TVRs in Print

EVO:
December, 2005
pp 140-146

Hemmings Sports and Exotic Car: January, 2006 pp 76-79

This issue provides the TVR fan with two different articles on TVRs.

The first is a two-page spread on the Tuscan 2, the "new and improved" version of the Tuscan.  This model has undergone some 300 detail engineering changes as a result of TVR Engineering Ltd's recent campaign to improve quality control, durability and customer satisfaction of its cars.   This 2nd series Tuscan is powered by a 350 bhp, 4 litre inline six cylinder engine that will reach 60 mph in a brief 4.5 seconds and 100 mph in less than 10 seconds. 

Writer Richard Meaden details all the changes and the impressive character of the car.  And, some unusual changes he outlines include cup holders, increased trunk space and a mellower car overall.   Yes, you read correctly, cup holders in a TVR.  EVO gave the Tuscan 2 a 4 1/2 star rating on a scale of 5.  

Also in this issue, is an article called "New or Used, the 20k pound question.  Among the dozen cars tested included the 4.5 litre Cerbera coupe, a perennial favorite.  The writer describes the car as follows:  "What seduces is the abundant power and ardent acceleration, coupled with a seething soundtrack packed with percussive pops and bangs.  Its fearsome reputation and extrovert character might suggeset the Cerbera is  a rabid, recalcitrant proposition, but our experience reveals an enviable depth of rounded ability and usability."

He summed it up saying:  "you'll be ecstatic with the TVR, it's a special car".

This iissue offers up a comparison test between the new Corvette C6, the Mercedes/AMG SLK55, and the venemous TVR Sagaris. Gavin Green starts off with his description of the new Sagaris.  He says recent TVRs he has driven (since the purchase of TVR by Nikolai Smolenski, "were nicely crafted and well bolted together, miles better than old school Cerberas and Chimaeras".    Of the Sagaris, Green calls the styling of the front end "sensational" and he also likes the rear view of the car.  He says "the whole thing is fiendishly handsome,in that TVR weapon-on-wheels way".  Based on the TVR350C coupe,

The Sagaris is wider, stiffer sprung, restyled and fitted with the 400 hp version of the 4.0 litre dry sump, racing-engine-for-the-road straight six.  Some numbers?  Top speed over 185, zero to 60 in a scant 3.7 seconds, and 0-100 in only 8.1 seconds.   Of the three, Green says the TVR is the "craziest, the fastest and the most agile.  By some margin, it's the best driver's car.  As an antidote to sensible-shoe motoring, the Sagaris reigns supreme". 

The July issue of Motor Trend has a special feature entitled "10 Cars They Ought to Sell Here".  There is the expected mix of unique, sporty models, along with the Land Rover Defender 90, but mentioned as last, but certainly not least, is the TVR Sagaris.  Motor Trend begins its description of the Sagaris as "The Sex Pistols of sports cars--loud, fast, outrageous and uncouth.  A hairy-chested couope powered by a head-banging 400 horsepower, 4.0 litre straight six."   They go on to say "It's probably the nearest thing you can buy to an ald 427 Cobra.    And they conclude saying "This is a car for drivers who think a Porsche 911 GT3 is soft core".

In this issue, they offer an article entitled "Fun Cars for Every Budget".   One of those highlighted is the 1991-94 TVR V8S which is described as what has to be "the performance car bargain of the moment".  The writer says the TVR Power-tuned Rover V8 makes a "noise that makes every hair on your body tingle with excitement". 

 This website which focuses on the automobile industry world-wide posted an article on TVR entitled "TVR: The Last Great Sports Car Company" by Alistair Weaver.  Weaver, who test drove both the Tuscan Mk. II and the Sagaris, provides readers with his impressions.  After describing the bold styling of both cars, Weaver says "if passengers are intimidated while parked in the driveway, just wait until you start the engine".  He goes on to describe the variations of the TVR Speed Six engine in both 3.6 and 4.0 litre versions producing 350 and 406 horsepower respectively.   In cars that weigh 2,425 pounds (Tuscan) and 2,377 pounds(Sagaris), these ratings are certainly impressive.  Weaver says the 0-60 time in the aggressive Sagaris is a scant 3.7 seconds and 4.4 seconds in the Tuscan.  He also says the Sagaris is, in his opinion, the best-sorted TVR ever.   He says the Tuscan has poise and fluency that was previously lacking but as good as the Tuscan is, the Sagaris is ultimately a more engaging and complete proposition.

You can read the entire article by going to www.edmunds.com

This issue of the TVR Car Club of England's magazine features a full page spread on Woodwork 2005   In fact, It has caused an e-mail from a fellow in the UK to TVRCCNA president Marshall Moore who has just booked his flight to come over this year for the event.

In this issue is a two page article by Matt Master on the TVR Tuscan Mk. 2.

This is one of the models that has received some "fettling" since Nickolai Smolenski took over the helm of TVR Engineering, Ltd.  Master says "There are precious few road cars in the world today, especially for under 40,000 GBP, that are exciting even at idle.  But the Tuscan is one of them."  He also says "The Tuscan is a car you can't help but be utterly seduced by, but it's the utilitarian basics that win you over, rather than the frenzy of technology and Batmobile aesthetics.  We want one."

This magazine also got some time behind the wheel of the TVR Tuscan Mk. 2 and writer Richard Meaden says this newest version of the Tuscan is "...grown up, evolved and lost a few rough edges, but the entry-level Tuscan is still one mighty beast."    Meaden also says that with the Sagaris and Typhon waiting just around the corner, the Tuscan "has been allowed to develop into the beautiful, accomplished, individual car TVR's customers have been crying out for:  a modern day Griffith".

In this issue you will find a rare review of a TVR in the US.   This one from 280i owner Rob Sass who gives his input on the wedge series TVRs from 1983-1987 in the US>

While those of us who have spent any appreciable amount of time with a wedge may not totally agree with all of Sass's statements on the cars, it is nice to see the cars get a full page of coverage in an American car magazine for a change.

Lynn Petry's "In the Garage" column features TVRCCNA member Rolf Beuttenmuller's 1970 Vixen S2, which Rolf has owned for 33 years.  Petry quotes Rolf as saying "The car has been restored twice.  The first time I had very limited resources. I started the second and final restoration(at least by me), in  1994.  Everything on the car has been rebuilt or replaced, including all of the wiring and brake lines."   Rolf said he did all of the work himself except for the paint and headliner.    Rolf also told Petry that the Vixen draws a great deal of attention and that his license plate reflects the question most often asked, "WATS-ATVR".

In this issue is  an article about the new owner of TVR Engineering, Ltd, Nikolai Smolensky, who purchased the company from Peter Wheeler in July 2004.  Since TVR articles in US motoring publications are somewhat rare, it's good to see this one, even with its inaccuracies, to bring a little more awareness to the marque.   At your newsstands now.

The cover story features a three way comparison between the TVR Tuscan S Mk. 2, the Corvette C6 and the new MG SV-R in which author John Barker sums up his comparison by offering this assessment of the TVR:  "The Tuscan is more engaging, louder and more handsome, and probably the best car that TVR has ever made".

Actually this could be subtitled as "The TVR issue" because it offers three separate TVR related articles. 

The first is a 4-page feature entitled "The English Mental Patient--TVR Tuscan 2" in which the writer advises "Approach with caution. The Tuscan may be slightly more civilised, but don't be fooled.  It still proudly waves the flag for scary, aggressive British sports cars."

The next article is a 5-page comparison test.  This time the new MG SV-R is compared to the TVR Tamora and leaves the writer asking if the "frighteningly expensive SV-R" is really worth twice as much as the thrilling Tamora?

And finally, there is a 2-page feature on the new owner of TVR, Nikolai Smolensky.

vtThere is a test of the new TVR T350T which is the regular T350 with the optional targa roof panels.  In this article, Jethro Bovingdon calls the T350 "a blood and thunder sportscar wrapped in the most beautiful shape to come out of Blackpool in a long time".   Not all was rosy, in this reviewer's opinnion, as he took the TVR to task for "disconcerting brake feel and a hypersensitive steering rack" and he also wasn't too fond of the TVR's seats.  On the plus side, he said traction and lateral grip are superb and roll is very well contained.   To wrap it up, he says while the T30T "isn't flawless....it is an enduring challenge and a wonderful thing just to be around.

In addition to the small article on the TVR, this issue has plenty more to whet the appetite of a total car hound including articles on the V-12 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the Aston Martin DB9, and the fabulous new Maserati MC12 supercar.

 At your newsstands now!

This issue features a cover story on the TVR Cerbera Speed Six, reportedly capable of a top speed of 175 mph, yet practical and reliable as well.  This five page feature discusses TVR's 2+2 model and why it has been so popular.    It also has a sidebar article which quotes the smiling Doug Ellwood of David-Gerald TVR in England who usually has at least one Cerbera in his inventory.

In addition to the article on the Cerbera there is a followup three page article on Chris Lowe's 1967 RHD Tuscan SE LWB, resplendent in its beautiful Diamond Blue and Silver paintwork.   This article will give you a good driving impression of the original Tuscans with their 289 ci V8 power.   Chris's beautiful example, by the way, is currently for sale and being offered through David-Gerald TVR in England.

This great issue is available on your newstands now!!

This includes a 4-page interview with Peter Wheeler, owner of TVR Engineering, Ltd.   The article talks about how Wheeler came to buy TVR and how that vision has changed over the past 23 years at the helm.    Also in this issue, in the "Driving our Ads" section, they feature a 1998 TVR Chimaera 450 that is for sale by David-Gerald TVR Sportscars, detailing all the pros and cons on the car for any prospective buyers.

An article entitled "Peep Show" discusses what they describe as "a sneak preview of five coveted foreign sportscars headed our way".  Writer Ken Gross, a veteran automotive journalist, gives a brief report, complete with photos on the Lotus Elise, the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, the Smart Roadster, the Morgan Aero 8, and most importantly, the TVR Tuscan S.

In the writeup on the TVR Tuscan S, it states it is coming in the Fall of 2005.  It also quotes the price in the US at $86,500.    This subject has also been recently discussed in the Forum on Pistonheads and one contributor wrote the magazine and got a reply from Tim Moss, Articles Director for Cargo, who stated:  "a confidential source at TVR provided us with this information." You can draw your own conclusions.

"Reputation vs. Reality" is a five-page color article testsing the 1988 TVR 450 SEAC against the 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV.  This article compares the two -- the infamous Italian bull which is known world wide for its knife-edge styling, bold flares, and V-12 power against TVR's ultimate wedge iteration, the 450 SEAC with its Tea Tray rear wing.

As the author writes about the TVR after starting it, then it starts..."then thee is immense noise and a struggle ensues to keep the car in a straight line."  And he wraps things up by saying..."Because it's easy to drive, the TVR isn't just nearly as fast as the Countach, it is actually faster."

The cover story is a great 10-page article called "Ford Family Ties" comparing four Ford-powered sports cars from the 1960's at the beautiful Virginia International Raceway. Pitted against each other are Farrell Preston's beautiful burgundy 1967 TVR Tuscan SE SWB, a 289 Cobra, a Sunbeam Tiger, and a Shelby GT-350. This is a wonderful article and gives the Tuscan some good visibility. If you can't find this issue on your newsstand, you can contact themagazine directly at their web site.

A nice picture and information about Club president Marshall Moore's dear departed red tasmin. Pretty accurate for an american car magazine. Send your copies to Marshall!

A 4-page color spread on a rare TVR Tuscan Wide-body in the UK.  This car, owned by Ian Mackie, may have a slightly questionable history regarding the story of its production, however, it is a good article on a car we see very little ever written about in the TVR model history.   Grab a copy of this one if you can still get it, or order it from the publisher as a back issue.   Who knows when you will see another article on the wide-body Tuscans.

This issue is jam-packed with TVR articles starting with a news story about TVR's 2-car LeMans bid which had already run its course by the time the issue hit the newstands here in the States.  Next is a 4-page color spread on the new T350C.   The writer was obviously taken with TVR's newest coupe which has an estimated 0-60 mph time of around 4.4 seconds and a top speed of approximately 175 mph.  He also states that the factory order books show the new coupe accounts for close to 40 per cent of TVR's annual production.    The next article in this issue compares the T350C with the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, the Mitsubishi VIII Evo and the mid-engine Renault Clio V6.  In the comparison, the writer calls the T350C "what we reckon is the best TVR ever made...it's a sensational result."     Go get this issue now, before it's gone.

Editor-at-Large Peter Egan has an article entitled "TVR Short Course", in which he chronicles his trip with a buddy to Wisconsin to check out a Griffith 400 that was for sale.   If you don't have it already,get this issue, it's a good read.

This issue features a 5-page comparison between the TVR Tuscan S and the Morgan Aero 8.   The author, of course, picks the Tuscan S as "the one we're lusting after."

Features a fabulous 12-page spread on the incredible TVR Tuscan R.  The author has the honor of driving one to LeMans.  This model is the ultimate of the TVR production line.   This raises TVR lusting to an all new level.   GET THIS ISSUE!!!

Two monthly columns devoted to TVRs. "Escape Roads" is a report on the TVRCCNA "Out of the Woodwork" meet with a few old TVRs shown.

"The Car" focuses on a TVR Vixen S2 owned by Jerry Evans.

A heavily modified Mercedes Sport Coupe meets "equally fearsome Cerbera "Red Rose'. Evidently some owners don't think TVRs are fast enough, so the factory is now offering an aftermarket "Red Rose" package. It get 20 extra ponies (for a total of 440!) and a top speed fo 188 mph It is compared to a Mercedes with a similar treatment. But "The Cerbera has to be well driven to rompa way decisively."

Purchasing a used one can be challenging. Suggestions on what to pruchase, etc. Now if we can just wait until 2017 to import one.... that is when the oldest ones will be 25 years old and we can legally import one..

CAR's annual "Performance Car of the Year" Competition. Two TVRs (in different Catgories) are tested and compared to other cars. The Tuscan S and Tamora are tested. One of them is a finalist. Read it to find out which one!

A comparison of the TVR Tuscan S vs the BMW M Coupe. A quote says it all: "...the uprated, 391 bhp straight six sounds like a wild animal. With ultra-direct steering and uncompromising suspension settings, Tuscan never givbes its driver a chance to relax, but nor will he get bored."

A committee of six (including TVR Chairman and Managing Director Peter Wheeler) test 19 sporty cars available in the UK and rate them according to being desirable drives. Both the new 160 MPH TVR Tamora (14th) and the TVR Tuscan S (8th) are tested. Summary: "Crude but fast -- real fast!) Both were beat by the new Mini!

An interesting, 5 page article about a Griffith 200. 8 full color photographs

The cover photo shows the new Tamora, Tuscan S and revised Chimaera and there are road tests of each of these inside followed by a two-page spread on the Tuscan's role in the new John Travolta movie "Swordfish".