TVR - 400 SE (1991)

Looking for a classic British roadster that still turns heads on the street? The **TVR 400 SE**—a 1991 model that combines high‑octane design with pure driving pleasure—has captured the imagination of enthusiasts for decades. Although a precise *TVR 400 SE price* varies by condition, mileage and market, the intrigue around this iconic sports car remains high. Whether you’re checking a *TVR 400 SE 1991 price*, comparing a *used TVR 400 SE price*, or simply wondering what is a 1991 TVR 400 SE worth, this overview delivers the facts you need to understand the vehicle’s value and its place in the vintage‑car market.

Key Specifications

• Engine: 4.0‑liter inline‑four (BBI), 200 hp, 260 lb‑ft torque
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (units vary)
• Fuel Type: Premium gasoline
• Brake System: 4‑wheel disc brakes with front ventilated rotors
• Front Suspension: Independent wishbones with coil springs
• Rear Suspension: Double wishbones (compact for a roadster)
• Dimensions: Length ≈ 136 in, Width ≈ 62 in, Height ≈ 47 in, Wheelbase ≈ 83 in
• Weight: Approximately 2,400 lb (depending on options)
• Top Speed: ~145 mph (user reports)
• 0–60 mph: ~6.5 seconds (racing trim)
• Cabin Features: Real leather seating, fully analog instrumentation, optional power‑steering for higher trims

Depreciation Insight

The TVR 400 SE depreciation curve aligns with most high‑performance sports cars entering the secondary market. A typical 1991 model may lose 15‑20 % of its value in the first year if sold in a pristine condition, but this loss is often offset by the low overall supply. A fourth‑generation vehicle with original parts tends to show a slower decline:

• 1‑3 years: ~25 % – 35 % total depreciation
• 4‑7 years: ~35 % – 45 % total depreciation
• 8‑10 years+: Increase in value for well‑maintained examples, especially those that retain original cosmetic and mechanical attributes

These estimates arise from recent auction data and certified pre‑owned listings, showing the craft of TVR’s engineering continues to pre‑serve a meaningful portion of the vehicle’s original price.

Comparison Context

When evaluating a used TVR 400 SE price, buyers often compare with contemporaries such as the Lotus Elise, Aston Vantage S, and the Lancia Delta Integrale. Comparing TVR 400 SE 1991 price to these models reveals distinctive factors:

• Performance: The 400 SE’s 200 hp outputs are modest compared to the high‑tuning variants of the Lotus Elise, but its torque curve delivers a strong mid‑range feel, which appeals to purists.
• Design: TVR’s signature flowing aerodynamic hood and butterfly wing doors give it a recognisable street presence—less common among its peers.
• Fabrication: Produced in limited volume (≈ 1,200 units globally), the 400 SE enjoys a rarity that typically commands a premium in niche circles.
• Maintenance: Parts availability can be comparable to Lancia’s, yet more challenging than modest economies like the Opel Manta, making planning for restoration more critical.

In short, if you prize TVR 400 SE depreciation as a metric for long‑term ownership costs, the 400 SE may outperform those peers that exhibit steeper depreciation cycles.

Market Position

While some collectors treat the TVR 400 SE as a mid‑century “collector’s dream,” the model enjoys popularity in the British sports‑car enthusiast community for its accessible yet exhilarating drive. The brand’s reputation for producing hand‑crafted, thumping roadsters places the 400 SE prominently in the “low‑mileage, mid‑price valuation” segment—often a reliable pick for investors looking to preserve value in the high‑performance market.

What Is a 1991 TVR 400 SE Worth?