Description
1988 TVR 420 SEAC - The Ultimate Wedge!
Here is a unique opportunity to own one of the most significant and comprehensively upgraded examples of TVR's 'halo' model: the 1988 TVR 420 SEAC, registration number 37 5EAC (originally F151DGK).
A True Motorsport Homologation Special
The 420 SEAC (Special Equipment Aramid Composite) was born from TVR's desire to dominate in motorsport. Only 37 of the 420 SEAC models were ever built, making this a vanishingly rare piece of Blackpool history—it is believed to be the last or last but one 420 SEAC produced before the 450 SEAC launch.
The original SEAC was a monster—with a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche Turbo, and off-the-line acceleration comparable only to a Lamborghini of the era. This car takes that "hooligan" spirit and elevates it with tens of thousands of pounds worth of professional, performance-enhancing upgrades.
Unrivalled Specification and Provenance
This specific car has a fascinating history, originally ordered for the Middle East as a factory race car with a race-tuned Tuscan engine before being sold as a UK road car. Its provenance is exceptional, having been owned and developed by key figures in the TVR community:
• ACT Performance Products Development Car: Owned by Tim Lamont of ACT, the car was used to develop his carbon fibre plenum and trumpet kit for the V8, which remains fitted today. It also wears the extremely rare 16x9” Oz Racing split-rim wheels, a period-correct factory option.
• Body-Off Restoration: In the early 2000s, the car underwent a full, body-off, nut and bolt restoration by TVR specialist David Gerald (now DG Sports Cars). The chassis was fully waxoiled in 2009 and remains spotlessly rust-free. The original red colour was changed to a stunning metallic grey.
Engineered to Perfection: Engine & Drivetrain
The original engine was replaced with a bespoke, state-of-the-art unit by V8 Developments, ensuring both power and reliability, at a cost of £7, 900 in 2004:
• Bespoke 5. 1L V8 Engine: A completely new short motor featuring top hat linered 96mm cross bolted block, I-Beam steel rods, and a cross-drilled 87. 5mm toughened crankshaft.
• Performance Heads: Stage IV Ultra Big Valve Heads (gas flowed and ported to maximum Rover stage) with double valve springs and ultra big valves.
• Dyno-Proven Power: The engine produced 334 HP and 364 LB-FT on its initial dyno run.
In recent years, the car has been further transformed by the current owner with a focus on modern drivability:
• Modern Engine Management: A full ECU conversion by Northampton Motorsport, working with V8 Developments, to replace the original Lucas system. The new spec includes an ECU Master Black ECU, modern injectors, coil packs, and a 36-1 trigger wheel. (£7, 900 cost)
• Current Performance: The engine is now perfectly dialled-in, running cool and pulling smoothly from idle to the red line without the typical Wedge tendency to stall or flood. Recent dyno-proven power is 316 bhp and 315 lb-ft.
Suspension and Handling
The handling has been radically improved to modern standards, making this a fast, reliable, and engaging drive:
• Nitron Coilover Conversion: Track V Road, a well-known TVR specialist, modified the lower wishbones to accept custom Nitron coilovers (£5, 800 cost).
• Center Gravity Setup: Completed with a full 4-wheel geometry set-up and suspension calibration by Center Gravity (£525 cost).
• Refined Gear Change: The original LT77 gearbox received a full refresh with all gear linkage bushes renewed, resulting in a significantly improved and engaging gear change (£1, 300 cost).
This is a no-excuses, turn-key TVR Wedge that retains all the aggressive, lightweight spirit of the original SEAC—including its rose-jointed suspension and unique interior features like the umbrella handbrake—but now drives with the precision and reliability of a modern sports car.
BE WARNED: It still weighs about a tonne and has NO traction control, NO stability control, and NO ABS! This is a raw, analog driving experience for the serious enthusiast.
Extensive history file and restoration photo album included.
This is a significant opportunity to acquire a legendary, ultra-rare TVR, perfected with over £15, 000 in professional upgrades. Engine build specification (V8 Developments):
5. 1 Short motor comprising:
• Top hat linered 96mm cross bolted block
• I-Beam steel rods
• Cross-drilled 87. 5mm toughened crankshaft
• Low expansion, ultra lightweight, Hyper Eutectic pistons
• Race rings
• Fully dynamically balanced and lightened
Stage IV Ultra Big Valve Heads with:
• Late type stem seals
• Double valve springs
• Shortened bulleted guides
• Ultra big valves
• Gas flowed and ported to maximum rover stage
• P404 camshaft kit
• Motorsport “double green” organic single plate clutch
• Modified ECU with Mark Adams upgrade
• Baffled sump
• High pressure oil pump kit
• Lightened and balanced flywheel and front pully
• Steel rocker assemblies
ECU upgrade specification (Northampton Motorsports):
• ECU Master Black ECU
• 36-1 trigger wheel
• New throttle position sensor
• New Lambda sensor
• Coil packs and ignition leads
• 14cux manifold – ported to match
• 14cux fuel rail
• Bosch fuel injectors
