2005 TVR Cerbera 4.0L Petrol · MY55 TVR
2005 TVR Cerbera (4.0L, petrol). First registered 01/11/2005. Recorded mileage 25,113 km. MOT valid until 04/07/2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- TVR CERBERA
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04/07/2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Odometer
- 25,113 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2005
- Engine
- 3996cc
MY55 TVR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/07/2026
- 25,113 km recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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Identification & Status
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Known faults for TVR TVR Cerbera
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MY55 TVR Odometer History
- 17/06/202213,871 km
- 17/06/202317,384 km+3,513 km
- 06/07/202418,858 km+1,474 km
- 05/07/202521,664 km+2,806 km
- 03/07/202625,113 km+3,449 km
Average of roughly 2,780 km per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
MY55 TVR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Tvr Cerbera (MY55 TVR) between June 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 7 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This TVR Cerbera carries significant pur
Given that this is a low-volume, hand-built TVR, the specialist inspection is non-negotiable. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase assessment by a TVR-trained mechanic, ideally someone familiar with the Cerbera's AJP-built straight-six or the 4.0-litre Speed Six engine fitted to early models like this one. Ask for evidence of recent timing chain tensioner work, clutch replacement history, and any gearbox rebuilds — these are notoriously expensive on Cerberas and the MOT record alone will not reveal them.
The repeated advisory for oil leaks across four consecutive tests suggests a chronic minor weal rather than fresh damage, but a buyer should investigate the source. Oil leaks on TVRs can originate from the cam carrier, the sump gasket, or the rear main seal, and the cost of rectification varies enormously. Also inspect the exhaust system closely, as two advisories for noisy exhausts in successive years may indicate a worn mounting or corroded joint that could need imminent replacement.
Service history documentation is critical. While the MOT history is clean of failures, it tells you nothing about regular servicing, fluid changes, or storage conditions. A Cerbera that has been dry-stored and regularly warmed through will behave very differently from one that has sat unused for long periods — and at this mileage level, both scenarios are plausible. Expect to pay a premium for verifiable provenance.
Running a TVR Cerbera is considerably more expensive than mainstream sports cars of comparable performance. Fuel economy is typically in the high teens to low twenties mpg depending on driving style, which for a 4.0-litre petrol engine with 320+ bhp is unsurprising. Insurance will be a significant cost — the Cerbera sits in a high insurance group, and specialist insurer agreed valuations are strongly recommended given the car's value and limited parts availability.
Road tax for a 3996cc petrol vehicle registered in 2005 falls into a higher bracket, currently around £315-£600+ per year depending on exact emissions and timing. Annual maintenance through TVR specialists is typically £500-£1,500 even in quieter years, and major items such as clutches, alternators, or specialist diagnostic work can easily run into four-figure sums. A realistic annual running cost, allowing for fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, is £3,500-£5,500, with potential spikes for unscheduled repairs.
The MOT history shows repeated advisories for oil leaks (8.4.1 (a) (i)) in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026 — this pattern warrants a physical inspection to determine whether the leak is worsening or stable. Ask the seller to demonstrate undertray removal or have a specialist lift the vehicle to identify the source. Pay particular attention to the engine bay, sump area, and any oil residue on the undertray or exhaust downpipe.
The noisy exhaust advisories in 2024 and 2025 (8.1.1 (a)) are worth investigating with the car running on a ramp. Common causes on Cerberas include worn rubber mountings, heat shield rattles, or corroded joints in the stainless steel system. Also inspect for play in the steering column top bearing — flagged in the most recent test — as this can progress and is a known weak point on older TVRs.
Beyond the MOT items, this is a car where specialist knowledge is everything. Inspect the chassis for corrosion, particularly around the suspension turrets and sill panels, as TVRs of this era are susceptible to rot where water collects. Check the cooling system thoroughly — Cerberas run hot and any weakness in hoses, radiator, or water pump should be addressed proactively. Finally, ensure the car is presented with a full service history and that all recalls or known TSBs have been completed.
This 2005 TVR Cerbera in purple has covered just 25,113 miles across five recorded MOT tests from 2022 to 2026, averaging roughly 2,800 miles per year — above the model average of 977. All five tests passed, but three of the last four have carried advisories for minor oil leaks and noisy exhausts. The model has an 87.6% MOT pass rate across 644 vehicles, which is below average for the wider UK car parc and reflects TVR's well-documented reliability challenges.
The TVR Cerbera has an 87.6% MOT pass rate across 644 examples, which sits below the UK average and reflects the well-documented reliability challenges of hand-built TVRs from this era. Top failure areas cited are exhaust, headlamp, and emissions issues.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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