There’s something about a TVR badge that implies wild performance, unique design, and wild impracticality. But in his latest video, Harry Metcalfe questions at least one of those preconceptions.
Meatcalfe’s review features the Cerbera 4.5. Specifically, one in the Red Rose trim, which is the most powerful of the V8 models. With a 4.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 making 440 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, it had one of the highest specific outputs of any naturally aspirated V8 at the time, though the host questions the accuracy of TVR’s performance claims.
Regardless, the pace was pretty good. With a curb weight of around 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) and all that power, the Cerbera could hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. In the late ’90s and early aughts, when this car was new, that was really quick.
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Despite being named after the three-headed hound that guarded the gates to Hades, it’s scarier to look at than it is to drive, according to Metcalfe. Although a decibel reading will reveal that the Cerbera is actually quite loud, it doesn’t feel race-car-loud because it isn’t droning. The seats, too, are comfortable on a long drive.
Inside, the two-plus-two layout dominates its design. The long doors are there to help back-seat passengers get in and TVR wanted this car to compete with a 911 so it had to be at least as roadworthy as that car. The owner of this particular example even had child seats made in the same leather as the interior and has taken the car on many a family vacation.
However, with no traction control, a lightning-quick steering, and relatively narrow tires by today’s standards, it still has enough of that Cerberus spirit to encourage you to keep both hands on the wheel and your wits about you at all times.