Tuscan Newbie - Excited, a little scared, and seeking advice
Discussion
I am a TVR Tuscan newbie, and a novice to these forums. I am however delighted to advise via my first ever post, that I have just bought my first ever Tuscan, having been a fan of these cars since my early twenties.
I should start by saying that a petrol head, I am not. I have entirely shallow intentions for buying this particular vehicle. Quite frankly, i think they are absolutely stunning and sound fantastic. I have spent hours on end reviewing the valuable insight via these forums prior to making my decision, and the seller (Ross Griffin - Shmoo Automotive) has been incredibly helpful, providing honest insight into TVR's and the life and history of all things Tuscan.
I have bought an MK1 Tuscan (my preferred Tuscan of choice due to the styling which in my opinion is timeless) with only 29k miles on the clock and in mint condition. The engine is currently with Powers getting a full engine rebuild to Red Rose spec with a new AP Racing clutch. The car already has Nitron shock absorbers and has been corner weighted. Having got comfortable with the reliability issues and ensuring I bought a car that was having the appropriate work done to it as part of the sale, the only anxiety left was during the test drive. However, I found the car to be a joy to drive. I've never driven a Tuscan before, and my test drive was even in damp and drizzly conditions. Ross actually said that he doesn't normally allow test drives in the rain, but made exception as i was making a round trip from Kent to Devon. He was complimentary about the way i drove the car. I didn't stall it (a common newbie error apparently) and having told me about the reverse gear procedure, i found myself using this during the test drive when a farmer on his morning rounds approached us with his heard of cows! The whole car acted and felt like, well, a normal car. But i think that's largely because i drove it as a normal car. Let me remind you again, i am not a petrol head. This car is purely about the looks and sound for me and as i drove it in an entirely sensible manner, it behaved entirely sensibly.
Needless to say that since making my purchase, i have literally been dreaming about collecting the car ever since. I can't wait. Although my excitement is slowly turning into anxiety and concern. Not through ownership, but because of my inaugural drive. My first drive with this thing will be a 200 mile drive from Devon to Kent. As i wait for the car to be ready, i have dived back into the forums and focused my new searches on handling. I think it's fair to say that most people think these things can act a little wildly at times. So much so that some very old press articles referring to Tuscan crashes suggest that the backside of these things start to "wiggle" if you approach 60Mph in 3rd gear. (FYI - I have no intention of driving at 60Mph in 3rd gear!!)
I believe that a combination of my "Captain Slow" sensible driving and the set-up of the car that i am buying is one of the reasons i found it entirely comfortable to drive during the test drive. I think it would be an incredible shame to miss out on a 200 mile drive home, as i believe this would be the perfect opportunity for man and beast to get acquainted. I have read enough about these cars to show them the respect they deserve. Whilst i have every intention of giving this thing some "beans" at some point, i would never ever dare to do so until i was entirely comfortable in doing so, which is likely to be several months down the line. Until then, i would drive it once again like a normal car. Light on the accelerator in every gear, changing up through the gears like a normal car. Slow into corners with no acceleration on the throttle. I doubt i would even attempt an overtaking on the motorway until i got entirely used to throttle pressure and control. Okay, maybe i would be tempted to overtake on the motorway but at very sensible speeds and probably never over 80Mph.
I guess my question to you guys is whether or not you have any advice for that first drive home so that i don't kill myself or anyone else but more importantly, the car!! I assume that if you can resist the urge to floor the throttle and go for revs, the car should largely behave?
My drive home will be a combination of country lanes and B Roads (like the test drive) for the first 45 minutes before moving into A roads as i approach Stone Hendge before i hit the motorway.
If you could offer any driving advice for that inaugural drive, it would be very much appreciated.
Let the countdown begin......
I should start by saying that a petrol head, I am not. I have entirely shallow intentions for buying this particular vehicle. Quite frankly, i think they are absolutely stunning and sound fantastic. I have spent hours on end reviewing the valuable insight via these forums prior to making my decision, and the seller (Ross Griffin - Shmoo Automotive) has been incredibly helpful, providing honest insight into TVR's and the life and history of all things Tuscan.
I have bought an MK1 Tuscan (my preferred Tuscan of choice due to the styling which in my opinion is timeless) with only 29k miles on the clock and in mint condition. The engine is currently with Powers getting a full engine rebuild to Red Rose spec with a new AP Racing clutch. The car already has Nitron shock absorbers and has been corner weighted. Having got comfortable with the reliability issues and ensuring I bought a car that was having the appropriate work done to it as part of the sale, the only anxiety left was during the test drive. However, I found the car to be a joy to drive. I've never driven a Tuscan before, and my test drive was even in damp and drizzly conditions. Ross actually said that he doesn't normally allow test drives in the rain, but made exception as i was making a round trip from Kent to Devon. He was complimentary about the way i drove the car. I didn't stall it (a common newbie error apparently) and having told me about the reverse gear procedure, i found myself using this during the test drive when a farmer on his morning rounds approached us with his heard of cows! The whole car acted and felt like, well, a normal car. But i think that's largely because i drove it as a normal car. Let me remind you again, i am not a petrol head. This car is purely about the looks and sound for me and as i drove it in an entirely sensible manner, it behaved entirely sensibly.
Needless to say that since making my purchase, i have literally been dreaming about collecting the car ever since. I can't wait. Although my excitement is slowly turning into anxiety and concern. Not through ownership, but because of my inaugural drive. My first drive with this thing will be a 200 mile drive from Devon to Kent. As i wait for the car to be ready, i have dived back into the forums and focused my new searches on handling. I think it's fair to say that most people think these things can act a little wildly at times. So much so that some very old press articles referring to Tuscan crashes suggest that the backside of these things start to "wiggle" if you approach 60Mph in 3rd gear. (FYI - I have no intention of driving at 60Mph in 3rd gear!!)
I believe that a combination of my "Captain Slow" sensible driving and the set-up of the car that i am buying is one of the reasons i found it entirely comfortable to drive during the test drive. I think it would be an incredible shame to miss out on a 200 mile drive home, as i believe this would be the perfect opportunity for man and beast to get acquainted. I have read enough about these cars to show them the respect they deserve. Whilst i have every intention of giving this thing some "beans" at some point, i would never ever dare to do so until i was entirely comfortable in doing so, which is likely to be several months down the line. Until then, i would drive it once again like a normal car. Light on the accelerator in every gear, changing up through the gears like a normal car. Slow into corners with no acceleration on the throttle. I doubt i would even attempt an overtaking on the motorway until i got entirely used to throttle pressure and control. Okay, maybe i would be tempted to overtake on the motorway but at very sensible speeds and probably never over 80Mph.
I guess my question to you guys is whether or not you have any advice for that first drive home so that i don't kill myself or anyone else but more importantly, the car!! I assume that if you can resist the urge to floor the throttle and go for revs, the car should largely behave?
My drive home will be a combination of country lanes and B Roads (like the test drive) for the first 45 minutes before moving into A roads as i approach Stone Hendge before i hit the motorway.
If you could offer any driving advice for that inaugural drive, it would be very much appreciated.
Let the countdown begin......
Meet the new lady in my life. Thanks for the feedback thus far. I assumed that driving like a d1ck would be the number 1 cause of issues. With regard to bump steer, is that something that is quite easy to control\recover from? Assuming of course you are going at sensible speeds? I assume bump steer is seen less on motorways and well maintained roads?
I’d heard about the 1000 mile bedding in. I think the engine goes back to Powers at that point just to ensure everything is still in order.
The company I bought from do 50-100 miles prior to collection, just to ensure everything is running fine. I’ll then add 200 to that on my drive back home. It’s then approximately 150 miles from Kent to Dom at Powers, which gives me another 500 in the middle to get used to things.
As I say, I genuinely will be driving this thing normally. The honeymoon period I guess. Then once I’m comfortable, I’ll know how much I can throw her around
Thanks everyone. I’m actually tempted to treat myself to a GoPro so that I can document the journey home.
I seriously love these cars. Excitement back to 100%. Fear and anxiety eliminated.
The company I bought from do 50-100 miles prior to collection, just to ensure everything is running fine. I’ll then add 200 to that on my drive back home. It’s then approximately 150 miles from Kent to Dom at Powers, which gives me another 500 in the middle to get used to things.
As I say, I genuinely will be driving this thing normally. The honeymoon period I guess. Then once I’m comfortable, I’ll know how much I can throw her around
Thanks everyone. I’m actually tempted to treat myself to a GoPro so that I can document the journey home.
I seriously love these cars. Excitement back to 100%. Fear and anxiety eliminated.
These things are like Gremlins....
Don't feed after midnight.
Don't get wet.
Avoid bright light.
Not too heavy with the right foot.
Appreciate all of the advice thus far. I am creating a notepad of Do's and Don'ts which I will memorise prior to pick up. Here's some full size pics... The full add is still on the Shmoo website. I think (I hope) I have chosen well. I was waiting bloody ages to find one of these things that had been properly cared for...
Don't feed after midnight.
Don't get wet.
Avoid bright light.
Not too heavy with the right foot.
Appreciate all of the advice thus far. I am creating a notepad of Do's and Don'ts which I will memorise prior to pick up. Here's some full size pics... The full add is still on the Shmoo website. I think (I hope) I have chosen well. I was waiting bloody ages to find one of these things that had been properly cared for...
Well. Tomorrow is collection day. Wish me luck!
So far prior to collection, the car has had:
Powers Engine Rebuild to Red Rose Spec
New AP racing clutch
New Oil Tank (as the old one was damaged during the engine re-fit)
Nitron shock absorbers, corner weighted, and appropriate spacing to fix known bump steer issues
We should be good to go. Inaugural drive is a 200 mile stint from Devon to Kent. The sun should be shining and I cannot wait!! Will keep you all posted.
Should I get home without issues, only one challenge remains. Can I squeeze myself into it once I have squeezed it into the garage!!
So far prior to collection, the car has had:
Powers Engine Rebuild to Red Rose Spec
New AP racing clutch
New Oil Tank (as the old one was damaged during the engine re-fit)
Nitron shock absorbers, corner weighted, and appropriate spacing to fix known bump steer issues
We should be good to go. Inaugural drive is a 200 mile stint from Devon to Kent. The sun should be shining and I cannot wait!! Will keep you all posted.
Should I get home without issues, only one challenge remains. Can I squeeze myself into it once I have squeezed it into the garage!!
Well as a completely new & novice TVR owner, full of all of the usual anxiety about collecting a car from a manufacturer with so many known reputational issues, I am please to say that I am well and truly a TVR convert! I have driven the thing nearly 350 miles since Saturday and it literally hasn't missed a beat.
I entered into this knowing exactly what I was getting myself in to and it just goes to show that with the appropriate amount of research, and with some very dedicated dealers, engineers, and community members out there, these things can be just as reliable as any other car on the road. The lack of features in this car make it so fun to drive. It feels like driving a road legal GoKart! Great fun!!!
A beautiful drive home on Saturday from Devon, past Stonehenge, to Kent, in a beautiful machine.
I entered into this knowing exactly what I was getting myself in to and it just goes to show that with the appropriate amount of research, and with some very dedicated dealers, engineers, and community members out there, these things can be just as reliable as any other car on the road. The lack of features in this car make it so fun to drive. It feels like driving a road legal GoKart! Great fun!!!
A beautiful drive home on Saturday from Devon, past Stonehenge, to Kent, in a beautiful machine.
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