TVR Cerbera (1996-06)
Overview: The **TVR Cerbera**, introduced in **1996**, was a landmark model for TVR, marking several firsts for the company:
- **First hard-top coupe**: Unlike previous TVR models like the Griffith and Chimaera, which were convertibles, the Cerbera featured a fixed roof, making it more practical for year-round use.
- **First 2+2 seating layout**: Traditionally, TVRs were two-seaters, but the Cerbera introduced a small rear seat, broadening its appeal.
- **First TVR-designed engine**: Instead of relying on engines from manufacturers like Rover or Ford, TVR developed its own **AJP8 V8** engine, designed by **Al Melling, John Ravenscroft, and Peter Wheeler**. This high-performance engine was a bold move, giving TVR greater independence and a unique identity.
The Cerbera was a **high-performance grand tourer**, capable of speeds exceeding **185 mph**, and it played a crucial role in TVR's evolution, demonstrating the company's ability to develop its own powertrains and expand its market reach.
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Production Total: The TVR Cerbera had a total production run of **1,490 units** between 1996 and 2006.
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Price New: In 1996, the TVR Cerbera had a starting price of approximately **£29,995** in the UK. This price reflected its status as a high-performance sports car with unique design and engineering.
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Target Age Group: It looks like you're asking about the **TVR Cerbera**, but I couldn't find a specific reference to its target age group. However, based on its **high-performance nature**, **bold styling**, and **raw driving experience**, the Cerbera was likely aimed at **enthusiasts in their 30s to 50s**—those who wanted a thrilling, uncompromising sports car rather than a refined grand tourer.
Many TVR owners were drawn to the brand for its **hand-built British craftsmanship**, **lightweight design**, and **powerful engines**, making it a favorite among petrolheads who appreciated **pure driving engagement** over luxury or convenience.
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Sales: The **TVR Cerbera** had a niche appeal, but it wasn't a massive commercial success. Produced between **1996 and 2006**, only **1,490 units** were built. While it was praised for its **raw performance**, **lightweight design**, and **TVR's first in-house engine**, it remained a **specialist sports car** rather than a mainstream hit.
Several factors contributed to its **limited sales**:
- **Hand-built nature**: TVRs were never mass-produced, making them rare.
- **Reliability concerns**: Like many TVRs, the Cerbera had a reputation for being temperamental.
- **Extreme driving experience**: It was thrilling but not the most practical daily driver.
- **Limited brand reach**: TVR was a boutique manufacturer, competing against more established brands.
Despite this, the Cerbera has gained a **cult following** among enthusiasts who appreciate its **brutal speed**, **distinctive styling**, and **unfiltered driving experience**.
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Rivals: In 1996, the TVR Cerbera had several main rivals in the high-performance sports car market. Here are the approximate prices of some of its competitors at the time:
1. **Porsche 911 (993)**: Starting price around **£55,000**.
2. **Lotus Esprit V8**: Starting price approximately **£55,000**.
3. **Chevrolet Corvette C4**: Starting price around **£40,000**.
4. **Jaguar XKR**: Starting price approximately **£50,000**.
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the mid-1990s, with each model offering its own unique features and performance capabilities.
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Recorded in UK 2025 As of 2025, there are approximately **359 TVR Cerberas** licensed and **468 TVR Cerberas** registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in the UK. *****
COMMON FAULTS
please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The TVR Cerbera, while a thrilling and unique car, does have its share of common faults. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
1. **Starter Motor**: Problems with the solenoid rubber cover coming loose and wires touching metal, leading to fuse blowouts. The motor bolt can also come loose, causing eventual failure.
2. **Wiper Parking Switch**: This can go on the blink, especially when water gets in and causes issues.
3. **Inner Ring of Tyres**: Heavy wear on the inner ring of tyres is a common problem.
4. **Shocks**: Standard factory shocks are prone to leaking due to poor seals.
5. **Power Assisted Steering (PAS)**: Issues with hose splits, loose hoses, and pump seals failing.
6. **Battery**: The battery tends to go flat if the car is parked for a few days.
7. **Jerky Throttle Response**: Bad running at low revs, often due to throttle pots.
8. **Wipers**: Wipers can stop working, sometimes requiring parts from other vehicles.
These are just a few of the common issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep the Cerbera running smoothly.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The TVR Cerbera had **two generations** during its production run from 1996 to 2006 - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/tvr/cerbera/). Here are the trim levels available:
1. **TVR Cerbera 4.0L Speed Six**: This model featured a 4.0-litre inline-six engine producing 350 horsepower - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/tvr/cerbera/).
2. **TVR Cerbera 4.2L Speed Eight**: Equipped with a 4.2-litre V8 engine, this trim offered 360 horsepower - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/tvr/cerbera/).
3. **TVR Cerbera 4.5L Speed Eight**: This version had a 4.5-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/tvr/cerbera/).
4. **TVR Cerbera 4.5L Red Rose**: An upgraded version of the 4.5L Speed Eight, the Red Rose trim produced 440 horsepower - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/tvr/cerbera/).
Each trim level provided a unique driving experience, with varying levels of power and performance.
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Engines
The TVR Cerbera offered a range of power outputs depending on the engine and trim level. Here are the details:
1. **4.0L Speed Six**: This engine produced 350 horsepower.
2. **4.2L Speed Eight**: The 4.2-liter V8 engine delivered 360 horsepower.
3. **4.5L Speed Eight**: This 4.5-liter V8 engine provided 420 horsepower.
4. **4.5L Red Rose**: The enhanced version of the 4.5-liter V8 produced 440 horsepower.
These variations allowed the Cerbera to cater to different performance preferences, providing everything from spirited driving to high-octane thrills.
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Performance
The TVR Cerbera delivered impressive performance across its various engine options and trim levels. Here are the key performance figures for each version:
1. **4.0L Speed Six**:
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 170 mph
2. **4.2L Speed Eight**:
- Horsepower: 360 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 180 mph
3. **4.5L Speed Eight**:
- Horsepower: 420 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 185 mph
4. **4.5L Red Rose**:
- Horsepower: 440 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 190 mph
These performance metrics made the Cerbera one of the fastest and most exhilarating sports cars of its time.
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Rivals
In 1996, the TVR Cerbera faced stiff competition from several high-performance sports cars in the UK. Here are some of its main rivals and their performance figures:
1. **Porsche 911 (993) Carrera**:
- Horsepower: 272 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 168 mph
2. **Ferrari F355**:
- Horsepower: 375 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.6 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 183 mph
3. **Lotus Esprit V8**:
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 175 mph
4. **Jaguar XJR**:
- Horsepower: 322 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.5 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 155 mph
These cars were known for their impressive performance and handling, making them formidable competitors to the TVR Cerbera in the high-performance sports car market of the mid-1990s.
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Designer/Dimensions
The TVR Cerbera was designed by **Damian McTaggart**. As for its dimensions, here they are:
- **Wheelbase**: 2,566 mm (101.0 in)
- **Length**: 4,280 mm (168.5 in)
- **Width**: 1,865 mm (73.4 in)
- **Height**: 1,220 mm (48.0 in)
- **Kerb Weight**:
- Speed Eight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
- 4.5 Lightweight: 1,060 kg (2,337 lb)
- Speed Six: 1,130 kg (2,491 lb)
These dimensions contributed to the Cerbera's distinctive look and performance.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For TVR Cerbera spares in the UK and Ireland, you have several options:
1. **Motaclan**: They offer a wide range of genuine TVR parts, including those for the Cerbera.
2. **Racetech Direct**: This shop specializes in TVR parts and accessories.
3. **ACT Performance Products**: They provide aftermarket upgrades and performance accessories for the Cerbera.
As for garage services in Northern Ireland, you can find TVR specialists and garage services through resources like [Cerbera.co.uk](https://www.cerbera.co.uk/map-of-tvr-specialists-and-garage-services/) and the [TVR Heritage Network](https://www.tvr.co.uk/ownership/network). These networks list reputable garages and specialists who can handle maintenance, repairs, and servicing for your TVR Cerbera.
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Valuation
The value of a TVR Cerbera in the UK in 2025 can vary depending on the condition, mileage, and specific model. Here are some general price ranges based on recent data:
- **Lowest Price**: Approximately £13,936
- **Median Price**: Around £25,728
- **Highest Price**: Up to £601,500
These prices reflect the range of values for TVR Cerberas sold in recent years. If you're looking to buy or sell one, it's always a good idea to get a custom valuation based on the specific details of the car.
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Clubs
There are TVR owners clubs in Northern Ireland. The [TVR Car Club](https://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/) is a prominent organization with a strong presence in the UK, including Northern Ireland. They offer a range of events, meetings, and resources for TVR enthusiasts. Additionally, the [TVR Car Club Ireland Region](https://tvrcc-ireland.org/) caters specifically to TVR owners and enthusiasts in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. They organize regional meetings and events, providing a great opportunity to connect with fellow TVR fans.
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