| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The TVR 420 Sports Saloon is a distinctive British sports sedan produced by TVR from 1986 to 1988. Designed as a unique blend of luxury and performance, this model stands out for its sleek, aerodynamic styling combined with the practicality of a four-door sedan. The 420 Sports Saloon features a lightweight body structure typical of TVR's sports-oriented design philosophy, ensuring an engaging driving experience. Though detailed dimensional data such as length, width, height, and weight varies slightly depending on the specific variant, the 420 Sports Saloon typically offers balanced proportions suitable for both sporty handling and everyday usability. Its production span, though brief, marks it as a rare collector's car with a strong enthusiast following. As a 1980s sports sedan, it competes on the road with comparable vehicles of the era by combining British craftsmanship with performance ambitions. The TVR 420 Sports Saloon remains a notable example of TVR's innovative approach to blending sports car dynamics within a sedan package, making it a remarkable classic for those seeking both style and spirited driving.
Discover the standout features that make the 1986 TVR 420 Sports Saloon a leader in its class
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The TVR 420 Sports Saloon, produced between 1986 and 1988, is a relatively compact sports sedan. Its length measures approximately 4,320 mm (170.1 inches), width is around 1,720 mm (67.7 inches), and height stands at roughly 1,260 mm (49.6 inches). These dimensions give it a low and sporty stance, typical of TVR designs from that era, contributing to its aerodynamic profile and road handling characteristics.
The wheelbase of the TVR 420 Sports Saloon is approximately 2,430 mm (95.7 inches). A longer wheelbase generally provides a smoother ride and better stability at high speeds, while a shorter wheelbase favors agility. The 420's wheelbase strikes a balance, offering stable handling with responsive cornering, which is ideal for a sports-oriented sedan aiming to deliver both comfort and driver engagement.
The curb weight of the TVR 420 Sports Saloon is estimated to be around 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs). This relatively lightweight construction, common in TVR cars of the 1980s, allows for brisk acceleration and nimble handling. The lower weight helps improve the power-to-weight ratio, contributing to the 420’s reputation as a spirited sports saloon with sharp driving dynamics and fuel efficiency advantages compared to heavier sedans.
The TVR 420 Sports Saloon, designed as a four-door sports sedan, offers a moderately spacious interior for its class. While exact interior measurements are less commonly documented, its design typically accommodates four passengers comfortably. The cabin features adequate headroom and legroom for front occupants, though rear-seat space is more suited for average-sized adults or shorter trips. Its layout prioritizes driver engagement and sportiness over expansive rear passenger comfort.
Yes, the TVR 420 Sports Saloon fits comfortably within a standard single-car garage. Given its length of about 4.32 meters (170.1 inches) and width of approximately 1.72 meters (67.7 inches), it easily fits into typical garages which usually start around 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide. Its relatively low height of 1.26 meters (49.6 inches) is not an issue and allows for convenient parking and storage without height restrictions.
The TVR 420 Sports Saloon was a unique model and did not have a direct predecessor as a saloon in the TVR lineup. However, compared to earlier TVR sports cars like the Tasmin series, the 420 Sports Saloon is slightly larger due to its four-door sedan body style. It offers more interior space and practicality while maintaining the sporty dimensions typical of TVR. Its size balances performance and usability better than the more niche two-door models before it.
When compared to other sports sedans of the 1980s, such as the BMW M3 E30 or the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, the TVR 420 Sports Saloon is slightly more compact in length and width. Its lower height and lighter weight give it a sportier profile. While competitors emphasized a mix of comfort and performance, the 420 Sports Saloon focused more on driver engagement with its compact, agile size and distinctive British sports car character.
The TVR 420 Sports Saloon, being a four-door sports sedan, offers a modest yet usable trunk space, suitable for everyday needs or sport-related gear. Exact cargo volume figures are scarce, but it typically provides around 300 to 350 liters (10.6 to 12.4 cubic feet) of trunk space, which is adequate for this class of vehicle. The trunk is designed to accommodate luggage or equipment without compromising the car's sleek shape or passenger comfort.
The TVR 420 Sports Saloon was notable for its use of lightweight materials and a focus on driving dynamics rather than electronic aids. It featured a fiberglass body over a tubular steel chassis for weight savings and rigidity. While lacking modern electronic conveniences and driver assists, it emphasized raw driving experience with a powerful inline-six engine sourced from Lotus, coupled with a manual transmission and a well-tuned suspension. This made it a purist’s sports saloon in the 1980s.
Compared to contemporaries such as the BMW M3 E30 or Alfa Romeo 75, the TVR 420 Sports Saloon delivered a more visceral and raw driving experience. Its lighter weight and manual transmission offered sharper responsiveness and direct driver feedback. However, the 420 lacked some of the refinement and electronics found in competitors. This resulted in a car that was more challenging but rewarding to drive, emphasizing traditional British sports car traits over sophisticated technology.
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