Monday 24th August 2015

TVR Tuscan Red Rose: PH Carpool

After a Chimaera 450 there was only one way to go for this PHer!

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Name: Simon Beddow
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!

Why I bought 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

Things I love:
"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

Costs:
"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."

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Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at [e-mail]!

[X5TUU]

I had the opportunity of a regular Tuscan from Hexham Horseless Carriages a few years ago when I had a reasonable wedge I needed to get rid of and foolishly instead I bought a new Jeep Wrangler ... biggest mistake ever

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!)

[chris watton]

Nice write up. I can relate to most of what is written, except mine's a Tamora (TVR Power 4.3)

[Polarbert]

Aren't the side windows for these incredibly hard to find? Are these the things which are now unavailable?


Still love them to this day.

[Axionknight]

Want factor: 100% What a lovely motor and a good write up

[Craig J]

I echo every comment. Let mine go 8 years ago for something child friendly. Its ruined me for every car since and now my son is old enough to chastise me for getting rid of it. Told the guy who bought it to call me if he ever thought to sell it (and i actually meant it). Haven't heard from him so presume he is still driving around with aching cheeks from all that smiling )

[soad]

50's D-type Jaguar, anyone? Humps over the front wheels (and another to cover an engine).

[4star]

I'm guessing your local too Cannock as I've seen your gorgeous peice of metal (well, Fibreglass) at the shell petrol station in Cannock, it's a credit too you. Beautiful car. Btw, is one of the pictures you have posted near Elan Valley in Wales? Me n a couple of friends had a drive up a couple of weeks ago, fantastic roads.

[Vee12V]

Great one there! I've never been brave enough to buy one, but it's an itch I have to scratch sooner than later.

[carnut360]

I have one that colour and agree with the comments, only thing I don't like is that the gearstick gets very hot and the air conditioning gives up the ghost over 24 degrees!, all ok for the UK but when you are on the continent and its 30+ degrees sometimes you would rather have proper air con!

[twizellb]

I can confirm the amount of attention you get abroad, we did a 3000ml tour around europe and it was a bit mad, people driving alongside filming on camera phones.
Parking up and leaving it anywhere would draw a crowd.
I miss mine a lot

[so roll me further bitch]

Yes, i live in Cannock. Luckily just 2 mins from the shell garage.

[so roll me further bitch]

4star said:

I'm guessing your local too Cannock as I've seen your gorgeous peice of metal (well, Fibreglass) at the shell petrol station in Cannock, it's a credit too you. Beautiful car. Btw, is one of the pictures you have posted near Elan Valley in Wales? Me n a couple of friends had a drive up a couple of weeks ago, fantastic roads.

Yes that is where the photo was taken, its a nice run out that way isnt it

[Itsallicanafford]

That is a very nice car, Enjoy!

[rtz62]

My neighbours dad (in his late 60's) had one, the interior of which looked liked the inside of a tramps cost, and quite repulsive; the leather was in poor condition and the leather was pulling away from its backing cards.
To be fair, he had bought the car, a Cat 'd' write-off, like this.
But having told him I'd owned a 5.0 Chimaera, he took me for a spin.
Now, bearing in mind this guy had a bus pass, and the car looked like la well-worn skinheads Doc Martin, the car was sublime; I realised that he had given up on the interior and spent his money on the important bits, namely the drivetrain, brakes etc.
ive been in all sorts of fast cars, but these are visceral to the point that there is nothing like one, especially with no safety net of abs, airbags etc to catch you when it all goes pear-shaped. Which it will probably do at some point during ownership.
Sadly I doubt we will see the likes of the Tuscan again. Unless the latst iteration of TVR actually comes to fruition with their mooted car of course....

[chelme]

so roll me further bh said:

4star said:

I'm guessing your local too Cannock as I've seen your gorgeous peice of metal (well, Fibreglass) at the shell petrol station in Cannock, it's a credit too you. Beautiful car. Btw, is one of the pictures you have posted near Elan Valley in Wales? Me n a couple of friends had a drive up a couple of weeks ago, fantastic roads.

Yes that is where the photo was taken, its a nice run out that way isnt it

Just curious, what's the car like to drive dynamically? I see you had a Integrale 16V and I was wondering how it compares to that on a B road, for example (as I have an EVO II at the moment).

I really like these Tuscans but the horror stories and 'scary handling car' reports have made me think against buying one so far, despite the awesome looks and engine.

Any info would be much appreciated.

[macky17]

chelme said:

Just curious, what's the car like to drive dynamically? I see you had a Integrale 16V and I was wondering how it compares to that on a B road, for example (as I have an EVO II at the moment).

I really like these Tuscans but the horror stories and 'scary handling car' reports have made me think against buying one so far, despite the awesome looks and engine.

Any info would be much appreciated.

I don't think the standard car on oem suspension is the last word in precision. I owned an S version and that was surprisingly good. The diff is easy to employ and there is little body roll combined with feelsome steering. They do tramline though, you have to keep your wits about you. This is more relevant on straight roads when overtaking and doesn't really affect cornering. I'm sure a standard car on nitrons (or similar) would be better.

Thing I love about Tuscans is that they are two cars in one. I've tried to explain this in my garage section.

[so roll me further bitch]

chelme said:

Just curious, what's the car like to drive dynamically? I see you had a Integrale 16V and I was wondering how it compares to that on a B road, for example (as I have an EVO II at the moment).

I really like these Tuscans but the horror stories and 'scary handling car' reports have made me think against buying one so far, despite the awesome looks and engine.

Any info would be much appreciated.

Mine is not to bad over rough b roads, not like a Delta or Evo mind. I have wheel spacers fitted to the front and 40 profile tyre, this has made a lot of difference. When I brought the car it hand a brand new set of 225/40/18 inch tyres on the front, these were stretched over the alloys and it drove horribly, even driving over a white lines would pull the steering wheel a lot and unsettle the car. The front s spoiler makes a big difference to straight line speed stability apparently , it does get a little twitchy at 140 plus.
Do not expect it to be like your evo in handling respects but the rest of it in my opinion wins hands down, no contest for me. The Integrale was my child hood dream car, would I swap if for the Tuscan, no chance. The Delta was fast over b roads , but the rest of the time it just annoyed me to be honest. Rattly uncomfortable and not that quick really, amazing to look at though.

[so roll me further bitch]

For me the Tuscan is no B road blaster, better suited to a fast A road with long sweeping bends where you can get them wound up a bit

[so roll me further bitch]

Oh and my car has Nitron shocks, makes a huge difference

[macky17]

so roll me further bh said:

For me the Tuscan is no B road blaster, better suited to a fast A road with long sweeping bends where you can get them wound up a bit

Certainly blasted a few B roads in mine, although I know what you mean.