Pictures for the garage wall
Discussion
Laser Sag said:
Thought the Griff was supposed to have been the saving grace of TVR
It depends what you mean by saving.The Griff got the headlines at the 91 motor show, and quite rightly, but it was the bulk sales of the Chim which might well have that accolade. But that said, it would appear that the cars were sold at what would be considered a loss nowadays so one could argue that the Speed 8 saved TVR.
From what I can gather, the 'car' that allowed TVR to keep producing was the Tuscan race-series, the one arm of the company that turned a profit. And the Cerb was the one that cost TVR most money.
But then according to Ben Samuelson, no car saved TVR as it didn't need saving. I discussed the final years with him and he was confident that it could have carried on with changes, making a small but significant profit. I've not seen the figures but given those who were backing him I'd suggest that there must have been considerable support for his point of view. Business people were prepared to invest £millions in TVR. And I would assume - although I have no evidence for this - that it would have been a big risk for Ben.
There's little doubt, although this again wasn't stated by Ben, that there would have had to be considerable contraction, but whatever degree they were considering it was much less that what NS managed.
And Ben, having worked at the factory for 15 years or so, did know it inside out. And his backers were aware of all the debts and figures so I've got to say that, subject to this being trumped, I'll run with his conclusions.
I think it no conincidence that one of the backers for Ben's take-over of the company moved onto Ginetta where he concentrated on producing cars for one-make race series before starting work on a road car project. I would think this was, to an extent, the plan for TVR: mainly race cars with a contraction of the road cars.
Whilst everyone is entitlted to an an opinion on the matter and, thankfully, a right to express it, I have to say that after talking with PW, Ben and others involved in both the factory and the proposed buy-out, I have to say that I am confident that TVR didn't need saving. It needed a change of direction perhaps, and a new business plan but PW ran it in the way he wanted to so in that respect his tenure was a triumph.
I'd suggest not using the word 'save' in the presence of Ben.
Derek Smith said:
I'd suggest not using the word 'save' in the presence of Ben.
It's a pity that you don't seem to go back before 1991. The Wedge cars were getting pretty expensive and out of fashion so the S was introduced and it is commonly thought that it saved TVR, even mentioned in speeches by Ben!Derek Smith said:
But then according to Ben Samuelson, no car saved TVR as it didn't need saving. I discussed the final years with him and he was confident that it could have carried on with changes, making a small but significant profit. I've not seen the figures but given those who were backing him I'd suggest that there must have been considerable support for his point of view. Business people were prepared to invest £millions in TVR. And I would assume - although I have no evidence for this - that it would have been a big risk for Ben.
There's little doubt, although this again wasn't stated by Ben, that there would have had to be considerable contraction, but whatever degree they were considering it was much less that what NS managed.
TBH Derek as the saying goes 'he would say that wouldn't he?' From figures I'm aware of PW knew he'd met Father Christmas when NS walked in the door and couldn't believe his luck. TVR was doomed before NS bought it.There's little doubt, although this again wasn't stated by Ben, that there would have had to be considerable contraction, but whatever degree they were considering it was much less that what NS managed.
My understanding is that PW wouldn't let Ben and his consortium buy TVR off him because he liked him.......
LaserTam said:
Off Topic???
Yep.... he started it though. 
Back on topic.....
I've got the original picture of my car or the group picture that was posted as a desktop by PH after the C&SC article if the OP wants it.
With regards to getting them printed try contacting Cypher Digital. They do the prints given away in the competition every month in Sprint.
Edited by V8 GRF on Wednesday 3rd March 09:51
V8 GRF said:
With regards to getting them printed try contacting Cypher Digital. They do the prints given away in the competition every month in Sprint.
Having been the recent recipient of the poster print, plus several others over the last couple of years, I can vouch for the quality of the finished product. Really excellent.Edited by V8 GRF on Wednesday 3rd March 09:51
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