Looking to purchase a Tuscan - questions Mk 1 vs Mk2
Discussion
Hi,
I'm starting my search for a Tuscan (telling myself to take my time, never have before...), this will be TVR number 6, number 5 (pre-cat Griff) is still with me.
This will also be my first of the newer generation Sp6 cars.
I'll aim to tap into the collective wisdom on here when a particular car comes along, and appreciate that it's really down to the condition of the actual car. The thing is, I prefer the looks of the Mk1, but I've read that the Mk2 had improved handling, suspension geometry changes perhaps, and other details that may make it a better proposition as a drive? I guess if said car has had an engine rebuild then any (possible) issues with the quality of earlier/later engines in the production lifecycle would be irrelevant?
Also, are there any nice to have modifications that would be useful to look out for - I've read about bonnet modification, pre-oilers, upgraded suspension for example?
Also, I like the 'flip' paint (esp reflex charcoal!) but is this very (compared to regular metallic paint) expensive to touch up, or, for example, have a front end respray for stone chips?
Thanks all
Dom
I'm starting my search for a Tuscan (telling myself to take my time, never have before...), this will be TVR number 6, number 5 (pre-cat Griff) is still with me.
This will also be my first of the newer generation Sp6 cars.
I'll aim to tap into the collective wisdom on here when a particular car comes along, and appreciate that it's really down to the condition of the actual car. The thing is, I prefer the looks of the Mk1, but I've read that the Mk2 had improved handling, suspension geometry changes perhaps, and other details that may make it a better proposition as a drive? I guess if said car has had an engine rebuild then any (possible) issues with the quality of earlier/later engines in the production lifecycle would be irrelevant?
Also, are there any nice to have modifications that would be useful to look out for - I've read about bonnet modification, pre-oilers, upgraded suspension for example?
Also, I like the 'flip' paint (esp reflex charcoal!) but is this very (compared to regular metallic paint) expensive to touch up, or, for example, have a front end respray for stone chips?
Thanks all
Dom
I'm biased but I'd go for a Convertible if you like to be completely roofless, otherwise a MK3 Targa (with the smaller rear spoiler unless you want to play with plastic ducks in the ponds on water on your bootlid 
)
I don't now why some people prefer the cheese grater grille , others with MK1s modify to the MK2s. Otherwise the only difference from the front are the light clusters on a the MK1 rather than the Hella units on the convertible/MK2/MK3.
The faster/twitcher steering rack and the Harvey Bailey springs and dampers on the MK1 were the main issues... after 20 years I suspect most have been replaced.
The cockpit switch gear on both the MK1 and MK2 targas is "fussier" and some really like it. The "Baboons Bum" dash has a problematic history and periscope speedo required modification so you could even read it .
Mk3s (MK2 Targas post Dec'06) benefit from using the "more understated" dashboard of the convertible .
Any Tuscan is a good choice
The hinged bonnet is a plus but you could easily get one fitted. Also a Powers rebuild and a new MBE would be great (preferable with anti knock) . I'm hearing of more old MBE ECU failures occurring, it was 5 years old when TVR first used it, 20 years ago and MBE don't want to know now !!!)
)I don't now why some people prefer the cheese grater grille , others with MK1s modify to the MK2s. Otherwise the only difference from the front are the light clusters on a the MK1 rather than the Hella units on the convertible/MK2/MK3.
The faster/twitcher steering rack and the Harvey Bailey springs and dampers on the MK1 were the main issues... after 20 years I suspect most have been replaced.
The cockpit switch gear on both the MK1 and MK2 targas is "fussier" and some really like it. The "Baboons Bum" dash has a problematic history and periscope speedo required modification so you could even read it
.Mk3s (MK2 Targas post Dec'06) benefit from using the "more understated" dashboard of the convertible .
Any Tuscan is a good choice
The hinged bonnet is a plus but you could easily get one fitted. Also a Powers rebuild and a new MBE would be great (preferable with anti knock) . I'm hearing of more old MBE ECU failures occurring, it was 5 years old when TVR first used it, 20 years ago and MBE don't want to know now !!!)
Edited by glow worm on Friday 3rd December 16:54
All variants are great cars in their own ways, but, in general the quality and reliability of the newer models was better. Apart from that, most opinions will be based on personal preferences and usage.
I've had a Mk1 and Mk2 and overall I prefer the Mk2. I would never buy a convertible because, IMHO, I think they look ugly with the roof up. Roof down they look good. Not convinced the Sag dash suits the Tuscan either, but it is certainly more 'normal'.
As above, the Mk1's steering is very quick and you need to really focus when driving. No bad thing of course, but the Mk2 is a more relaxing drive if you want to do significant mileage in the car.
I've never had an issue with the Mk2 dash, but it is different. The Mk1 dash is a work of art and simply beautiful in my view.
The front grills are different but I don't prefer one over the other. I do prefer both the front and rear lights of the Mk2 though.
Don't forget you could get 3.6L and 4.0L engines. The 4.0 ones are more desirable and expensive.
My current Tuscan is Chameleon Green and you can no longer get paint to match. Some of the other more exotic colours are the same, potentially meaning a full respray when you want any paintwork done. Worth checking when you find a car you like.
Main advice is to go and drive a few as you'll be amazed how different cars of the same age/spec/mileage can drive, largely depending on how they have been looked after.
Good luck with your search!
I've had a Mk1 and Mk2 and overall I prefer the Mk2. I would never buy a convertible because, IMHO, I think they look ugly with the roof up. Roof down they look good. Not convinced the Sag dash suits the Tuscan either, but it is certainly more 'normal'.
As above, the Mk1's steering is very quick and you need to really focus when driving. No bad thing of course, but the Mk2 is a more relaxing drive if you want to do significant mileage in the car.
I've never had an issue with the Mk2 dash, but it is different. The Mk1 dash is a work of art and simply beautiful in my view.
The front grills are different but I don't prefer one over the other. I do prefer both the front and rear lights of the Mk2 though.
Don't forget you could get 3.6L and 4.0L engines. The 4.0 ones are more desirable and expensive.
My current Tuscan is Chameleon Green and you can no longer get paint to match. Some of the other more exotic colours are the same, potentially meaning a full respray when you want any paintwork done. Worth checking when you find a car you like.
Main advice is to go and drive a few as you'll be amazed how different cars of the same age/spec/mileage can drive, largely depending on how they have been looked after.
Good luck with your search!
Englishman said:
All variants are great cars in their own ways, but, in general the quality and reliability of the newer models was better. Apart from that, most opinions will be based on personal preferences and usage.
Although this is undoubtedly true, does it still hold twenty years later given the amount of fettling almost all cars will have had in the intervening period?
Englishman said:
My current Tuscan is Chameleon Green and you can no longer get paint to match. Some of the other more exotic colours are the same, potentially meaning a full respray when you want any paintwork done. Worth checking when you find a car you like.
Have you tried these guys and there chameleon paint? https://www.specialistpaints.com/products/tvr-cham...Granturadriver said:
Have you tried these guys and there chameleon paint? https://www.specialistpaints.com/products/tvr-cham...
Yes, I did try them a couple of years ago. At the time they said they said they had stopped supplying it but maybe they have started again? Or the site hasn't been changed. Eventually I managed to find some for touching in from an ex-owner who had some left over for work he'd had carried out.Englishman said:
Yes, I did try them a couple of years ago. At the time they said they said they had stopped supplying it but maybe they have started again? Or the site hasn't been changed. Eventually I managed to find some for touching in from an ex-owner who had some left over for work he'd had carried out.
I too bought a touch up stick and a spray paint from them a couple of months ago (mine was reflex green). Not got around to trying yet, but they definitely do sell smaller quantities now.Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff