1997 TVR Cerbera 4.2L Petrol · R201 FNW
1997 TVR Cerbera (4.2L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 68,959 miles. MOT valid until 07 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- TVR CERBERA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 68,959 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R201 FNW Key Findings
- 29 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/04/2026
- 68,959 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 10 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R201 FNW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
29 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Tvr Cerbera (R201 FNW) between July 2006 and April 2026.
The record contains 19 passes and 10 failures.
The most recent test on 20 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 10 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (13 issues), Brakes (13 issues), Suspension (11 issues), Windscreen (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”.
R201 FNW Mileage History
- 13/07/200631,924 mi
- 10/07/200733,987 mi+2,063 mi
- 20/07/200734,001 mi+14 mi
- 04/07/200839,604 mi+5,603 mi
- 04/07/200839,604 mi
- 10/07/200946,123 mi+6,519 mi
- 27/08/200946,126 mi+3 mi
- 01/09/200946,131 mi+5 mi
- 01/09/200946,131 mi
- 13/05/201146,158 mi+27 mi
- 17/05/201146,158 mi
- 11/05/201251,455 mi+5,297 mi
- 15/05/201251,455 mi
- 17/12/201253,561 mi+2,106 mi
- 18/12/201253,561 mi
- 13/01/201456,410 mi+2,849 mi
- 22/01/201456,410 mi
- 20/03/201558,536 mi+2,126 mi
- 24/03/201659,514 mi+978 mi
- 24/03/201761,331 mi+1,817 mi
- 14/04/201862,060 mi+729 mi
- 30/04/201963,942 mi+1,882 mi
- 30/04/201963,942 mi
- 22/06/202066,165 mi+2,223 mi
- 02/07/202166,717 mi+552 mi
- 20/07/202266,983 mi+266 mi
- 02/10/202368,563 mi+1,580 mi
- 09/05/202568,752 mi+189 mi
- 20/04/202668,959 mi+207 mi
Average of roughly 1,873 miles per year across 29 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
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.
Common Problems: TVR CERBERA
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- AJP8 Engine Tappet Adjustment(Serious)
The Speed Eight engine requires regular, specialist tappet adjustments. If ignored, it can lead to valve damage.
- Chassis Rot (Main Rails & Outriggers)(Serious)
Like the Chimaera, the Cerbera chassis is prone to rust, but access is even more restricted, making inspection difficult.
- Electrical Gremlins & Wiring Loom(Moderate)
Hand-built wiring harnesses vary car to car, leading to inconsistent electrical reliability. Central locking, door solenoids, immobilisers, lights and cooling fans are all prone to moisture-related failures.
- Cooling System Overheating(Serious)
The cooling system is a known weak point. Faulty fan switching relays, inefficient radiator airflow and coolant leaks can cause overheating in traffic. Water pump and radiator seal failures are common even on well-maintained cars.
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TVR CERBERA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- AJP8 Engine Tappet AdjustmentSerious
The Speed Eight engine requires regular, specialist tappet adjustments. If ignored, it can lead to valve damage.
- Chassis Rot (Main Rails & Outriggers)Serious
Like the Chimaera, the Cerbera chassis is prone to rust, but access is even more restricted, making inspection difficult.
- Electrical Gremlins & Wiring LoomModerate
Hand-built wiring harnesses vary car to car, leading to inconsistent electrical reliability. Central locking, door solenoids, immobilisers, lights and cooling fans are all prone to moisture-related failures.
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