When TVR revealed the Cerbera in 1993 it redefined sports car standards. Quicker to 100mph than a Porsche 911 Turbo yet costing just over £30,000, nothing else went so fast for such little money.

Within 12 months of its launch the Rover-sourced V8 engines were replaced by a TVR-designed 4.2 litre V8 producing 360bhp. In a car weighing just 1,100kg performance was astonishing: 0-60mph in 4.2sec and 0-100 in under 10sec. With no power steering, no ABS and no traction control the car was all about raw performance.

In July 1997 came the ultimate Cerbera: 4.5 litres and 420bhp. Its race-bred engine, revving to 7000rpm and powering the car from standstill to 100mph in just 8.2sec, confirmed it as the fastest British-built sports car money could buy.

The final addition to the range appeared in April 1998. The Speed Six has a 4 litre straight-six unit producing 350bhp and is the “slowest” car of the range. The softer suspension, lower-geared steering and higher-profile tyres make the car smoother to drive, and the addition of power steering (standard on all models since July 1997) makes this car the most civilised in the range.

With a 10-year production run, used examples are relatively plentiful and prices range from £14,000 for an early car to £40,000 for a 2003-registered 4.5 litre. But buying a used Cerbera requires care.

Owners have stories of water leaks, dubious electrics and engines overheating. In wet weather the wipers are feeble; at night the lights are pathetic. Remember the car is handmade in a factory in Blackpool so forget details such as ergonomics. The buttons and dials may be bespoke but don’t expect a handbook saying what any of them actually do.

The Cerbera also appeals to the track-day enthusiast, and while this is not terminal it can be less than kind to a car. Telltale signs are “bluing” of the brake discs, a sign of overheating and potential warping. Check underneath for scuffed exhaust system and sills, a sign the car has left the track at some point in its life.

Look carefully at the bodywork and engine bay. The tubular steel chassis is expensive to repair and the fibreglass panels can be replaced, hiding a multitude of problems underneath. Servicing also demands attention: the 4.5 litres in particular use a lot of oil and regular inspection is required between services.

Check carpets for signs of water leaks and the synchromesh on all gears. The V8s have heavier clutches than the Speed Six but all tend to crunch when engaging reverse. None of the cars has air-conditioning as standard but it is a must due to the engine heat and the small cabin.

Buying privately is for existing owners or those with a fair bit of technical knowledge: buying from a TVR main dealer is a safer bet. But on a clear, dry, summer day there is no finer car for the enthusiastic driver. The AP racing brakes pull you up on a sixpence, despite the absence of ABS. The grip is incredible despite no traction control, and the sound from the engine is second to none. Once you’ve driven a TVR Cerbera everything else feels pretty dull.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: TVR Cerbera 4.2
Engine type: V8, 4185cc
Power: 360bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Fuel: 18mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-60mph: 4.2sec
Top speed: 180mph-plus

Paintwork: TVR allows customers to choose new cars in any colour, avoid garish yellows and greens.

Air-conditioning: A must-have option.

Stone chips: Front end suffers badly from chipping.

Alloy wheels: 18in alloys standard on 4.5 Ð a popular option on other models but can be retro-fitted for £1,500.

Fuel consumption: Owners report about 18mpg for most models but this dips sharply if driven hard.

2000 model-year changes: Revised headlamps, larger alloy wheels and integrated headrests.

Chassis damage: Easily hidden by glass fibre panels.

Side window seals: Prone to wind noise and water leaks.

Fuel filler cap: Mounted inside the boot, so it's easy to spill fuel onto luggage.

Catalytic converters: Can be removed to add up to 40bhp, but beware - these cars fail the MoT test without them.

Sports exhausts: Even more noise and will cost you £700 to replace.

Power steering: Early V8s have no power steering.

Cylinder head gasket: A Speed Six model weakness; check history to see if it has been replaced.

THE ONE TO BUY

TVR Cerbera 4.2 with air-conditioning, leather and 18in alloys; 1998 S-reg with 20,000 miles. Pay £22,500 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £19,500 privately.

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

1999 V-reg Lotus Esprit V8 GT.
2003 52-reg Mitsubishi Evo VIII.
2002 51-reg BMW Z3M coupé.
1992 K-reg Porsche 911 Turbo.
1986 C-reg Ferrari 328 GTB.

VALUES: TVR Cerbera 4.2



4.5 is worth £3,500 more, 4.0 Speed Six is worth £750 more. Source: CAP black book. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer pays to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you pay a dealer for a car