TVR Steiner 450 Convertible

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THIS IS A LATE ENTRY AND WILL NOT BE IN THE PRINTED CATALOGUE

In the early 1980s TVR moved away from its previously fairly conventional range of sportscars to produce a series of outlandish ‘flying wedge’ designs fitted with increasingly powerful V8 engines.

Hilariously loud and fast with dramatic, angular styling by Oliver Winterbottom, models like the Tasmin 280i, 350i and frankly outrageous 450SEAC appealed to an extrovert class of driver who valued noise, power and acceleration above all else. With lightweight GRP bodywork and bordello plush interiors, they turned every journey into an adrenaline-soaked adventure; and what’s not to like about that?

However some people are never satisfied, like the chap who bought this Tasmin and decided to hand it over to Chiswick tuning firm Steiner to give it an additional dose of steroids. In 1990 it was treated to a 4.5-litre V8 engine conversion, built to 360bhp fast road spec, with a bill on file for over £6,000. To keep the whole plot on the road, the brakes have also been uprated and adjustable suspension fitted.

Since the engine was rebuilt the car has clocked up some 44,300 miles, the odometer now recording 84,000 miles in total. Finished in red with a plush beige leather and walnut interior, and running on five-spoke alloy wheels, the current owner of three years states that it is in very good condition throughout and delivers all the performance any sane man could need.

Supplied with a good history file and MOTd until September 2014 with no advisories recorded, it is just what you need to really wake you up on a Sunday morning.