I made a mistake
Discussion
As I drove through the Frejus Tunnel through the Alps into Italy last week and through the Mont Blance Tunnel on the way back, in our hired Vauxhall Zaifera (had to transport some large models) – it hit me like a giant sledgehammer! I realised, albeit too late that I had make a huge mistake.
The Sunday before, almost two weeks ago now I did the unthinkable – I sold my Tamora, due to changes in our lifestyle. I have tried desperately to convince myself it is for the best, and the Tam needed to be driven more, and I would save on service/tax/insurance costs etc, but, after two weeks, I can’t kid myself, I miss it terribly – I now realise, albeit too late of course, that the Tam was more than just ‘a car’, a lot more. I loved it so much that it was almost considered part of the family, and I feel that my Tam was saying “see, see what you could have experienced if you weren’t so rash in selling me…!”, as I negotiated excellent roads and blindingly good tunnels, and stunning scenery in the south of France and Northern Italy – in a bloody people carrier (although there was a button you could press for ‘sport’, in this 1.9 diesel CDi version, no idea what it did, though!)
I genuinely feel I lost part of myself when I sold it, so I would say that if you are thinking of selling, I guarantee that you will regret it – nothing else even comes close to the experience of a well sorted TVR in full song – they make you feel ‘alive’!
I realise I have made a misjudgement in selling the Tam – it was made for the roads I have just driven on. It was useless for the UK roads and ‘traffic conditions’, I convinced myself of that, however, no amount of common sense reasoning can convince me that I was right to sell it, I was wrong – 100% wrong, and now I feel, well,,,, a bit empty! Am I silly for feeling like this?
The only plus point was that I got the full asking price, and the guy that bought it loved it to bits, although I still wish I had the car, instead of the dosh – never miss the water… and all that……
I may have to buy another before we move to Italy.....
The Sunday before, almost two weeks ago now I did the unthinkable – I sold my Tamora, due to changes in our lifestyle. I have tried desperately to convince myself it is for the best, and the Tam needed to be driven more, and I would save on service/tax/insurance costs etc, but, after two weeks, I can’t kid myself, I miss it terribly – I now realise, albeit too late of course, that the Tam was more than just ‘a car’, a lot more. I loved it so much that it was almost considered part of the family, and I feel that my Tam was saying “see, see what you could have experienced if you weren’t so rash in selling me…!”, as I negotiated excellent roads and blindingly good tunnels, and stunning scenery in the south of France and Northern Italy – in a bloody people carrier (although there was a button you could press for ‘sport’, in this 1.9 diesel CDi version, no idea what it did, though!)
I genuinely feel I lost part of myself when I sold it, so I would say that if you are thinking of selling, I guarantee that you will regret it – nothing else even comes close to the experience of a well sorted TVR in full song – they make you feel ‘alive’!
I realise I have made a misjudgement in selling the Tam – it was made for the roads I have just driven on. It was useless for the UK roads and ‘traffic conditions’, I convinced myself of that, however, no amount of common sense reasoning can convince me that I was right to sell it, I was wrong – 100% wrong, and now I feel, well,,,, a bit empty! Am I silly for feeling like this?
The only plus point was that I got the full asking price, and the guy that bought it loved it to bits, although I still wish I had the car, instead of the dosh – never miss the water… and all that……
I may have to buy another before we move to Italy.....
Well said dude - it is a little worrying quite how attached to these cars you can become.
My Tamora's engine blew and I had to get rid of it. I look on that chapter as it being the beautiful ex-girlfriend who did something unspeakable, forcing you to leave.
But you know one day, you'll be back for more
My Tamora's engine blew and I had to get rid of it. I look on that chapter as it being the beautiful ex-girlfriend who did something unspeakable, forcing you to leave.
But you know one day, you'll be back for more
Chris, I went through a similar experence with my first TVR. Although my father owned a chimaera my love TVR was crysllised when I attended Earls Court motor show 1995 and I saw TVR cerbera. I new at that time I had to own one, I finally achieved my obective 7years later. Although I researched pros/cons likely running costs etc the general practiclities of running the car. Unfortuneatey the long working hours, a new house purchase meant I needed a second car for commute to hospital as too frightened of more bills. The cerb got used less and I sold it. From my profile the actual things that wentwrong aren't particularly unusual and I now realise the less you use them the more niggles creep in. I then purchased a s2000 which was a fantastic "safe" car but missed the "x" factor that comes when you experience an incredable car as the cerb was. I wished I kept it and perservered but in a way the period away from TVR taught me you need balance between head/heart. Due to my financial position at that time I probably did the right thing but the heart tells me the opposite! It was actually Mrs G that suggested TVR when I was looking at replacing s2000 - soon after i bought the T350 and reentered the fold. I'm sure it won't be long before you buy another one
Remember "it is better to have loved and lost.......etc"
Chris
Remember "it is better to have loved and lost.......etc"
Chris
[Catherine Tate mode off].Sorry to hear that you sold your Tamora.
I know that a car will never be more important than family or friends, but in the car world
to own a TVR is something special. I was just out in my Tamora today, and the attention it
got was a really enjoyable experience. I hope I never have to sell it unless I am getting another TVR.
You will be back Chris, with another Tamora
I know that a car will never be more important than family or friends, but in the car world
to own a TVR is something special. I was just out in my Tamora today, and the attention it
got was a really enjoyable experience. I hope I never have to sell it unless I am getting another TVR.
You will be back Chris, with another Tamora
Cheers guys 
, I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan.
I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
, I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan. I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
chris watton said:
Cheers guys , I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan.
I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
, I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan. I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
Buy yourself a Panda 100hp to tide you over in Italy. Great laugh - I just ordered one.
chris watton said:
Cheers guys , I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan.
I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
, I have absolutely no doubt I'll be back, probably another Tam - looking at the great twisties in Italy, I think I'd feel more comfortable in a sorted Tam, rather than Tuscan. I hadn't used the Tam at all for five months straight, which was one of the reasons I felt it was’deadweight’, but always took comfort knowing it was there!
The day before I sold it, it hadn't even been started for the five months, and it started straight away on the first turn of the ignition (after ensuring all fluid levels were on max)! It also drove as silky smooth as ever, I couldn't believe it. I guess it the fact that it genuinely did not once let me down in the two and a half years I owned it made it all the more difficult to see it being driven away. (Part of me was even hoping it wouldn’t start!)
I have looked at ‘sporty’ replacements for our ageing family car, a new Cleo 197 or similar, but to be honest, after the raw and totally exhilarating experience that is driving a TVR – nothing else will do.
People who say TVR gets under your skin are correct, and it’s something I can’t, or don’t want to scratch off, I will buy another – I NEED one for the European roads!
o add insult to injury, the wife's MGF is now parked in the garage where the Tam used to dwell!
Nice to see you posting again Chris - car or not.
Chris - good to hear from you again. Having driven my Tamora in Italy, I have to say "Whoops!" - With TVR having a dealer in Italy, and Bertone possibly becoming TVR's new manufacturer, I'm amazed you could have allowed your keys to be prised from your fingers!
Anyway, you'll get one back one day. Good luck in Italy!
Anyway, you'll get one back one day. Good luck in Italy!
I didn't tell him about the register, I think I was too distraught to think clearly that day!
I shall be back in about a year - trouble is that we have to save for a deposit for a house just outside of Torino, either that or rent an apartment in the city, with two kids, two dogs, two cats and a hampster! Not practical! Plus the kid's fees will be very high for an English speaking school. (went over last week to sort everything out with employers)
have to concede, no matter how much I dearly loved the Tam, family must always come first (god dammit!
), but wifey did say as soon as everything's sorted, I will have another, in yellow, with anthricite wheels! 
In the meantime,, we have to change our old Cleo soon, any suggestions as to what could replace it to add a little more fun to 'family' driving for the intrim?
Cheers
Chris
I shall be back in about a year - trouble is that we have to save for a deposit for a house just outside of Torino, either that or rent an apartment in the city, with two kids, two dogs, two cats and a hampster! Not practical! Plus the kid's fees will be very high for an English speaking school. (went over last week to sort everything out with employers)
have to concede, no matter how much I dearly loved the Tam, family must always come first (god dammit!
), but wifey did say as soon as everything's sorted, I will have another, in yellow, with anthricite wheels! In the meantime,, we have to change our old Cleo soon, any suggestions as to what could replace it to add a little more fun to 'family' driving for the intrim?
Cheers
Chris
Chris,
Going through a similar thought process myself!
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=344378
I have managed to hold back though (so far) - deciding to leave it until the future of TVR is clearer, and to get out and enjoy my current cars capabilities a lot more than I am doing right now!
Cheers
Kevin
Going through a similar thought process myself!
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=344378
I have managed to hold back though (so far) - deciding to leave it until the future of TVR is clearer, and to get out and enjoy my current cars capabilities a lot more than I am doing right now!
Cheers
Kevin
Edited by kmpowell on Monday 29th January 16:28
Chris, This really is grim news. Did you bang your head getting out of the Tam one day and sell it in a trance?!?
A few years back, I traded my Chim in for a Focus. The reasons were all highly practical but a month later, plain dumb. What had I done! (Focus was fine but no comparison.)
Took me a year to wangle the wonga (£££ and Mrs Naileon to get a Tam back. I could never ever be without one again. Often I am driving my Tiv these days, see one coming the other way, and want another. Even though I'm in one.
These beasts fill a special place that nothing else can.
Go get another soon. You'll not regret it.
A few years back, I traded my Chim in for a Focus. The reasons were all highly practical but a month later, plain dumb. What had I done! (Focus was fine but no comparison.)
Took me a year to wangle the wonga (£££
and Mrs Naileon to get a Tam back. I could never ever be without one again. Often I am driving my Tiv these days, see one coming the other way, and want another. Even though I'm in one. These beasts fill a special place that nothing else can.
Go get another soon. You'll not regret it.Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff