Classic or Just Old?

[RichardR]

Here's a topic I'd be interested to hear you thoughts on?

1. Are the S Series that we drive classic TVRs or just old TVRs?

2. If they're not classics, what are the requirements for them to become classics? Is it age, limited numbers, or something else?

3. If they are classics, does that mean that all the wedges are classics too?

Answers on a postcard please...

[Pies]

If we call them classics will Ted remove our forum and put us all in the "classics" forum

[RichardR]

pantani201 said:

The definition of classic is :- •adj. 1. judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality or if used as a noun: . a work of art of recognized and established value. The S series cars fit both these definitions

Agreed!

[pantani201]

The definition of classic is :-
•adj.
1. judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality
or if used as a noun: . a work of art of recognized and established value. The S series cars fit both these definitions

[Pies]

Not sure about the definition of "highest quality" though

[Terminator]

RichardR said:

Are the S Series that we drive classic TVRs or just old TVRs?

The S series was a poor attempt by TVR to copy their original classic design...

[RichardR]

Terminator said:

RichardR said: Are the S Series that we drive classic TVRs or just old TVRs? The S series was a poor attempt by TVR to copy their original classic design...

Ah, but you would say that wouldn't you?

I think that "evolution of" would be a better description than "poor attempt by TVR to copy".

But then I would say that...

[yellabelly]

Terminator said:

RichardR said: Are the S Series that we drive classic TVRs or just old TVRs? The S series was a poor attempt by TVR to copy their original classic design...

Each to their own, but why do you and rev-erend feel the need to slate another TVR model albeit, as stated by others,that the S series saved the company.
Is it that you feel lonely and vulnerable, with so few other owners and like the wayward child who craves affection you have to be contentious to get yourselves noticed.
Naughty little fellows, we'll have to get you into analysis with Psychobert.

[Podie]

I get classic (cheap) insurance, so... er... yes...

[RichardR]

Podie said:

I get classic (cheap) insurance, so... er... yes...

Since when would you want to trust what an insurance company says?!

[Podie]

RichardR said:

Podie said: I get classic (cheap) insurance, so... er... yes... Since when would you want to trust what an insurance company says?!

When it's cheap!

[s1.5f]

We already get a listing in the values section of Practical Classics and Classic & Sportscar. More and more are being restored which is what you do to 'Classics', and I bought mine because I wanted a classic car and decided the S was on the cusp (same must go for Wedge)

[RichardR]

Podie said:

RichardR said: Podie said: I get classic (cheap) insurance, so... er... yes... Since when would you want to trust what an insurance company says?! When it's cheap!

Touché!

[andyf007]

Terminator said:

RichardR said: Are the S Series that we drive classic TVRs or just old TVRs? The S series was a poor attempt by TVR to copy their original classic design...

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I believe

IMVHO, I would say that anything prior to the Tasmin should be considered to be a Classic. The wedge shape was an attempt to bring TVR "up to date", but in that I think it failed and as such only a handful will ever be considered classics, in much the same way that TR6 and earlier owners view the TR7 and TR8. PW realised where the TVR mark had potential, and it lay with the design of the 3000S, I doubt anyone on this forum would disagree. Some changes to the original design where born from neccessity, others were there simply to prevent it being identical. Would you have quite the same perception of your car, if the S had been made using an identical body shell to yours? "Evolution" does describe it well enough.

IMO the S, along with the Griffith and, possibly to some extent, the Chimaera and Cerbera will all become classics. But I do think that, apart from these, TVR has again lost the plot somewhat, and nothing from the new models strikes me as being a future classic.

Andy

[edwilson]

I do not consider my S to be a classic but more of a retro car! That no-mans land in-between a classic and a normal / current car! The model is not even 20 years old yet! Quite young compared to some classics!

As for the current range and future classics I can easily see the Tuscan becoming one.

[tvrgaas]

andyf007 said:

PW realised where the TVR mark had potential, and it lay with the design of the 3000S.

PW owned a 3000S, it was so good he bought the factory, or something like that.

must re-scan sometime soon

Having had both at home at one time, I prefered the 280S 5 speeds and the Wedge inspired targa top arrangement, esp in the wet. That 3000S also didn't have boot, which made storing the side screens interesting.

But I do still like the 3000S, and I know a few have had a 5 speed conversion. Just I don't think I'd swap my S for a 3000S. Just wish Mum hadn't sold the other one. Oh well, move on. One turned up at the Hants meeting on Sunday - must get some pictures uploaded.

So yes the 3000S is a classic and the Autocar Roadtest of the Turbo got me in to this madness! The S is nearly a classic.

Cheers
David

[roy c]

andyf007 said:

...TVR mark had potential...

You woundn't say that if you met him.

[Pies]

andyf007 said:

IMVHO, I would say that anything prior to the Tasmin should be considered to be a Classic. The wedge shape was an attempt to bring TVR "up to date", but in that I think it failed and as such only a handful will ever be considered classics, in much the same way that TR6 and earlier owners view the TR7 and TR8. PW realised where the TVR mark had potential, and it lay with the design of the 3000S, I doubt anyone on this forum would disagree. Some changes to the original design where born from neccessity, others were there simply to prevent it being identical. Would you have quite the same perception of your car, if the S had been made using an identical body shell to yours? "Evolution" does describe it well enough. IMO the S, along with the Griffith and, possibly to some extent, the Chimaera and Cerbera will all become classics. But I do think that, apart from these, TVR has again lost the plot somewhat, and nothing from the new models strikes me as being a future classic. Andy

IMHO i agree

[UpTheIron]

andyf007 said:

IMO the S, along with the Griffith and, possibly to some extent, the Chimaera and Cerbera will all become classics. But I do think that, apart from these, TVR has again lost the plot somewhat, and nothing from the new models strikes me as being a future classic. Andy

Agreed. The numbers of Chimaera's, and their slightly softer nature make the Griffith the one that has the best chance of achieving "classic" status, if indeed it hasn't already.

[Roy_S2]

UpTheIron said:

andyf007 said: IMO the S, along with the Griffith and, possibly to some extent, the Chimaera and Cerbera will all become classics. But I do think that, apart from these, TVR has again lost the plot somewhat, and nothing from the new models strikes me as being a future classic. Andy Agreed. The numbers of Chimaera's, and their slightly softer nature make the Griffith the one that has the best chance of achieving "classic" status, if indeed it hasn't already.

There was an article in one of the Classic mags about the Griffith being the youngest car ever to achieve classic status. Can't remember which mag it was but I seem to remember the Griff on the cover was a sort of bronze colour.

Roy.