White Elephant Query

[Sireatalot]

Hi Guys..
Just a quick query, kinda following on from "the wedge name" thread..

What was the official TVR model number for the White Elephant ?? Ive only ever known it as the White Elephant, just wondering if it has any other name / number ??

[phillpot]

I believe it is registered as a Tasmin.


I'm sure far more knowledgeable people will be along shortly, maybe even Howard, the proud owner

[V8 GRF]

It was a prototype built especially for Peter Wheeler so I'm pretty certain it never had an 'official' name other than it's nickname.

[bradderztvr]

I recall pics of a prototype which was to be called The Speed 8 but never went into production, wasn't that it ?

[bradderztvr]

Thinking about it wasn't the speed eight a prototype which never took off when The Griff was born. Is The White Elephant The 420 Sports Saloon ?

[phillpot]

Three different cars, all prototypes, none ever went into production and only the "Elephant" still exists (I think).

Bit more info and pictures here

[V8 GRF]

bradderztvr said:

Thinking about it wasn't the speed eight a prototype which never took off when The Griff was born. Is The White Elephant The 420 Sports Saloon ?

I believe the front of the Elephant is off the 420 Sports Saloon, fortunately nothing else of that remains.

The Speed8 met a similar fate as did most of TVRs prototypes. Without Howard's persistence the Elephant would have gone the same way.

[carob]

Everything you need to know.

http://www.tvrwhiteelephant.co.uk/

Rob

[ElvisWedgely]

I wasn't going to ask, and I hope you will forgive my ignorance, but now we are on the subject what I never quite understood is why it was given the nick name 'White Elephant'. Usually the name resembles the car but elephants are big, heavy and slow. None of which resembles the car in question. For instance the Panther or the Jaguar or Mustang, all of which indicate speed and good looks. Could someone please explain as this question has been in the back of my mind for a long time.

Tony. TCB.

[JumboBeef]

ElvisWedgely said:

I wasn't going to ask, and I hope you will forgive my ignorance, but now we are on the subject what I never quite understood is why it was given the nick name 'White Elephant'. Usually the name resembles the car but elephants are big, heavy and slow. None of which resembles the car in question. For instance the Panther or the Jaguar or Mustang, all of which indicate speed and good looks. Could someone please explain as this question has been in the back of my mind for a long time.

Tony. TCB.

At a guess..... http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_elephant

[phillpot]

............. and it's white

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Tony...I think you have the wrong end of the stick..Its not referring to the Elephant as a creature comparison i think its more of the saying.."A white Elephant"..Which means..A possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of...Which might of been true when it was built but now that Howard has brought her back from the dead only the last two sentiments are probably true..."Expensive to maintain"...Its a TVR..."Difficult to dispose of "..Well due to it being such an amazing looking beast no-one in their right mind would part with it...

[V8 GRF]

Knowing the humour at Blackpool it will probably be because it's white (obvious) and a big car that proved to be a bit of a dead end so White Elephant in both senses.

[TA14]

phillpot said:

Three different cars, all prototypes,

Four really, since there were two Speed 8s - one with rear seats and one without.

[ElvisWedgely]

mrzigazaga said:

Hi Tony...I think you have the wrong end of the stick..Its not referring to the Elephant as a creature comparison i think its more of the saying.."A white Elephant"..Which means..A possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of...Which might of been true when it was built but now that Howard has brought her back from the dead only the last two sentiments are probably true..."Expensive to maintain"...Its a TVR..."Difficult to dispose of "..Well due to it being such an amazing looking beast no-one in their right mind would part with it...

Like I said forgive my ignorance. So it's the term 'White Elephant' that's been refered to. That now makes sense. Yes, and it is white too.

Tony. TCB.

[celcius]

Hi tony
Hows the hunt going for the next beast ?
G

[mrzigazaga]

ElvisWedgely said:

Like I said forgive my ignorance. So it's the term 'White Elephant' that's been refered to. That now makes sense. Yes, and it is white too.

Tony. TCB.

Hi Tony...I wasn't having a go at you..It looks like "Nelly" has the 420 saloon front end but i think they made a good decision in keeping the rear end an FHC..That saloon looked hideous..All i can say is it must be a tremendous feeling owning a prototype..Something that there is only one of and NO-ONE else has...

[ElvisWedgely]

celcius said:

Hi tony
Hows the hunt going for the next beast ?
G

Not good. Prices are on the up and anything I have my eye on either sells quickly or is too expensive. I want something that looks the B's and is mega powerful, and that comes at a price. Not necessarily a TVR as I'm keep my options open for other makes but TVR is way up on my list.

The problem is, withdrawal symptoms are setting in and I need to get something soon or else I'm going to need medication.

Tony. TCB.

[adam quantrill]

... then there is "The Black Elephant".... ;^)