Started in 1947 by Trevor Wilkinson, whose first name was the basis of the company’s name, TVR began making fibreglass bodied, tubular frame cars, using off-the-shelf engines. They could be bought either as kits or assembled at the works in Blackpool. Like many smaller manufacturers, TVR’s fortunes varied but perhaps the most successful period was the 1980s, when entrepreneur and TVR enthusiast Peter Wheeler owned the company.

The Tuscan was introduced in 1999, powered by TVR’s own design of six-cylinder, 4-litre engine. With plenty of power for its lightweight, carbon-fibre body and trademark aggressive styling, the Tuscan was naturally suited to motorsport. This competition model was known as the T400R and this particular car was the first of the seven chassis produced in 2001, specifically for racing.

This car first raced in the 2001 British GT championship and again for the following two seasons in the hands of the new owner John Hartshorne. In 2004, the car began a three-year stint at the Le Mans Endurance series and in 2005 it became the last ever TVR to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.