So you want to build a Supercar?

[Talksteer]

Beefmeister said:

Nice thread, especially for a first post.

Personally i've thought about this myself a few times. If i'd been lucky enough to win the £100m+ on the Euromillions, i'd say that's enough to get a company going, then you could get more backers.

I think that although the allure of making a £500k supercar with the ubiquitous GM V8 with a supercharger or a couple of turbos, i'd be more inclined to try to launch a credible car in the TVR ethos.

400bhp V8, small, no more than 1350kg, great looks, c.£40k price tag.

I'm certain it must be possible to do without going bankrupt, though if that's the case, why hasn't it been done...

I'd actually be tempted as well to try and buy the rights to the old Smart Roadster. Then re-engineer it to have the VW twincharger 170bhp 1.4 and a proper 5spd gearbox. Sell it for £15k, job done.

There are a few cars that fulfil(d) these objectives:

Ginetta G50
Marcos TSO

They aren't selling...

The issue is that 40K now buys you a decently fast sports car from an established manufacturer with mainstream usability and reliability. TVR were in a decent condition at about the turn of the century in terms of image they were "cover cars" on racing games and well known outside of enthusiasts circles. What they needed was some John Harvey Jones type to come in.

In hindsight I think they had two options, put reliable and cheaper main stream engines in their cars strip out the crazy interiors, fit roll cages and sell them as cut price GT3 alternatives for the track-day industry.

Or use their name to trade upmarket, and use higher margins to pay for more expensive development. Fit traction control, ABS and air-bags and race competitively in GT racing. To do this properly would have required a significant investment (think the Aston Martin transformation) more than Peter Wheeler or the business boy were able to put in.

[thepinnacle]

I've not seen the Marcos in the flesh so I can't be certain.... but from the pictures I've looked at it seems as though they could make some improvements in the fit and finish department. I can't help but think that could be hurting sales. It seems a bit kit to me.

[markCSC]

Talksteer said:

Ginetta G50
Marcos TSO

They aren't selling...

IIRC

Marcos went bust ages ago for the upteenth time
the Ginetta is selling but only as a race car

[Talksteer]

markCSC said:

Talksteer said:

Ginetta G50
Marcos TSO

They aren't selling...

IIRC

Marcos went bust ages ago for the upteenth time
the Ginetta is selling but only as a race car

Exactly my point, a 40K sports car is primarily bought by mainstream motorists who want mainstream reliability and fit and finish. Only a relatively small minority were willing to sacrifice these things to get a car with exotic looks and performance.

[thepinnacle]

The high end luxury market appears very strong regardless of what may be happening at other economic levels. I am beginning to believe there is plenty of room in the uber luxury sector to support additional manufacturers as long as styling...extreme quality.... and performance are present. Look what is rumored to be happening with the new Pagani. Orders are rolling in...sure...it is Pagani and he has established a brand... but I don’t think he is the only visionary left in this world.)