What do THEY think ?
Discussion
Often crossed my mind, this. 
Us TVR owners are keen to tell of the joys and enthusiasm TVR ownership can bring.
We'll rave about how quick our cars are and how much good feeling they produce.
Now, I'm a straight forward lad, not rich but privelaged to have bought, for me, my dream marque.
Please tell me, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus (etc) owners, what do you think of TVR and why don't you own one?
Do you see yourselves as superior to us TVR drivers?
I must add, if I were 'richer', I really couldn't see myself without at least one TVR
Us TVR owners are keen to tell of the joys and enthusiasm TVR ownership can bring.
We'll rave about how quick our cars are and how much good feeling they produce.
Now, I'm a straight forward lad, not rich but privelaged to have bought, for me, my dream marque.
Please tell me, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus (etc) owners, what do you think of TVR and why don't you own one?
Do you see yourselves as superior to us TVR drivers?
I must add, if I were 'richer', I really couldn't see myself without at least one TVR
I know what you mean.
Example: one of my best mates has been in my car loads of times, he loves it to pieces and always leaves the car with a massive grin on his face.
Well, he has just got a new job and has gone and spent £23k on a Porsche Boxster (yesterday infact). Nice car, but personally I see them everywhere and think they're nothing particually special.
If I had that much to spend on a car then it'd be a Tuscan, Tamora or a better Chimaera than I already have. No question.
He was toying with either a Tuscan or Cerbera, but only breifly. But he decided that it being his only car he thought a Porsche would be more reliable, and less expensive in the long run.
I can't speak for Ferrari owners and the like but...I think alot of people consider TVR as an option, and ultimately, it'd be their dream car. But the dream soon fades and reality kicks back in when they think of TVR's (misleading) reputation of dodgy build quality and unreliability (which I don't agree with BTW!). And so go with a more sensible option. TVR's aren't seen as a car that can be driven every day as a Honda S2000, Porsche or Elise can be. Even though I have done for 2 years now and other than the normal, had no problems and never been let down.
When people see TVR's, I think thay see them in the same light as if you see a Cobra, Marcos, Noble, Westfield, Ultima etc etc go past. "Great looking, great sounding, I'd love one, but I wonder how often it goes wrong"
I don't think people look down on us at all, people love seeing TVRs, but for some reason they remain either enthusiast car, who stuggles to keep it but can never imagine being without one, or toy's for people with money to burn.
I've only ever had a couple of negative comments because of the car. One from a Skyline owner in Blackpool, and the other from a little sh!t on a scooter. Get lots of thumbs up, and nods from everyone else.
Porsche owners and the like don't acknowledge us generally because they're just trying to keep face in the presence of a better looking, cheaper and probably faster car that they wish the had gone for in the first place!!
(no offence intended to any Porsche owners BTW 
)
Example: one of my best mates has been in my car loads of times, he loves it to pieces and always leaves the car with a massive grin on his face.
Well, he has just got a new job and has gone and spent £23k on a Porsche Boxster (yesterday infact). Nice car, but personally I see them everywhere and think they're nothing particually special.
If I had that much to spend on a car then it'd be a Tuscan, Tamora or a better Chimaera than I already have. No question.
He was toying with either a Tuscan or Cerbera, but only breifly. But he decided that it being his only car he thought a Porsche would be more reliable, and less expensive in the long run.
I can't speak for Ferrari owners and the like but...I think alot of people consider TVR as an option, and ultimately, it'd be their dream car. But the dream soon fades and reality kicks back in when they think of TVR's (misleading) reputation of dodgy build quality and unreliability (which I don't agree with BTW!). And so go with a more sensible option. TVR's aren't seen as a car that can be driven every day as a Honda S2000, Porsche or Elise can be. Even though I have done for 2 years now and other than the normal, had no problems and never been let down.
When people see TVR's, I think thay see them in the same light as if you see a Cobra, Marcos, Noble, Westfield, Ultima etc etc go past. "Great looking, great sounding, I'd love one, but I wonder how often it goes wrong"
I don't think people look down on us at all, people love seeing TVRs, but for some reason they remain either enthusiast car, who stuggles to keep it but can never imagine being without one, or toy's for people with money to burn.
I've only ever had a couple of negative comments because of the car. One from a Skyline owner in Blackpool, and the other from a little sh!t on a scooter. Get lots of thumbs up, and nods from everyone else.
Porsche owners and the like don't acknowledge us generally because they're just trying to keep face in the presence of a better looking, cheaper and probably faster car that they wish the had gone for in the first place!!
(no offence intended to any Porsche owners BTW )I have a S2 Lotus Exige and when looking to buy I had a short list of 3 other cars which included
TVR Tuscan - Absolutely stunning
TVR T350C - Fantastic
I would have loved to have gone for one of the TVR's but after having the use of each car for 24 hours I felt that the Lotus was the one that would suit me best. IMHO it is the car that I can use on a day to day basis, is very easy to drive around town/in traffic and also have fun around the track.
I always wave/flash lights at TVR's because
1. The driver may be a fellow PH'er
2. We share a lot in common by choosing sports/drivers cars
3. A few years ago I owned a Chimaera and then a Griffith so I know what driving a TVR means
4. Deep down I am a bit jealous because you have lots more power that I do.
So far not one of you have acknowledged me. Snobs
makes you feel like a right prat when that happens.
TVR Tuscan - Absolutely stunning
TVR T350C - Fantastic
I would have loved to have gone for one of the TVR's but after having the use of each car for 24 hours I felt that the Lotus was the one that would suit me best. IMHO it is the car that I can use on a day to day basis, is very easy to drive around town/in traffic and also have fun around the track.
I always wave/flash lights at TVR's because
1. The driver may be a fellow PH'er
2. We share a lot in common by choosing sports/drivers cars
3. A few years ago I owned a Chimaera and then a Griffith so I know what driving a TVR means
4. Deep down I am a bit jealous because you have lots more power that I do.
So far not one of you have acknowledged me. Snobs
makes you feel like a right prat when that happens. I was a long standing Lotus owner and lightweight sportscar enthusiast before I moved to my current Griffith 500.
I have come across some absolutely top geezers who own TVR's, (
Spend and Joolz in particular if you're listening, fellas) so I hate to generalise, but there is a definite undercurrent of 'mine is bigger than yours' amongst TVR owners that I'm not comfortable with.
I think that there is a general perception amongst other enthusiasts (with some justification, I have to say, from my own experiences both pre- and post- TVR purchase), that a lot of Tiv owners suffer from BCSD syndrome.
Sorry, but you did ask...
I have come across some absolutely top geezers who own TVR's, (
Spend and Joolz in particular if you're listening, fellas) so I hate to generalise, but there is a definite undercurrent of 'mine is bigger than yours' amongst TVR owners that I'm not comfortable with. I think that there is a general perception amongst other enthusiasts (with some justification, I have to say, from my own experiences both pre- and post- TVR purchase), that a lot of Tiv owners suffer from BCSD syndrome.
Sorry, but you did ask...
but it is early.Martin_S said:
Big Car...Small Dick
Compensating for ..ahem.. shortcomings in other areas by driving something enormously well endowed with CC's, in other words.
>> Edited by Martin_S on Saturday 9th October 08:39
I've always wondered about this. Do people with small willies actually seek out and buy big cars? If so, would they not buy something that really is big, like a 2-tonne ubercruiser rather than one of the lightest (and they are certainly not big) cars on the road?
Or is it that people just can't think of anything more imaginative to say about the collective that is enthusiasts buying cars?
I think the affliction can present itself in a number of ways - the need to drive a big 4x4 and so dominate other traffic, for some, the need to drive something with a bigger engine, higher top speed, higher purchase price, whatever, for others?
I'm not saying that all owners of big/expensive/fast/high capacity sportscars bought them for this reason, any more than I subscribe to the 'all BMW drivers are arrogant tossers' theory, just that the minority are particularly visible.
I'm not saying that all owners of big/expensive/fast/high capacity sportscars bought them for this reason, any more than I subscribe to the 'all BMW drivers are arrogant tossers' theory, just that the minority are particularly visible.
_Dan_ said:
Well, he has just got a new job and has gone and spent £23k on a Porsche Boxster (yesterday infact). Nice car, but personally I see them everywhere and think they're nothing particually special.
..
If I had that much to spend on a car then it'd be a Tuscan, Tamora or a better Chimaera than I already have. No question.
..
He was toying with either a Tuscan or Cerbera, but only breifly. But he decided that it being his only car he thought a Porsche would be more reliable, and less expensive in the long run.
That pretty much summs up the thinking I've been going through in the last couple of weeks. Whilst my TVR runs, doesn't fall apart and has been hugely fun, its taken too long to get jobs done when I needed the car back in the time quoted. Its not the cars fault, nothng has happened so far to cause me to dislike the car in any way. I've done over 20K miles in 19 months, which when you factor in the 6 months its spent in a garage waiting for them to get round to doing something, I reckon isn't bad for an old car. Its not good when I need the car everyday and living in a city centre can only have one car safely parked off road.
lazyitus said:
Often crossed my mind, this.
Us TVR owners are keen to tell of the joys and enthusiasm TVR ownership can bring.
We'll rave about how quick our cars are and how much good feeling they produce.
Now, I'm a straight forward lad, not rich but privelaged to have bought, for me, my dream marque.
Please tell me, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus (etc) owners, what do you think of TVR and why don't you own one?
Do you see yourselves as superior to us TVR drivers?
I must add, if I were 'richer', I really couldn't see myself without at least one TVR
Hmm ok.
Got a 997tt on order with my local OPC.
Currently looking for a Grif (pref 4.3BV).
Was planning on buying a '78 512Boxer this yr till I stuffed the MG and financial plans altered slightly.
Now I plan to buy the Boxer next yr.
I took 'Grimbo' the Griff' for a run this morning, first time for ages and the sun was shining. Loads of thumbs up and nice motor mate, then a fella on a Triumph motor bike pulled alongside me at the lights. Nice car that he said, well thanks I reply, then he said 'is it reliable?' Yes it is very reliable, no prob's. Great he said and roared off.
He must be a car enthusiast as well as a biker to ask that question, but I have never been asked that from an 'onlooker' before.
He must be a car enthusiast as well as a biker to ask that question, but I have never been asked that from an 'onlooker' before.
lazyitus said:
Please tell me, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus (etc) owners, what do you think of TVR and why don't you own one?
Do you see yourselves as superior to us TVR drivers?
I think TVRs are utterly wonderful and everything owners enthuse about is true: passion par excellence, no question.
I've had 'em before and I'd have one again, no doubt.
But, there are too many people on PH who seem blinkered towards their own make or model with very little elese to contribute and this to me, seems a most disingenuous path to follow for those with a catholic disposition towards motors in general.
Superior? I don't know what on earth you mean: the notion doesn't even register in my pysche.
Do I smile, feign a mock 'hail' and bow whenever a Cerby rumbles by? Absosoddinglutely.
...just like I would were that car Noble, Ferrari, Ultima, Aston or whatever.
Car enthusiasts should live & let live: our nectar exists in many differing locations and in various concentrations but I'm always up for a swift tipple!
Just revel in that which unites -
Phoenix said:
I have a S2 Lotus Exige and when looking to buy I had a short list of 3 other cars which included
TVR Tuscan - Absolutely stunning
TVR T350C - Fantastic
I would have loved to have gone for one of the TVR's but after having the use of each car for 24 hours I felt that the Lotus was the one that would suit me best. IMHO it is the car that I can use on a day to day basis, is very easy to drive around town/in traffic and also have fun around the track.
I always wave/flash lights at TVR's because
1. The driver may be a fellow PH'er
2. We share a lot in common by choosing sports/drivers cars
3. A few years ago I owned a Chimaera and then a Griffith so I know what driving a TVR means
4. Deep down I am a bit jealous because you have lots more power that I do.
So far not one of you have acknowledged me. Snobs
I`d give you a wave mate. Does`nt matter whether you were in a Lotus, Ferrari, Porsche, Cobra, Kit car, Hotrod, Custom, Mustang etc etc etc Your still a car-nut.
I`ve had everything from mk2 Escorts to 3ltr Capri`s and still think they were great cars but I absolutely love my Chimaera 500. The problem is that some people buy these cars (TVR Porsche etc)for their status and that`s where the snobbery comes into it.
Derestrictor, your grammar is positively porn for those of us who like to very well structured (and equally well chosen words sprinkled in for added flavour) sentences
I'm with you, marque'snobbery' has not once entered my head during ownership of TVRs, I just love driving and love nice cars, so I also flash my lights or wave at an equally nice car, regardless of make or marque
>> Edited by chris watton on Saturday 9th October 12:34
I'm with you, marque'snobbery' has not once entered my head during ownership of TVRs, I just love driving and love nice cars, so I also flash my lights or wave at an equally nice car, regardless of make or marque
>> Edited by chris watton on Saturday 9th October 12:34
I've had 3 lotus's a nissan skyline and a ferrari 355.
The worst and slowest of the lot was the ferrari and the handling sucked too. Most disappointing load of balls ever, but then I was expecting a lot considering the money I spent. I really believe the swankiest 'marques' are a rip off.
I soon learnt that those cars are really for posing or going on long journeys (although an M5 would do the job much better) but at least Lamborghinis have outrageous stying and design flair on their side. The current generation of ferraris are bland and in some cases dog ugly. 360 anyone? Ok it would make a cool looking ford but a ferrari? They used to be the best looking cars on the road. For me, right now the TVR tuscan probably holds the title and I haven't even mentioned the interior design - it's so far ahead of everyone else it makes getting in a porshe seem like a mondeo.
As design icons TVR does it for me. Even lamborghini are playing it a bit safe these days - no cool doors and dull interior in the Gallardo. That's why I've ordered a Sagaris, simply the coolest car I have ever seen. It's not a sensible car in any way, god knows how I'm going to get around london's speed bumps. It's too fast for UK roads, I'll probably get banned again, everyone will hate me and get jealous assuming it's a £150k lamborghini, in fact I can' t think of any very good reasons to get one other than supporting a truly innovative UK company. But seeing one made me do it. It's a purely emotional response.
Regarding proper driving, which for me can only be done on a track, forget all the swanky marques they are all too heavy and slow and uncommunicative. The brakes get cooked, the tyres shagged, the seats don't support etc. Get a caterham (ok or radical type thing, although I think downforce ruins the fun of drifting). I'm not even going to take the sagaris on the track, it would never keep up with my seven nor feel as communicative. Well I'll try it, maybe at the nurburgring or something.
But for ultimate driving pleasure get a mondeo diesel as a road car and tow a hot seven to the nurburgring. Nothing you will ever have done will come close. It is close to a religious experience, I was genuinely emotional afterwards!
The worst and slowest of the lot was the ferrari and the handling sucked too. Most disappointing load of balls ever, but then I was expecting a lot considering the money I spent. I really believe the swankiest 'marques' are a rip off.
I soon learnt that those cars are really for posing or going on long journeys (although an M5 would do the job much better) but at least Lamborghinis have outrageous stying and design flair on their side. The current generation of ferraris are bland and in some cases dog ugly. 360 anyone? Ok it would make a cool looking ford but a ferrari? They used to be the best looking cars on the road. For me, right now the TVR tuscan probably holds the title and I haven't even mentioned the interior design - it's so far ahead of everyone else it makes getting in a porshe seem like a mondeo.
As design icons TVR does it for me. Even lamborghini are playing it a bit safe these days - no cool doors and dull interior in the Gallardo. That's why I've ordered a Sagaris, simply the coolest car I have ever seen. It's not a sensible car in any way, god knows how I'm going to get around london's speed bumps. It's too fast for UK roads, I'll probably get banned again, everyone will hate me and get jealous assuming it's a £150k lamborghini, in fact I can' t think of any very good reasons to get one other than supporting a truly innovative UK company. But seeing one made me do it. It's a purely emotional response.
Regarding proper driving, which for me can only be done on a track, forget all the swanky marques they are all too heavy and slow and uncommunicative. The brakes get cooked, the tyres shagged, the seats don't support etc. Get a caterham (ok or radical type thing, although I think downforce ruins the fun of drifting). I'm not even going to take the sagaris on the track, it would never keep up with my seven nor feel as communicative. Well I'll try it, maybe at the nurburgring or something.
But for ultimate driving pleasure get a mondeo diesel as a road car and tow a hot seven to the nurburgring. Nothing you will ever have done will come close. It is close to a religious experience, I was genuinely emotional afterwards!
the pits said:
...why I've ordered a Sagaris, simply the coolest car I have ever seen...a purely emotional response.
I fully empathise with this. If Hagar the Horrible had to trade in his war chariot, there would be no alternative...
the pits said:
Regarding proper driving, which for me can only be done on a track, forget all the swanky marques they are all{?} too heavy and slow and uncommunicative. The brakes get cooked, the tyres shagged, the seats don't support etc.
However this sweeping statement is just plain unfair.
Have you seen a 550 Maranello being really caned around a track?
Driven well, they are nothing less than jaw-dropping...
A well driven 911RS derivative (or GT2/3) will be comparably staggering and generally way ahead of the game.
I accept that some 'swankies' are more legends in their own makers'/owners' minds than the latter day reality suggests and I could imagine how the 'softness' of an F355 road car might translate into goo compared to a heavy metal Tivver (I certainly felt this when I compared one to my old Cerby), although actually, on track, the balance within the chassis of this particular Ferrari is reputedly very well resolved, in the right hands.
But hey, you've got one and I respect your findings: just remember, not all swankies are equal!
(Btw, you're quite right about the Caterhams - everything else really is pure lard!
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