This 1989 TVR Tuscan Challenge is a very rare find. TVR built only 43 of these dedicated race cars for their factory sponsored series. This example has competed in various events throughout Europe as well as North America, with its most recent outing at Road America in 2021. It is a complete car with a thorough history and comes with a hard top and extra parts. And with more than 400hp moving just 2,000 pounds it is a real thrill ride as well. This car was originally sponsored by Shell and competed in yellow and black livery. In 1991 it went to the owner of TVR – Belgium where it was repainted green and sponsored by Roland. It was raced extensively and even appeared on the TVR calendar for 1993 (February). Also shown is a photo of the car running at Spa in 1992. In 1997 the car was
sold and received a color change to red prior to competing in the European GT series. In 2000 it went to England for a short time and was then imported to Canada. It subsequently arrived in the United States in 2005.
The Tuscan Challenge is a true race car; it is not meant for the street and does not have a title. The car has a full tubular chassis with fiberglass body panels. The body features a clamshell hood, mesh grille, rear spoiler and diffuser, and a single side exhaust. The removable hardtop has allowed this car to run at more than 200mph on the Jabbeke Highway.
The engine is the correct 4.5-liter Rover all-aluminum V8 which was further developed by TVR into a true racing motor. Features include a dry sump oiling system and four Dellorto 2-barrel carburetors. There is also a unique side exhaust with equal length headers. Power flows through a Tremec 5-speed transmission with hydraulic clutch. The differential was originally a GKN unit; this was replaced with a new Ford 8.8” IRS assembly from Grannas Racing with 3.73 gears.
The fully independent suspension uses Koni shocks with adjustable coilovers front and rear. The brakes have AP Racing calipers and use a mechanical bias adjuster for the two master cylinders. The car also has a Fuel Safe fuel cell along with 17” Borbet 6-spoke wheels wearing Hoosier 245/40 R7 competition tires. The most recent track prep included
replacing the tie rod ends, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, and accelerator pumps. Instrumentation consists of a 10k-rpm tachometer and gauges for oil pressure and coolant temperature. A bank of control switches is mounted in the
center area. There is a battery charging port on the left fender along with a disconnect switch that also has a cable operated remote for the driver.
There are perhaps less than 30 Tuscan Challenge cars left in the world, making it quite a rare breed. However they are not difficult to maintain and still have a good support network.
