Mercedes: Luxury and Power at It's Very Best!

If you are living like a king then you need wheels worthy of a king! And if you don't have wheels worthy of a king then probably you are not a king! And this is why you need to invest in a car which won't just get you from point A to B but would offer you much more than that. This, 'much more' literally translates into raw and brutal engine power and luxury at its very finest!

So if you need to get from point A to B in style, then you need to invest in a Mercedes. Because their cars are unlike any cars by any other manufacturer! Plus gone are the days when they used to manufacture cars which only a few people could afford because now they make cars ranging from affordable to high end luxury.

Mercedes: Luxury and Power at It's Very Best!

 Here are a few of their best selling cars

•A-Class: This compact car could perhaps be called one of their most affordable! And it gives a direct competition to BMW 1 series and the Audi A3. This car comes in a variety of different engine specs ranging from the efficient A180 to the powerful A 45 AMG.

•B-Class: The B-Class is one fine compact luxury car which can get you anywhere in style! And like its younger brother it's also available in many different engine specifications which can provide you with amazing fuel efficiency or heart racing and mind numbing acceleration!

•C-Class: One of the highest selling executive sedan by the German manufacturer, the C-Class redefines what power and luxury mean altogether! And if you want something that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket then go for the diesel C180 or if you are looking for raw, brutal, mind numbing powers then you need to buy the AMG edition! All those 500 horses are going to set your heart racing.

Mercedes: Luxury and Power at It's Very Best!

•G-Class: This go 'anywhere' SUV will literally take you anywhere in the world but unlike its predecessor it will take you anywhere the world in absolute luxury! Yup, that's true because the amount of luxurious things that this SUV has is mind numbing. But if you buy the AMG edition then the engine and the raw power that it produces is going to be mind numbing because this V8 supercharged is capable of producing more than 500 horse power.

The TVR 420SE and 420SEAC Sports Car

A review of The TVR 420SE and 420SEAC Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.

From Classic to Modern:

The TVR 420SE

In 1986, the TVR 420SE was introduced, and powered by the 4228 cc, Rover EFI V8 engine, which developed 300 bhp at 5500 rpm, and 290 ft/lbs of torque at 4500 rpm.

In essence, this model was using the 4.2 litre V8 engine as a test bed for the more aggressive 420SEAC variant which, amongst other modifications, used much wilder camshafts.

By 1987, when production ended, only 7 units of this variant were built.

The TVR 420SEAC

In 1986, the TVR 420SEAC was launched, and was regarded as the pinnacle of the wedge shaped TVR.

In fact, it represented the final chapter in the wedge design concept.

The TVR 420SE and 420SEAC Sports Car

It was powered by the same engine as used in the 420SE, and had identical power output, but more impressive performance.

The symbol "SEAC" referred to the fact that this variant had a Special Equipment Aramid Composite body structure, which meant that at least 20 % of the body consisted of highly advanced kevlar and 80% fibreglass, unlike all other wedges that were 100% fibreglass.

As a result of production difficulties with this high tech composition, only the first 8 to 10 units consisted of 100% kevlar bodies, the remaining units having only a 20% kevlar content.

The purpose of the kevlar was to act as a reinforcement material which meant that, in the case of the 420SEAC, the body weight was reduced by over 200 pounds without its rigidity being compromised.

This weight saving had a profound effect on its performance such that, compared with the 420SE, the top speed increased to 165 mph, and the 0-60 mph time was reduced to 4.7 secs.

Furthermore, the use of kevlar in the 420SEAC represented a world first for a production road car.

The downside of such a composite structure was that this variant sold for twice as much as a standard 350i.

In terms of external appearance, the 420SEAC was distinguishable by its large rear spoiler, and the rounded nose section.

The TVR 420SE and 420SEAC Sports Car

This variant was 7 inches shorter and 2 inches wider than the 390SE, and sported a huge "tea tray" spoiler at the rear to keep that end down at high speed.

In 1988, when production ended, a total of 37 units had been built, of which 19 were produced in this final year.

That same year, it was replaced by the 4.5 litre, V8 engined 450SEAC, which became the premier SEAC variant.

Production of this variant ended in 1990, with only 18 units having been built.

Many regard the 400-Series as not only the best looking of the wedge shaped cars, but also the best for build quality.

This marks the end of my Review of the TVR 420SE and 420SEAC sports car.

The TVR 400SE and 400SX Sports Car

A review of The TVR 400SE and 400SX Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.

From Classic to Modern:

The TVR 400SE

In 1988, the TVR 400SE was launched, and was very similar, in all respects apart from the engine, to its predecessor, the 390SE.

However, one important facet was that the 400SE represented the end of the wedge shape styling, with the last of these cars being built in late 1991.

It was powered by a larger Rover V8 engine, this time increased from 3905 cc to 3948 cc.

The TVR 400SE and 400SX Sports Car

It developed 275 bhp at 5500 rpm, and 270 ft/lbs of torque at 3500 rpm, which produced a top speed of 145 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 14.8 secs.

The body styling was as per the 390SE Series 2, and it retained the rounded nose section, and the large aerofoil at the rear positioned under the body,

The bonnet was now vented, and a large spoiler was fitted to the rear.

However, the existence of a large transmission tunnel limited space in the region of the footwell.

Furthermore, the presence of a huge engine in a fibreglass body caused the interior of the cabin to remain unduly hot.

However, this was more than compensated for by the scintillating acceleration and booming exhaust sound.

By now, vented front disc brakes and 15 inch wheels were standard equipment, whilst power steering, initially an optional extra was, later on, a normal fitment.

The TVR 400SX

In 1989, the variant TVR 400SX was introduced as a successor to the 350SX.

It featured the same engine as the 400SE, but with the addition of a Sprintex Supercharger, from DPR Racing.

Although exact output figures were not available, they would likely be comparable with the 350SX, which produced an increase of 30%+ over that produced by the 350SE.

The TVR 400SE and 400SX Sports Car

The supercharged variant was noted for producing an excellent mid range power surge.

It is likely, as was the case with the 350SX, that only a handful of this variant was ever built.

The TVR 430SE

In 1991, the TVR 430SE was unveiled at the Birmingham Motor Show of that year.

It was powered by the 4280 cc Rover V8 engine which would also used in the TVR Griffith, a model due for release in 1992.

It developed 280 bhp at 5500 rpm, and 305 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. Unfortunately, no further performance figures were available.

Only 3 units of the 430SE were ever built, all in 1991.

Each of these variants was based on a fibreglass body fitted to a space frame chassis, in the form of a two seater convertible, and using a five speed gearbox, with four wheel independent suspension.

This marks the end of my Review of the TVR 400SE and 400SX sports car.

The TVR Tasmin 280i Sports Car

A review of The TVR Tasmin 280i Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.

From Classic to Modern

The TVR Tasmin 280i

The TVR Tasmin 280i Series 1 sports car, launched in 1980, was powered by a Ford 2.8 litre, Cologne V6 engine, which was fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and linked to a four speed gearbox.

This engine developed 160 bhp at 5700 rpm, and 162 ft/lbs of torque at 4300 rpm, and produced a top speed of 130 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 secs.

It had a compression ratio of 9.2:1, and used power assisted four wheel disc brakes, with 10.3 inches in the front and 10.4 inches at the rear.

The TVR Tasmin 280i Sports Car

A Ford three speed automatic transmission was available as an optional extra which meant that, in fact, the Tasmin 280i was the first TVR to offer this refinement.

In 1981, the original Series 1 Tasmin 200 and Tasmin 280i were replaced by the Series 2, which brought with it many much needed improvements, including:

An AM/FM stereo radio and cassette player were now standard equipment

Upholstery was now suede velours and ambala

The doors contained ashtrays

electrically operated windows were standard

A vanity mirror was concealed in the sun visor

In 1982, only 121 units of the two Tasmin variants had been built but, by 1985, production had risen to 472 units.

Both the Series 1 Tasmin 200 and Tasmin 280i were discontinued in 1984.

The TVR 280i

That same year, the TVR Tasmin 280i was renamed the TVR 280i, with the Tasmin name now being discarded.

It is worth noting that the top speed of the Series 2 TVR 280i fell from 130 mph to 128 mph.

By 1987, when production of the Tasmin ended, a total of 1367 units of the TVR Tasmin 280i and TVR 280i had been built, and consisted of: 258 of the coupe, 247 of the 2+2, and 862 of the convertible.

When the TVR 280i was discontinued, it was succeeded by the TVR S, which was powered by the same engine, but priced much more attractively.

The Tasmin in the US

The Tasmin was first introduced into the US market in 1983, and designated the TVR 280i.

However, the output of its German Ford V6 engine had been reduced from 160 bhp to 145 bhp in order to comply with strict US emission control regulations.

Consequently, the 0-60 mph time increased correspondingly from 7.8 secs to close to 10 secs.

Such performance, and the relatively high selling price, had an adverse effect on sales, most of which were in convertibles.

Since the 2.8 litre Ford Cologne V6 engine had already cleared US emission regulations, the TVR 280i Series 2 was launched onto the US market in 1987.

The TVR Tasmin 280i Sports Car

What's more, they were exported to the US in much smaller numbers than previously, and only throughout 1987.

As a note in history, this model was the last TVR to be exported to the US, with numerous reasons being offered for its withdrawal from this lucrative market.

These included:

Over a period of time, there had been a gradual deterioration in the relationship between TVR and the US agents responsible for the sale and distribution of the cars

There were problems relating to car warranties

Premiums for liability insurance had increased from $160,000 to over $1,000,000

This marks the end of my Review of the TVR Tasmin 280i sports car

I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1946 to 1967.

The TVR 350i Sports Car

A review of The TVR 350i Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.

From Classic to Modern

Peter Wheeler, the new owner of TVR, realised that, following the introduction of the wedge-shaped Tasmin in 1980, the new radical design was not well received by the market.

However, with no additional funds available to create a new car with more conventional styling, he decided to retain the existing range, and concentrate on producing variants with increased performance.

In 1982, it was felt that a more powerful version of the Tasmin 280i was needed, and so, in August 1983, the Tasmin 350i was introduced.

The TVR 350i Sports Car

It used the same chassis as its predecessor, which was a stretched version of that used in the now discontinued M-Series, while the body, still retaining the wedge shape concept, underwent minor modifications.

In 1984, when the Tasmin name was no longer used on the TVR 280i, this change was extended to the TVR Tasmin 350i, which was now designated the TVR 350i.

This new variant was powered by the 3.5 litre, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injected, Rover V8 engine, which developed 197 bhp at 5280 rpm, and 220 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm.

It produced a top speed of 136 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 secs, a 0-100 mph time of 16.5 secs, and a standing quarter mile time of 14.8 secs.

With a compression ratio of 9.7:1, it had disc brakes all round, and was available as a two seater fixed head coupe or convertible.

The advantage of using a Rover rather than a Ford engine was that it offered the opportunity of marketing the 350i in Arab countries, who would be less inclined to purchase a product with Ford content owing to the latter's association with Israel.

The creation of the 350i meant that TVR was now back in the business of building a V8, for the first time since the Tuscan V8 was phased out in 1969.

Following the 350i's launch, one of the popular Motoring magazines described the car as "The finest sports car since the Ferrari 275GTB/4".

It is interesting to note that the 350i would eventually turn out to be the best selling car ever made by TVR.

Built alongside the existing TVR 280i, the 350i offered a significant increase in performance over its predecessor. 

Although sales of the 350i in 1983 began well in both the UK and US markets, it was not sufficient to return the company to profitability.

Furthermore, by 1985, a combination of massively increased shipping costs, further UK legislation, and an adverse exchange rate, meant that exporting to the US was becoming unprofitable.

The TVR 350i Sports Car

Accordingly, the company discontinued exports to the US, and concentrated its sales efforts on the UK market. 

In the mid 1980's, a non TVR factory source fitted a Sprintex supercharger to a 350i, together with uprated brakes, and which was duly designated the TVR 350SX.

It is understood that only between nine and twelve units of this variant were ever built.

Furthermore, it has been estimated that the output from this engine was in the region of 260 bhp. 

Production of the TVR 350i ended in 1989.

The TVR 3000M Sports Car

A review of The TVR 3000M, Taimar, and 3000S Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this classic car.

The TVR 3000M

Following the launch of the TVR 1600M and 2500M sports car, the next model in the M-Series Range was the 3000M fixed head coupe.

It made its debut at the October 1972 Earl's Court Motor Show in London.

With a compression ratio of 8.9:1, and fitted with a single twin choke Webber carburettor, the 2994cc, cast iron, pushrod operated, Ford Essex V6 engine developed 142 bhp at 5000 rpm, and 174 ft/lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.

Fitted with a four speed gearbox, this gave it a top speed of 130 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 secs.

A Laycock de Normanville overdrive was offered as an optional extra.

It was the top of the range of the original M-Series, and took over from the now obsolete US version of the 2500M, with sales continuing up to 1979.

It had four wheel coil spring independent suspension. The brakes were servo assisted, and consisted of discs at the front and drums at the rear.

The TVR 3000M Sports Car

The US version of the 3000M had a top speed of 115 mph, with the Taimar and 3000S being a little slower on account of their extra weight.

In 1973, the 3000ML was introduced as a luxurious version of the 3000M, and included a walnut dashboard, leather trim, carpeting, a sunroof, and seats with a high back.

The ML variant was produced for just one year. A combined total of 654 units of both 3000M versions were buiilt.

To mark the first 10 years of Martin Lilly's acquisition of TVR in 1965, 12 anniversary models of the 3000M were built, with each receiving an individually numbered plaque.

They were finished in brown, and fitted with all available extras, including Wolfrace wheels, tinted glass, and an upgraded interior.

The TVR Taimar

A hatchback version of the 3000M, called the TVR Taimar, was launched at the 1976 British International Motor Show in London.

Mechanically, it was identical to the 3000M, and the benefit of the opening tailgate was to facilitate the storage of luggage at the rear of the car, which had been somewhat difficult in the other models of the range.

This feature helped the Taimar to outsell the 3000M in its first year of production.

When production ended in 1979, a total of 395 Taimars had been built.

The TVR 3000S

In 1978, the TVR 3000S sports car was introduced. Designed as a convertible, the mechanical components were the same as those used in the 3000M.

However, apart for the nose section, the rest of the body had been restyled, although the original wind up windows had now been replaced with removable sliding side curtains, which could be stored in the boot

The 3000S was the first TVR to offer a separate boot facility.

The foldaway convertible vinyl top and windscreen were courtesy of the Jensen Healey convertible.

The 3000S was the first open top production TVR, and was the company's best seller towards the end of the 1970's.

The TVR 3000M Sports Car

Following modifications to the Essex V6 engine in order that it cleared US emission control regulations, exports of M-Series cars to the US began in 1977.

In total, 258 units of the 3000S were built by 1979, when production ended, and at least 49 were exported to the US.

After a seven year production run, the M-Series was phased out in 1980 in favour of the TVR Tasmin.

This marks the end of my Review of the TVR 3000M, Taimar, and 3000S sports car

The TVR Tasmin 200 Sports Car

A review of The TVR Tasmin 200 Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the seventeenth model in the TVR range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the TVR Tasmin 200, one of an elite group of classic car, which was manufactured during the period 1980 to 1984.

Background

In the late 1970's, there was a noticeable shift in emphasis concerning legislation relating to car manufacturers.

This had its source in the US with the introduction of requirements for improved safety in vehicle design.

Consequently TVR realised that it would be necessary for the company to design, and create from scratch, a completely new sports car, even though such a proposition would be extremely expensive, but unavoidable.

The task of the body styling was given to Oliver Winterbottom, who was previously responsible for the design of the Lotus Elite Series 2.

The TVR Tasmin 200 Sports Car

Consequently, he introduced the wedge-shape concept, that was to be the hallmark of the TVR Tasmin.

This design was blended into a fibreglass body, and was both sporty and exotic.

Such a formula would be a complete shift away from the smooth, curvaceous styling of earlier models, and take the company into unknown territory.

In January 1980, the two seater Tasmin was launched at the Brussels Motor Show as a fixed head coupe, with the convertible being introduced later in October of that year. There was also a 2+2 fixed head coupe variant.

Unfortunately the new radical styling was not well received in the market.

Furthermore, this was not helped by the model's price tag, which was regarded as unduly high.

This price was set in order to partially offset the financial difficulties that the company was experiencing at that time.

Furthermore, the company's position was made more complicated when Martin Lilley sold TVR to Peter Wheeler, one of his dealers.

In order to generate more business, the new owner introduced the keenly priced Tasmin 200.

However, this had little effect, and it would not be until the introduction of the TVR 350i in 1983 that the company's financial position would finally be turned around.

Even though increasingly more powerful engines would be added to the Tasmin variants, the wedge concept was discontinued in 1991, when the charismatic Griffith was introduced.

The Tasmin 200

Two of the Tasmin's features included a bonded windscreen, which was a world first, and the fact that the aerial was incorporated within the rear screen heater element.

It had a tubular steel spaceframe chassis, which was powder coated for added resistance to corrosion.

Some of the components came from a variety of sources:

Running gear was courtesy of Fords

Suspension and steering came from the Ford Cortina saloon

Gearbox was sourced from either the Ford Cortina, Granada, or Sierra saloons

Front disc brakes were from the Ford Granada

Rear disc brakes and differential were from the Jaguar XJ-S saloon

The TVR Tasmin actually consisted of two models: the Tasmin 200, and the Tasmin 280i, both with fibreglass bodies.

the Tasmin 200, launched in late 1981, was marketed as an inexpensive version of the 280i, introduced in 1980.

The TVR Tasmin 200 Sports Car

It was fitted with a 2 litre, Ford Pinto, straight 4-cylinder, overhead valve engine, as used in the Ford Cortina saloon, and developed 101 bhp, and 112 ft/lbs of torque.

With a single Webber twin choke carburettor, and a four speed gearbox, it had a top speed of 115 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.0 secs.

With such limited performance, the Tasmin 200 was not very popular, as reflected in the quantities built: 16 of the coupe, and 45 of the convertible.

It was discontinued in 1984.

This marked the end of the TVR Tasmin 200

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which TVR Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1946 to 1967.