Tuscan V8

[PetrolTed]

I've just been sent a picture of a Tuscan racer being converted for the road. What a gorgeous looking car the Tuscan racer is. Given that TVR still produce these cars for racing (albeit in small numbers), couldn't they do the necessary to get them on the road too? Full convertible, safe (full roll cage), little development work to do, proven engine (AJP8) and it would appeal exactly to the people that the Tuscan Speed 6 and Tomato doesn't. It's still the best looking car they've ever made IMHO. Go on PW, please... Just think, all those people lusting after them at race tracks could go into a dealer and buy one!

[jamesc]

Hi Ted, Is it the black one that Thames converted, Steve has a couple of cars for sale that could be put on the road. If the picture you have is the black one, that is the ex JCR Jamie Campbell-Walter car

[PetrolTed]

No it's another one Steve's doing at the moment. Should have more in-depth coverage in a few weeks.

[Graham B]

I was down at Thames Racing the other day and Steve showed me another black one he is doing (not Grant's that has been in all the mags). It looked stunning, although was still in the early stages. I have to agree, this IS the car to have, they just look so mean.

[ianw]

Steve's currently converting two. 1 black , 1 Orange (for me!)

[jamesc]

Hope all is well TRS, sounds like Steve is doing a good job. If the car is anything like Granr's it will be great.

[MikeE]

The prospect of an AJP(?) Tuscan race car for the road sounds very appealing. Whilst i saw one such car in CAR mag last year (with a 4.2 Cerby engine I believe) how can i find out more? Do Thames Valley have a website? What do they do to a Tuscan to make it road legal? What engine options do you get? and the all important how much are they? ------ T11SCN ------

[jamesc]

Hi Mike, That was the car that Steve put on the road, it was also my original car that JCW drove in 1996 Steve's number is 0118 932 1910

[Graham B]

Hi Mike, Like JamesC says its best to speak to Steve. However from talking to him I seem to remember he said that he could do one for around 18K. I'm not sure about the details of the conversion however I know they can't get hold of the Tuscan race engines as they are only leased by TVR hence the need for the Cerbera V8 (usually from a crashed car). The petrol tank needs to be relocated to the boot and a passenger seat fitted. I seem to remember Steve saying that a Tuscan with the higher (longer?) doors is also a better bet... I haven't got a clue how you would go about getting it registered, or mot'd and would hate to think about the insurance costs! Graham

[PetrolTed]

Hopefully I'll be able to do an article on this in the next few weeks. Ian W is keeping some notes of the issues and costs involved in doing the conversion. Once it's done we'll get some pics and publish a feature.

[colins]

I recently saw a Tuscan racer ( ex Flux) being converted for road use while down at Peninsula Engine being used was a Chevvy 5.7 v8 at customers request, car also had soft and hard top speed six lights, p.a.s full trim and looked excellent This is certainly a good route to look at engine options AJP or there is strong talk of a 6.0 rover unit with 400 + bhp i know there are cars available for conversion and had a lengthy conversation with Richard there regarding many options for the car to be built to your spec / budget Griff upgrades or tuscan ? decisions, decisions ??

[ross]

I spoke to steve about this recently (just before christmas), he was having serious problems finding cars. Anyone know if the situatiuon has changed? Ross.

[ianw]

There is still a problem getting cars, steve has atleast one other waiting to get hold of one.(a cheap one that is!)

[PetrolTed]

So the demand is increasing... come on TVR, MAKE AN OFFICIAL ROAD GOING VERSION FOR US!

[James]

But what would they call it?

[ross]

GRIFFITH. Just restyle it a bit. AJP, tuscan R type chasis? ooer.

[ADB]

Why not just (if you can find one)put an AJP8 into the Griff then? I have seen a picture of that having been done and I reckon it's a great idea. Then you get the best of both worlds. Luxury 2 seat Griff with Tuscan race pace. Or am I missing the point and demanding too much comfort?

[Graham B]

I was under the impression the Griffith chassis was near its limits with the power from the 5 litre Rover unit. Doesn't the Tuscan racer (v8) have the more current chassis design? Graham

[ianw]

Hi all, Just been to see how the Tuscan is coming along and found out it will need a respray as the advertising stickers have made a mess of the paint work. Any suggestions on a new colour,would be help full. Currently considering purple of some type or a dark blue metallic. thanks ian

[jamesc]

Ian , one bit of good advice that John Ried gave me and I think Steve will agree. Don't choose a metalic paint. The Mole Valley Green looks great, as does Ferrari Red or the best colour for Tuscans: BLACK!!! James