By Eve Nowell 
The one-of-a-kind 1988 TVR White Elephant prototype is now being offered for sale in Leicester, England. Built as a potential flagship model for the British automaker, the car was commissioned by then-managing director Peter Wheeler and remains the only example ever produced.
Constructed on a Tuscan Challenge race chassis, the White Elephant was powered by an Australian-sourced 5.0-liter VL SS Group A SV V8 engine producing approximately 440 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight coupe, weighing about 2,870 pounds, was capable of reaching roughly 170 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds. The car featured independent suspension front and rear, with double wishbones and coil springs up front and a Jaguar XJ-S–sourced rear setup. During development, the rear anti-roll bar was disconnected after it was found to negatively affect handling at the limit.
Styled by John Ravenscroft, the White Elephant blended TVR’s sharp wedge-era design with emerging curves that would later define the brand’s 1990s models. It featured widened arches, fixed headlights behind Perspex covers, and a Kammback rear. The interior was trimmed in green leather with tan piping and walnut accents across the dashboard, gear knob, and door handles.
Wheeler used the prototype as personal transportation for roughly two years, commuting between Harrogate and the TVR factory in Blackpool. The rear compartment was modified with a cutaway section designed to accommodate his gun dog, along with a gun rack beneath the rear platform for countryside trips.
Despite its performance and usability, TVR chose a different design direction for future production models, including the S series, Griffith, and Chimaera. The White Elephant was eventually stored at the factory and remained largely forgotten for years.
The prototype was later acquired by TVR enthusiast Howard Bryan, who spent nine years restoring the car with assistance from former TVR employees. It is now being marketed for sale by Shoo Automotive.
Via Shoo Automotive
Shawn Henry