TVR Tuscan Red Rose: PH Carpool
After a Chimaera 450 there was only one way to go for this PHer!
Car: 2002 TVR Tuscan 4.0-litre Red Rose
Owned since: July 2012
Previously owned: Ford Capri, Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC, Toyota Corolla GTI, Toyota Celica GT, Vauxhall Astra GTE 16V, Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 Turbo Technics, Nissan Pulsar GTI-R, Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, Volkswagen Mk2 Golf G60 Edition 30, Volkswagen Mk2 Golf G60 Rallye, Volkswagen Corrado VR6, Volkswagen Corrado VR6 Storm, Volkswagen Golf VR6, 3 x Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworths, Lancia Delta Integrale 16v, TVR Chimaera 400, TVR Chimaera 450.
Still nothing else quite like it!
"It was the natural progression from the Chimaera 450, I wanted more power and that fantastic exhaust note of a Speed Six on full chat. Funny thing is I had never really like Tuscans and thought they looked awkward, I can remember attending a TVR open day at my local specialist Top Gear Automotive some years ago, there was a grey Tuscan parked up and for some reason I was really drawn to it and they started to make sense. The Chimaera was up for sale within a week and the hunt for a Tuscan was on."
What I wish I'd known:
"I went in to the Tuscan purchase with my eyes wide open; I had heard all the horror stories about the Speed Six chocolate engines but I just had to have one!
"I did a lot of research regarding engine rebuilds and I was looking for a car with a fresh as possible engine rebuild from either TVR Power or Straight Six. I have found the Tuscan to be very reliable with not many issues at all, only one major bill for a new power steering rack. My advice would be to buy on condition rather than mileage as these cars need to be driven. Buy one with an engine rebuild or at least have the funds to pay for a rebuild if needed. All my TVRs have been used throughout the year, picking the better days in the winter to use it. I believe this is what keeps the car reliable. Another tip would be to deal with any small issues quickly as they can soon escalate into a larger problem."
And it's been reliable. Really
"Everything, what is not to like? It always makes you feel special when you take it out, it's the only car I have owned that can make me smile just pulling the garage door up. The noise is addictive, I thought I would miss the V8 rumble. My car is decatted and is the best sounding car I have ever owned! I love building up the revs and feeling the rear start to squirm as it comes on song, still surprises me three years on. It's a fast car by any standards. The car never attracts any negativity from passers by, and I'm surprised how many young children know what it is. I enjoy how you can feel the car getting better as the engine temperature rises."
Things I hate:
"The turning circle is pathetic, the engine warm up procedure can be a pain, getting out of junctions and so on when the engine is cold. I'm not too keen on the sound of a cold Speed Six either. I always feel like I'm going to lose my licence when I drive it! It's hard to drive slowly..."
Euro roadtrip a real highlight
"The servicing costs are reasonable. I use Top Gear Automotive near Wolverhampton, prices are as follows: 6K service from £260, 12K service from £380 and tappet adjustment from £250. Insurance is reasonable; I'm 38 with six points and I pay £330 with a 6K limited mileage policy. I haven't had a problem finding parts up to yet, I believe some items are now unavailable though. I will worry about that when the time comes."
Where I've been:
"I have been to many places in the UK, but the most memorable trip was a 3,000-mile European trip last September with my wife. This was an amazing adventure and the car was perfect. The Tuscan has a surprisingly large boot, we had enough space for two weeks' luggage and there was still room for the roof and the rear screen. We are planning another Euro trip for this September. Ask any person who has drove there Tuscan or any other TVR abroad, the attention they receive is mad. Everywhere you go people film it or stop and take photos."
What next?
I think I would be a broken man if I sold this car and had to watch it drive down the road with a new owner. It's a keeper. At some point this year it will have to go in for a diff rebuild, it has started weeping. Apart from that it needs nothing."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I will get myself into one of these at some point and love the rarity of them ... such a good looker as well IMHO
I am very jealous
(and great write up too!)Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff