Did TVR save the best for last? | PH Video
The Sagaris was wild-looking, but developed with newcomers in mind. Two decades later, we sent one along...
I’ve got something to admit and, as someone representing the PH smiley, it’s not one I’m all that proud of. So, here goes nothing: I have never driven a TVR. Understandable, perhaps, given the firm hasn't launched a new product in nearly 20 years, but unacceptable too given that PH and TVR are intrinsically linked. So with 2023 marking our 25th anniversary (you may have heard), now seems like the perfect time to finally sample Blackpool’s finest. The car kind, that is.
Of course, it’s been close to six years since the Gordon Murray-designed Griffith first appeared, and (ahem) it'll probably be a while yet before the chance to sample a completely new Trevor crops up, so I set about looking for one of the last models to be built before the company fell apart in 2006.
So why a Sagaris? Gloriously ridiculous styling aside, the Sagaris marked a major step change in TVR’s approach. With Peter Wheeler handing ownership of the company over to a 24-year-old Russian businessman in 2004, plans were set in place to make the cars more accessible to drivers while simultaneously seeing to some of the build quality issues. Basically, make them less twitchy at the limit and stop them from leaking. The Sagaris, therefore, was meant as a statement of intent; that TVR could maintain its no-nonsense image – no airbags or driver aids, obviously – while improving the previously questionable fit and finish.
That’s partly why I chose the Sagaris you see here, which is up for sale at HPC Classics on the south coast. Not only does it have a full service history and only two former owners, but it’s managed a hugely impressive 94,000 miles – albeit with a bit of engine work along the way. At £62,990 it’s the cheapest Sagaris currently listed on the classifieds, with lower mileage examples carrying a hefty premium. Some may think 'more miles mean more problems', but we know better. And a day with the Beast of Blackpool only proved further what an utterly superb sports car the Sagaris really is. What might have been, eh?
I did have a tuscan for 11 years and in the end it was such a good car. It was very very tight after i re bushed, did suspension etc. It was very compliant but still stiff enough to really drive it. It was also very predictable with full sideways on command being easy
The brakes are also interesting, in the 11 years i had it i never once locked the brakes or even came close, probably the best feeling brakes i have used.
TVR could have sold a lot of the Sagaris. It was the icing on the cake, and the suprise swansong from the company. It was bold, exciting and personally, I think the styling was so ahead, that it still looks great today. It probably is the 'best' TVR of the lot. That is the upside.
Downsides? Well the S6 engine is infamous for problems, probably more so in early cars. The factory denied this strenuously. I know, I met with TVR to discuss. A great unit when it worked, and this particular car...94,000 miles. That is some testament to the counter argument. I would still feel like I'm taking a chance with an S6 and keep a contingency budget for a rebuild and upgrades, not that a Tuscan/T350 or Sagaris needs more power.
The increase in the values is insane to me. I know there is the historical aspect for having a rare and special TVR model. I get that. But when the recipe for a Sagaris is compared to a Tuscan, or even a Chimaera, the extra money is difficult to justify. Newcomers will happily pay upwards of £60k for one, but not me. Not when I bought a newish Tuscan for half of that. Good luck though to those that would spend that kind of money.....you must really want one rather than use that budget for something newer, more advanced, better driving. Each to their own.
I don’t think I actually like the car that much when I drove it initially. The steering was too light, the engine lacked the low down grunt of the Griff and its roof didn’t come off. It irritated me so much that I ordered one! It irritated its way under my skin.
I put 24,000 miles on mine in 18months as I recall. Even with the amount of time she was back at the dealers having the cooling sorted. Again.
I did have a tuscan for 11 years and in the end it was such a good car. It was very very tight after i re bushed, did suspension etc. It was very compliant but still stiff enough to really drive it. It was also very predictable with full sideways on command being easy
The brakes are also interesting, in the 11 years i had it i never once locked the brakes or even came close, probably the best feeling brakes i have used.
Of course, I bottled it and bought another Honda instead...but sort of one that got way, really.
I was gutted because I bought my Cerbera back in 2006(had it for 6 years) and then the company went down the toilet the same year!
Love them or hate them, the world is a better place because of TVR I reckon.
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