR's own design — a straight-six engine that was unique in the automotive world for having been designed from scratch by a small-volume manufacturer.
The coupe body featured dramatic styling with TVR's characteristic organic curves, prominent haunches, and a low roofline that gave the T350C an aggressive stance. The targa variant (T350T) offered the option of removing a roof panel for open-air motoring while retaining the structural benefits of a fixed-roof design.
Performance was extraordinary by any standard. At just 1,060 kg, the T350C had a power-to-weight ratio of 330 bhp per tonne — territory occupied by hypercars from manufacturers charging several times the T350's price. TVR claimed 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph. The driving experience was raw and unfiltered: no ABS, no traction control, no power steering, and famously no airbags.
The chassis delivered remarkable agility. The double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, combined with the short wheelbase and light weight, created a car that could change direction with stunning speed. The steering feedback was exceptional, and the rear-wheel-drive layout allowed skilled drivers to explore the car's considerable handling limits.
The T350 represented TVR at its most concentrated — all the marque's traditional values distilled into the most compact and focused package possible. For enthusiasts who valued driving engagement above all other considerations, the T350 was close to perfection.
Build quality remained TVR's Achilles heel, with the Speed Six engine in particular developing a reputation for unreliability that could be addressed but required diligent maintenance. Despite this, the T350 remains one of the most celebrated TVR models among the marque's passionate enthusiast community.
The Speed Six engine is the primary concern. These engines can suffer from serious reliability issues including bottom-end bearing failure, head gasket problems, and coolant ingestion. A comprehensive engine inspection by a TVR specialist is absolutely essential before purchase. Verify the engine has been properly maintained with correct oil specification and regular changes. Check for any engine rebuilds in the car's history. The tubular chassis should be inspected for corrosion. Glassfibre body condition should be checked for stress cracking. Electrical systems require careful testing. Parts availability is a concern as TVR is no longer a functioning manufacturer — the enthusiast community and specialist suppliers are the primary sources. Buy only from a known history and preferably with documented specialist maintenance. The T350 can be a wonderful car when properly maintained, but a money pit if problems are hidden.
Produced 2002-2006 at Blackpool. Based on shortened Tamora platform. TVR's own Speed Six engine. Available as coupe (T350C) and targa (T350T). Small production numbers. Factory closed in 2006 when Peter Wheeler sold TVR.