| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1983 |
| Production Years: | 1983 - 1989 discontinued in 1989 |
The TVR 350 Cabrio is a distinctive British sports cabriolet produced from 1983 to 1989, representing the classic era of TVR's lightweight, driver-focused vehicles. This model is cherished for its sleek design, compact footprint, and raw driving dynamics that enthusiasts appreciate. While detailed dimensional data for the 350 Cabrio is less commonly documented compared to its coupe counterpart, it generally maintained the compact size typical of TVR sports cars from the 1980s. Its length was approximately 3.9 meters (153 inches), contributing to effective agility and nimble handling on the road. The cabriolet design enhanced the open-air driving experience without significantly increasing the overall width, which measured around 1.65 meters (65 inches). The height was suitably low at about 1.2 meters (47 inches), supporting a low center of gravity essential for spirited driving. Weight was kept modest, roughly 900-1,000 kg (1984-2205 lbs), enabling responsive performance even with the naturally aspirated engines common during that era. With its tubular steel frame and fiberglass body, the TVR 350 Cabrio offered a combination of lightweight construction and eye-catching styling. Its production over six years saw the model become a sought-after classic, combining vintage charm with a driver-oriented layout. This car remains an iconic example of 1980s British cabriolet sports cars, appealing to collectors and driving aficionados who value both its historical significance and engaging road presence.
Discover the standout features that make the 1983 TVR 350 Cabrio a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The TVR 350 Cabrio from 1983 to 1989 features a compact and sporty design typical of classic British roadsters. While exact official dimensions can slightly vary depending on specific trim or modification, the car generally measures around 3,900 mm (153.5 inches) in length, approximately 1,600 mm (63 inches) in width without mirrors, and about 1,200 mm (47 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to the 350 Cabrio's nimble handling and classic cabriolet appearance, emphasizing a low and sleek profile ideal for open-air driving.
The TVR 350 Cabrio is known for its relatively light weight, typically around 900 to 950 kilograms (about 1980 to 2095 pounds). This lightness greatly enhances the car's agility, acceleration, and handling characteristics. A lower vehicle weight contributes to quicker response times, better fuel efficiency, and a more engaging driving experience, especially in a cabriolet form where structural rigidity must be balanced with light construction. The lightweight nature allows the TVR 350 Cabrio to offer spirited driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate classic British sports cars.
The interior cabin of the TVR 350 Cabrio is designed primarily as a two-seater sports roadster with a focus on driver engagement over spaciousness. The cabin width is approximately 1,300 mm (51 inches), providing snug but comfortable seating for two occupants. Given its cabriolet design, the TVR 350 offers an intimate driving environment with minimal excess space, which enhances the connection between driver, passenger, and the driving experience. While not spacious by modern standards, the interior is crafted to maximize comfort for sporty, open-air driving rather than luxury or extended passenger accommodations.
The TVR 350 Cabrio has a relatively low height of about 1,200 mm (47 inches), which is typical for sports convertibles of its era. This low height significantly contributes to a low center of gravity, improving stability and handling precision. Aerodynamically, the sleek, low-slung profile reduces drag and wind resistance, which aids performance and fuel efficiency. The classic cabriolet design incorporates a folding soft top, which, when lowered, further enhances the streamlined shape and open-air experience while maintaining slim windscreen framing and compact exterior stature.
The wheelbase of the TVR 350 Cabrio measures around 2,310 mm (91 inches). This relatively short wheelbase is a crucial factor in the car's agile handling and responsiveness. A shorter wheelbase typically allows for brisk cornering and tighter turning circles, making the 350 Cabrio exceptionally nimble at lower speeds and twisty roads. However, it can make high-speed straight-line stability more challenging without precise chassis tuning. For a classic sports cabriolet, the wheelbase length strikes an ideal balance between maneuverability and stability, enhancing the spirited driving nature TVR cars are celebrated for.
Yes, the TVR 350 Cabrio fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With its length of around 3,900 mm (153.5 inches), width close to 1,600 mm (63 inches), and height near 1,200 mm (47 inches), it is smaller than most modern family vehicles. Standard garages, which generally accommodate vehicles up to 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94 inches) in width, provide ample space for the TVR 350 Cabrio. The cabriolet nature with a low height also aids parking ease, making it practical for enthusiasts who want a stylish sports car stowed safely indoors.
The TVR 350 Cabrio succeeded earlier TVR models such as the TVR 300 and some variants of the TVR 280 series. Compared to its predecessors, the 350 Cabrio retained the lightweight, compact roadster philosophy but featured slightly refined dimensions for improved stability and handling. Typically, the 350 Cabrio was marginally longer and wider, offering a bit more cabin space and enhanced road presence. It maintained a low height to keep the aerodynamic and performance-oriented shape. These evolutionary dimensional adjustments refined driver comfort and dynamic balance while preserving the classic British lightweight sports car ethos.
In comparison with similar 1980s sports cabriolets like the MG B, Triumph Spitfire, or Lotus Esprit (though the Esprit is larger and mid-engined), the TVR 350 Cabrio is notably compact and focused on lightweight performance. Its dimensions are smaller than many contemporaries, emphasizing nimble handling over outright size. Stylistically, TVR’s design language is more aggressive and exotic, with sharp lines and a muscular stance, distinguishing it from typically more understated British roadsters. Dimensionally and stylistically, the TVR 350 stands out as a unique blend of raw sportiness and traditional cabriolet charm in its class.
The TVR 350 Cabrio from 1983 to 1989 is celebrated for its lightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive layout, and focus on driver engagement. Equipped often with a Ford V6 engine producing around 138 to 180 horsepower depending on the iteration, it delivered spirited acceleration and sporty handling. The cabriolet design provided an exhilarating open-air experience, while the minimalist but functional interior matched the driver-focused ethos. Known for its distinctive British styling and exclusivity, the TVR 350 Cabrio combined raw performance with classic roadster aesthetics, making it a prized collector's item for enthusiasts of vintage sports cars.
TVR