TVR Owner Wannabe

[TVR Wannabe]

Long time lurker on the TVR forum. I’ve had an ambition to own a modern TVR Tuscan since they first came out and now I am in a position to buy one. I’ve got £50K cash burning a hole in my pocket for what I hope will be an A1 example. I’ve set my sights on the rare MK3 S Convertible with the wavey dash. I understand there was only 35 ever made?

I’ve engaged with some owners and dealerships via social media and PH classifieds. The prices range wildly when people are selling privately, some are asking for more than what actual dealers are asking - for a similar spec (that’s not logical). I envisaged spending up to £50K via a dealer (benefits of warranty, servicing and CRA2015 etc.), but some private sellers are asking a similar amount. Understandably, some private sellers have spent a lot on their cars and are looking to recoup the money, but surely there must be a ceiling? Could it be a sign that prices will be pushed up over the coming months?

I’m not buying with intent to sell. Whatever I buy, it will be kept for a very long time. I’ve even bought a brand new converted shipping container: fully insulated, ply-lined, heated, dehumidified with steel compressed rubber door seals to keep a Tuscan in. More like a sarcophagus than a garage. Gets delivered this Friday. Check this out > https://www.shippingcontainersuk.com/brands/10ft-w...

I may widen the search to a late MK2 if finding a MK3 doesn’t work out, but I’m not in a rush so I’ll see how things go.

Anyway, does anyone have any knowledge of this car for sale please? It looks really nice. Not a colour I would normally go for, but with only 35 in existence, beggars can’t be choosers > https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11260960

Any pointers on buying a Tuscan very much appreciated.

[TVR Wannabe]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting how varied the info is across the different press and social media platforms about the quantity built. Either way, they are pretty rare.

I’ve had a good response to my * wanted * posts on some of the FB Groups. There’s some really nice cars coming up over the next few months by the looks of it. There’s a beautiful looking 2004 MK2 in one of the most outrageous paint schemes I’ve seen on any car - Cascade Copper. It spent a few years in Hong Kong, has a tan interior with Baboons Arse instrument binnacle. I’m so tempted by it, but need to focus on the MK3.

[TVR Wannabe]

PhilF329 said:

The MK3 convertible is a good choice and they look better in the flesh IMO.

The tyres on that car are 7 years old so I would plan on changing them.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. Any idea what the chassis is like or anything else to be aware of?

[TVR Wannabe]

Jurgen Schmidt said:

I've had my MKIII for 10 years, and I still love it!

Edited by Jurgen Schmidt on Tuesday 16th February 14:05

Lovely, and in one of the loud colours I like.

You know my budget.

[TVR Wannabe]

S6 ROR said:

TVR Wannabe, on your profile, it says that you don’t allow emails?
Do you have an email address where you can be contacted?

Sorted

[TVR Wannabe]

Gladers01 said:

With a budget of £50k i would bide your time and hold out for the holy grail of Tuscans the '06 vintage Mk3 Targa with the wavey dash, even rarer still with only about 25 built

How many was built in 2007?

[TVR Wannabe]

Sorry for the lack of response. As a newbie, the PH forum restricts the amount of posts I can make.

Thank you for the information. Very interesting how there appears to be a sense of mystery surrounding the last few registered cars and that some may be physically older than the registration plate they are wearing (by a couple of years). Just adds to the intrigue and back-story of TVR.

Am I correct to assume that a Tuscan S Targa with Wavey dashboard - recorded at DVLA as manufactured in 2007 - may not have been completed by TVR, but more likely to have been completed by a specialist? Because the TVR production line ceased in 2006.

This is the DVLA record of a car being described as a Tuscan S Targa I am considering. I haven’t shown the registration or colour as it is not published for sale. In pictures, the car looks mint / factory fresh and has clearly been well cared for, irrespective of who finally built it. Does it really matter, as long as it has been completed to factory specifications?



I was initially looking for a MK3 convertible with a loud paint scheme, but the opportunity to buy what appears to be one of the last Tuscan S Targa’s ever registered, has thrown a curve-ball and caused me to rethink. Whatever Tuscan I buy, I’d ideally want it to give me as little grief as possible (don’t we all), so I’m being pretty choosy over condition, service history and provenance.

Edited by TVR Wannabe on Friday 19th February 04:10

[TVR Wannabe]

glow worm said:

There were quite a number of factory built cars built at the factory (2004/2005/2006) which sat in dealers for a number of years and were only registered when purchased , so the DVLA info is 1st registered date, not build date . Not many cars left the factory after July'06, although Administration did not take place until Nov/Dec'06 IIRC . Most of the staff played cards and watched TV for 6 months .
The VIN number gives you the date that TVR received an order (not necessarily the build date & year), the last 4 digits of the VIN is the "build number for that year of ALL TVRs" .
There are a few signs on Tuscan 2 as to the build date , obviously the dash with a Targa, but the light surrounds (front&rear0 changed from Black to Body colour in Jan'06. Plus very early convertibles (Sept'05) have the hazard switch in a different place to later ones.
Personally one thing I don't like about Targas is the large boot spoiler (which was an option but most MK2s seem to have it) ... It holds 2 litres of water like a couple of buckets . Each to their own but its to much in your face to me.... The designer of convertible wouldn't allow it be fitted to "his" car.
The reason why the convertible was so much later than the Targa , was it was meant to have an electronic retractable roof that went into the boot, but TVR couldn't get it work reliably , what a good job for us owners !!!!

The DVLA have changed the web information and the year of manufacture now appears (not sure if correct though)... TVRs were registered as PLGs private light goods and now there's all that EURO stuff... A bit worrying ...I hope our Tax rating is going to change... It still says zero for Co2 emissions but has us as PETROL

Edited by glow worm on Friday 19th February 08:37

Apparently, you know the car very well. In fact, you have detailed it.

I’ll PM you.

[TVR Wannabe]

So, have agreed to buy the 2007 Tuscan S Targa as mentioned above and deposit paid. The underside of the car is fantastic and the rest of the car is really lovely. Some minor paint chips, but it looks much younger than it actually is. Apart from the ACT stainless exhaust, it is unmodified.

Hoping to collect later this week or early next week. Although the file coming with the car is like the Encyclopaedia Britannica, including photos of actual services carried out, there’s some missing detail on when the car was actually built (maybe it was the last built at the factory?). I understand it was acquired from Cicely Continental in Preston. It would be great to know more about it’s early days.

Thanks to Glow Worm for some history on the car.

This is what swung it for me....

[TVR Wannabe]

Gladers01 said:

Congrats again ! Looks immaculate, there was a guy on here (PDtvr) who i believe bought the car from new and did a good write up at the time, can't find it at the moment, mystic black and on a PN07 *** number plate ? Spring has arrived early, enjoy

That’s the one

[TVR Wannabe]

Now that the cat-is-out-of-the-bag and you all know the car and who the owner is, here’s some further images. Pretty excited about this car. Although a Targa wasn’t my initial plan, but when I saw the car and the fantastic condition it is in, something just ‘clicked’ and I had to have it. It’s also great to speak with a seller who is clearly a TVR fanatic, almost suffering from ‘TVR OCD’, having owned a total of fourteen TVR’s. Gives a lot of confidence that the car is a goodun.

[TVR Wannabe]

The plan is to use it during good weather days and preserve its A1 condition. It has some minor chips and crazing in the paint, so I’ll probably give it a respray in the same colour and fettle any niggles which could appear over the summer.

It is a long-term keeper and will probably be with me until I am unable to drive. I’ve even had created what could be described as a sarcophagus to help keep the dreaded tin worm at bay. It is a brand new 20ft long converted shipping container, widened to 10ft from the standard 8ft. It has been insulated and play lined, with electric sockets, lights and heater installed. The doors are not standard, but made from heavy flat steel, including compressed rubber seals to create a water-tight and air-tight barrier to the NE Lincolnshire weather (I live 2 miles from the coast). Interestingly, it is made from Corten steel (Angel of the North), which is designed to rust whilst forming a self-preserving barrier, thus avoiding continuous painting. The container will be clad in heavy feather-edge wood to match the building it sits next to, which is why it has 6 x horizontal box section strips welded to the outside to bolt wood battens to. I’ll add a dehumidifier later in the year.

This was delivered today.

[TVR Wannabe]

Gladers01 said:

Congrats again ! Looks immaculate, there was a guy on here (PDtvr) who i believe bought the car from new and did a good write up at the time, can't find it at the moment, mystic black and on a PN07 *** number plate ? Spring has arrived early, enjoy

This must be the chap? https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

[TVR Wannabe]

Gladers01 said:

Congrats again ! Looks immaculate, there was a guy on here (PDtvr) who i believe bought the car from new and did a good write up at the time, can't find it at the moment, mystic black and on a PN07 *** number plate ? Spring has arrived early, enjoy

Found it > https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[TVR Wannabe]

robsco said:

That is absolutely stunning, I remember seeing it for sale at James Agger a little while back. Congratulations!

Couple of videos posted by James Agger in 2019. The car has only covered 1500 miles since...

[TVR Wannabe]

Petrolhead67 ]VR Wannabe said:

The plan is to use it during good weather days and preserve its A1 condition. It has some minor chips and crazing in the paint, so I’ll probably give it a respray in the same colour and fettle any niggles which could appear over the summer.

It is a long-term keeper and will probably be with me until I am unable to drive. I’ve even had created what could be described as a sarcophagus to help keep the dreaded tin worm at bay. It is a brand new 20ft long converted shipping container, widened to 10ft from the standard 8ft. It has been insulated and play lined, with electric sockets, lights and heater installed. The doors are not standard, but made from heavy flat steel, including compressed rubber seals to create a water-tight and air-tight barrier to the NE Lincolnshire weather (I live 2 miles from the coast). Interestingly, it is made from Corten steel (Angel of the North), which is designed to rust whilst forming a self-preserving barrier, thus avoiding continuous painting. The container will be clad in heavy feather-edge wood to match the building it sits next to, which is why it has 6 x horizontal box section strips welded to the outside to bolt wood battens to. I’ll add a dehumidifier later in the year.

This was delivered today.





To save me doing a big google search , would it be possible to send a link to the company you brought this container from please , this looks like a great way to store a car , many thanks .
Plus that looks like a stunning well kept Tuscan you brought congratulations

https://www.shippingcontainersuk.com/brands/10ft-wide-garage-container.php


Choose size then adapt to suite your needs. Ask for Neil Clarke in sales.

Edited by TVR Wannabe on Wednesday 24th February 14:30

[TVR Wannabe]

Byker28i said:

Great numberplate for the car - hope you kept that too.

Nope.

I’ve got a ‘Tuscan’ plate coming.

[TVR Wannabe]

so called said:

Congrats, looks blinking lovely.

One comment regarding Targa's v Convertibles.
I used to love driving with the rear screen out in my first Tuscan, a 2000 Mk1.
I created a great climate driving down the Autoroute heading for Spain or wherever.
I miss that in my Convertible and if on such a run have both windows down. not bad but not as good.

Again congrats.

Thank you.

It’s a similar thing with McLaren. You are able to drop the rear windscreen at the press of a button, without removing the roof. Engine and exhaust noise right behind your ears, but without wind buffeting.

[TVR Wannabe]

Gladers01 said:

With a budget of £50k i would bide your time and hold out for the holy grail of Tuscans the '06 vintage Mk3 Targa with the wavey dash, even rarer still with only about 25 built, the convertible Mk2/3 comes a close second in my book, (owned one for 4 years) the prices do vary a great deal, some are priced to sell and others are priced to keep

Good luck in your search

BTW, I did buy what you describe as the “holy grail”. How do know there was only 25 built?