1997 TVR Cerbera 4.2L Petrol · R20 DCP
1997 TVR Cerbera (4.2L, petrol). First registered 13 Oct 1997. Recorded mileage 25,807 miles. MOT valid until 17 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- TVR CERBERA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 25,807 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.
R20 DCP Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/09/2026
- 25,807 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R20 DCP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Tvr Cerbera (R20 DCP) between December 2005 and September 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 18 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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: “Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)”; “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)”.
R20 DCP Mileage History
- 16/12/200510,679 mi
- 21/12/200510,681 mi+2 mi
- 12/02/200715,832 mi+5,151 mi
- 22/02/200715,832 mi
- 27/02/200817,586 mi+1,754 mi
- 09/03/200918,045 mi+459 mi
- 28/04/201018,808 mi+763 mi
- 26/04/201119,889 mi+1,081 mi
- 02/05/201220,237 mi+348 mi
- 10/07/201220,237 mi
- 05/07/201320,237 mi
- 19/09/201420,500 mi+263 mi
- 09/09/201521,836 mi+1,336 mi
- 07/09/201624,470 mi+2,634 mi
- 05/09/201724,612 mi+142 mi
- 28/08/201824,612 mi
- 13/09/201924,684 mi+72 mi
- 17/09/202024,694 mi+10 mi
- 17/09/202024,694 mi
- 15/09/202124,709 mi+15 mi
- 13/09/202224,991 mi+282 mi
- 14/09/202325,807 mi+816 mi
- 13/09/202425,807 mi
- 15/09/202525,807 mi
- 18/09/202625,807 mi
Average of roughly 729 miles per year across 25 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: Excellent
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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