Am I Getting Old - (or is it the weather)
Discussion
I am very lucky to have some interesting cars to drive, and a wife that shares the passion
Workhorse – VW Passat Estate
Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo
Chimaera 500
But the last 2 years have been disappointing and just have not been able to use the performance cars for a number of reasons, weather, traffic, road surfaces and general attitude by the masses.
The Coupe is a good looking car, very civilized for the odd trip to work, but when the turbo spools up can be very rapid and good fun
The Chimaera is a fab fun car being unbeatable on the right road, at the right time on a nice sunny day.
The Passat is effortless at anything.
So here is the plan – get rid of Chimaera and Coup – buy a car for all seasons, roads and situation - Merc SLK55 AMG
What I’m asking is, is it just me as I approach 60, or are you feeling the same ?
Workhorse – VW Passat Estate
Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo
Chimaera 500
But the last 2 years have been disappointing and just have not been able to use the performance cars for a number of reasons, weather, traffic, road surfaces and general attitude by the masses.
The Coupe is a good looking car, very civilized for the odd trip to work, but when the turbo spools up can be very rapid and good fun
The Chimaera is a fab fun car being unbeatable on the right road, at the right time on a nice sunny day.
The Passat is effortless at anything.
So here is the plan – get rid of Chimaera and Coup – buy a car for all seasons, roads and situation - Merc SLK55 AMG
What I’m asking is, is it just me as I approach 60, or are you feeling the same ?
Its certainly not an age thing - I'm approaching 40 but have the same thoughts (with the exception of "...attitude of the masses.." statement - one of the reasons I love driving the TVR is because of the reception by onlookers, other road users, etc).
The solution is to do a driving holiday in either France or Spain (or even better - both!!). Once a year - chuck a suit case in the back, the missus in the passenger seat, book a Portsmouth to St Malo crossing and go burn up those smooth, traffic free, sunny roads in france (or take the ferry to Santander and burn up the roads in northern spain which were just made for a TVR)
Mine is currently SORN owing to our new baby boy being born last month but it will be back!!
The solution is to do a driving holiday in either France or Spain (or even better - both!!). Once a year - chuck a suit case in the back, the missus in the passenger seat, book a Portsmouth to St Malo crossing and go burn up those smooth, traffic free, sunny roads in france (or take the ferry to Santander and burn up the roads in northern spain which were just made for a TVR)
Mine is currently SORN owing to our new baby boy being born last month but it will be back!!
SAGTAFF said:
Its certainly not an age thing - I'm approaching 40 but have the same thoughts (with the exception of "...attitude of the masses.." statement - one of the reasons I love driving the TVR is because of the reception by onlookers, other road users, etc).
The solution is to do a driving holiday in either France or Spain (or even better - both!!). Once a year - chuck a suit case in the back, the missus in the passenger seat, book a Portsmouth to St Malo crossing and go burn up those smooth, traffic free, sunny roads in france (or take the ferry to Santander and burn up the roads in northern spain which were just made for a TVR)
Mine is currently SORN owing to our new baby boy being born last month but it will be back!!
Thanks Sagtaff - yes good idea the driving holiday would be good on some nice open roads and some sun!!!! - Sorry the masses thing was in relation to driving habits which are appalling and seem to distract from a nice day out in the motor. Yes I agree the car gets a lot of positive attention when both on the road or parked. - Just does not seem to be worth all the bother with keeping it immaculate when the driving pleasure is getting lessThe solution is to do a driving holiday in either France or Spain (or even better - both!!). Once a year - chuck a suit case in the back, the missus in the passenger seat, book a Portsmouth to St Malo crossing and go burn up those smooth, traffic free, sunny roads in france (or take the ferry to Santander and burn up the roads in northern spain which were just made for a TVR)
Mine is currently SORN owing to our new baby boy being born last month but it will be back!!
Hope you are back on the road soon
P.S. perhaps im just gettin like Victor Melldew !!!!!
I'm approaching 50 and was out in the Tuscan yesterday driving around Camberley and Frimley, had a couple of youngsters in a BRM Rover taking pictures of me heading towards Frimley Park Hospital. A bloke in a white van lowering his window to listen to the sound and others giving me the thumbs up. Of course I had to make extra noise so as not to disappoint them. Got accused by the other half of just being a big kid and show off. You don't always need to drive fast to enjoy a TVR. 
)Approaching 60 too, but I've never been one to follow the crowd.
I will looking to get a 4th TVR in 2013 and do a few track days as usual if time allows. My thinking is exactly the opposite to some - I really don't want an AMG, Jaguar, Porsche etc. or indeed easy life @60. Maybe I'll feel different @80 but not yet thank you. Just look at Ranulph Fiennes who has just started the first-ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition, and he is 68 IIRC.
I will looking to get a 4th TVR in 2013 and do a few track days as usual if time allows. My thinking is exactly the opposite to some - I really don't want an AMG, Jaguar, Porsche etc. or indeed easy life @60. Maybe I'll feel different @80 but not yet thank you. Just look at Ranulph Fiennes who has just started the first-ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition, and he is 68 IIRC.
My wife keeps telling me I am getting to old (58) for sports cars and she may be right but there is now way I am going to agree with her.
The elise now sits at the back of the garage and was not out on the road at all this year, but I don't want to sell it as I have had it since 2000. The Boxster also hardly gets out and I bought a Shogun SWB a couple of years ago just for the winter, and I use that the most, sad I know.
And as for the T350C, only ever on the road for the summer months, also hardly gets used, 800 miles last year with 500 of that to take it down to TrackVRoad for it's service, but again I won't sell it.
I could do what others have said and sell them all and get something sensible but it would not be the same
I expect that I will just have to wait for when I retire/second childhood, but then I really might be too old !!!!!
The elise now sits at the back of the garage and was not out on the road at all this year, but I don't want to sell it as I have had it since 2000. The Boxster also hardly gets out and I bought a Shogun SWB a couple of years ago just for the winter, and I use that the most, sad I know.
And as for the T350C, only ever on the road for the summer months, also hardly gets used, 800 miles last year with 500 of that to take it down to TrackVRoad for it's service, but again I won't sell it.
I could do what others have said and sell them all and get something sensible but it would not be the same
I expect that I will just have to wait for when I retire/second childhood, but then I really might be too old !!!!!
Chamorange said:
My wife keeps telling me I am getting to old (58) for sports cars and she may be right but there is now way I am going to agree with her.
The elise now sits at the back of the garage and was not out on the road at all this year, but I don't want to sell it as I have had it since 2000. The Boxster also hardly gets out and I bought a Shogun SWB a couple of years ago just for the winter, and I use that the most, sad I know.
And as for the T350C, only ever on the road for the summer months, also hardly gets used, 800 miles last year with 500 of that to take it down to TrackVRoad for it's service, but again I won't sell it.
I could do what others have said and sell them all and get something sensible but it would not be the same
I expect that I will just have to wait for when I retire/second childhood, but then I really might be too old !!!!!
I can understand you not wanting to get something else but only 300 miles in the T350 for pleasure, discounting the service mileage, and none at all in the Elise just seems such a waste of both cars.The elise now sits at the back of the garage and was not out on the road at all this year, but I don't want to sell it as I have had it since 2000. The Boxster also hardly gets out and I bought a Shogun SWB a couple of years ago just for the winter, and I use that the most, sad I know.
And as for the T350C, only ever on the road for the summer months, also hardly gets used, 800 miles last year with 500 of that to take it down to TrackVRoad for it's service, but again I won't sell it.
I could do what others have said and sell them all and get something sensible but it would not be the same
I expect that I will just have to wait for when I retire/second childhood, but then I really might be too old !!!!!
These are cars that were designed to be driven, if you cannot find more than 6 hours ( based on an average of 50 miles an hour ) in a year to get out for some me time and enjoy the lovely vehicles you have what is the point.
All IMHO of course but does seem a waste of the cars you have.
Dont sell use.
Laser Sag said:
I can understand you not wanting to get something else but only 300 miles in the T350 for pleasure, discounting the service mileage, and none at all in the Elise just seems such a waste of both cars.
These are cars that were designed to be driven, if you cannot find more than 6 hours ( based on an average of 50 miles an hour ) in a year to get out for some me time and enjoy the lovely vehicles you have what is the point.
All IMHO of course but does seem a waste of the cars you have.
Dont sell use.
I agree These are cars that were designed to be driven, if you cannot find more than 6 hours ( based on an average of 50 miles an hour ) in a year to get out for some me time and enjoy the lovely vehicles you have what is the point.
All IMHO of course but does seem a waste of the cars you have.
Dont sell use.
There has been plenty of opportunity this year, road trips included to drive. Not every day has been bad, there have been plenty of good days, just maybe, as you get older, the will decreases, there are more and more excuses, waiting for that perfect day. TVR's have a glorious sound and we are all very fortunate to own them, there is a reason we buy them, it's the feeling you get, but only when you drive them. As time moves on, more and more of these cars won't be driven, they will be seen less on the roads, tucked away in garages, as those that were inspired by them to begin with become fewer and fewer.
I think you should step away from the merc
My mate has one and its as boring as f--k
Tvr,s are the way forward I would not get rid of the cerb
Even if I had no legs or arms there's such a sense of occasion and drama
When ever you get in and drive
The rd,s are shocking and people's manners or lack of them is really bad
My mate has one and its as boring as f--k
Tvr,s are the way forward I would not get rid of the cerb
Even if I had no legs or arms there's such a sense of occasion and drama
When ever you get in and drive
The rd,s are shocking and people's manners or lack of them is really bad
ShiDevil said:
I agree
There has been plenty of opportunity this year, road trips included to drive. Not every day has been bad, there have been plenty of good days, just maybe, as you get older, the will decreases, there are more and more excuses, waiting for that perfect day. TVR's have a glorious sound and we are all very fortunate to own them, there is a reason we buy them, it's the feeling you get, but only when you drive them. As time moves on, more and more of these cars won't be driven, they will be seen less on the roads, tucked away in garages, as those that were inspired by them to begin with become fewer and fewer.
Hi SteveThere has been plenty of opportunity this year, road trips included to drive. Not every day has been bad, there have been plenty of good days, just maybe, as you get older, the will decreases, there are more and more excuses, waiting for that perfect day. TVR's have a glorious sound and we are all very fortunate to own them, there is a reason we buy them, it's the feeling you get, but only when you drive them. As time moves on, more and more of these cars won't be driven, they will be seen less on the roads, tucked away in garages, as those that were inspired by them to begin with become fewer and fewer.
Not seen you for a while, everything going well with the T350 ? any more upgrades on the horizon
This may not be the best time of year to be having these thoughts. The dark and the wet are off putting to say the least.
But a cautionary tale from me.
Around seven years ago I bought a new T350c. I was driving it around 6000 miles a year and sometimes used it for long commutes. They are not much use as business cars! I was trying to enjoy a TVR during the week and then join conference calls with 350 bhp going through a sports exhaust. Eventually I convinced myself that I need a GT rather than a sports car. This was my fault not the cars.
Hence the T350c was traded in for an XKR after 2 years. Now don't get me wrong, the Jag is a fantastic car. Smooth, powerful, blue-toothed, comfortable. But...
I found a TVR sized hole in my life. I stared at every single one I passed.
These cars have soul and that unique "want one" quality. I missed the drive, the buzz, the feeling of being out in something special. I missed the sound, the handling, the rawness.
Roll forward 3 years and I bought, yes you guessed it:
Another T350c. This time a Red Rose.
No regrets. Just great to have one back in the garage.
This one is Never Going. SWMBO will not let me sell it as she knows what I was like without one: i.e. bereft.
Think twice is my advice. So long as you can press the pedals and see over the bonnet, keep the TVR. You only live once.
But a cautionary tale from me.
Around seven years ago I bought a new T350c. I was driving it around 6000 miles a year and sometimes used it for long commutes. They are not much use as business cars! I was trying to enjoy a TVR during the week and then join conference calls with 350 bhp going through a sports exhaust. Eventually I convinced myself that I need a GT rather than a sports car. This was my fault not the cars.
Hence the T350c was traded in for an XKR after 2 years. Now don't get me wrong, the Jag is a fantastic car. Smooth, powerful, blue-toothed, comfortable. But...
I found a TVR sized hole in my life. I stared at every single one I passed.
These cars have soul and that unique "want one" quality. I missed the drive, the buzz, the feeling of being out in something special. I missed the sound, the handling, the rawness.
Roll forward 3 years and I bought, yes you guessed it:
Another T350c. This time a Red Rose.
No regrets. Just great to have one back in the garage.
This one is Never Going. SWMBO will not let me sell it as she knows what I was like without one: i.e. bereft.
Think twice is my advice. So long as you can press the pedals and see over the bonnet, keep the TVR. You only live once.
Laser Sag said:
Hi Steve
Not seen you for a while, everything going well with the T350 ? any more upgrades on the horizon
Hi Mate Not seen you for a while, everything going well with the T350 ? any more upgrades on the horizon
Mmm, I need to pay you lot a visit in New Year, wanted to check the Momo Trek R on your car? Or was it the yellow T350. Got the act Airbox, had a remap and a respray on the front to remove the stone chips Just saving up for other stuff Car in garage at moment wait for the new year any news on your front?Edited by ShiDevil on Monday 24th December 17:36
ShiDevil said:
Hi Mate Mmm, I need to pay you lot a visit in New Year, wanted to check the Momo Trek R on your car? Or was it the yellow T350. Got the act Airbox, had a remap and a respray on the front to remove the stone chips Just saving up for other stuff Car in garage at moment wait for the new year any news on your front?
Hi Mate Mmm, I need to pay you lot a visit in New Year, wanted to check the Momo Trek R on your car? Or was it the yellow T350. Got the act Airbox, had a remap and a respray on the front to remove the stone chips Just saving up for other stuff Car in garage at moment wait for the new year any news on your front?Edited by ShiDevil on Monday 24th December 17:36
Yes mine has got the Momo Trek R and I think Trevors yellow T350 and Marks green T350m have as well.
Only money to be spent on mine at the moment will be a fibreglass and paint repair following an argument between the kerb and the nearside splitter, needless to say the kerb won and has damaged the splitter and the section it bolts to.
Look forward to seeing you in the New Year, Cambs meets are on 3rd Sunday of the month through to March if you are around.
Laser Sag said:
Hi Mate
Yes mine has got the Momo Trek R and I think Trevors yellow T350 and Marks green T350m have as well.
Only money to be spent on mine at the moment will be a fibreglass and paint repair following an argument between the kerb and the nearside splitter, needless to say the kerb won and has damaged the splitter and the section it bolts to.
Look forward to seeing you in the New Year, Cambs meets are on 3rd Sunday of the month through to March if you are around.
Cool on the wheel, will need to look at yours again as pondering tweaking mine. Eeek on the knock, where is it going for a repair?Yes mine has got the Momo Trek R and I think Trevors yellow T350 and Marks green T350m have as well.
Only money to be spent on mine at the moment will be a fibreglass and paint repair following an argument between the kerb and the nearside splitter, needless to say the kerb won and has damaged the splitter and the section it bolts to.
Look forward to seeing you in the New Year, Cambs meets are on 3rd Sunday of the month through to March if you are around.
Laser Sag said:
Plasticman (Dave) is going to do the fibreglass and then may just get a chips away repair done initially as its only a small area, already have a spare splitter sprayed up, if not one of the local spray places for a nose job.
Hope you have a good Christmas and a happy New Year.
You too Hope you have a good Christmas and a happy New Year.
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