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.

[so called]

I think that there were a few more Tuscan S Convertibles built than you think.
I believe as many as 45.
I think 47 standard.

See - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...

The car you've linked looks great and don't think a bad price.
Mine is a non S 2006 that I bought in 2009.
I've now got ca., 85k miles on the clock and was offered £40k last year from a Canadian fan.

For info, The 2005 and 2006 cars have good build quality, engines are sound and they are great to drive.
I love mine.

Edited by so called on Tuesday 16th February 12:30

[glow worm]

Tuscan convertible is a good choice, I say that because I've owned mine from new, personally factory spec'd in April 2006.

Best info is on the WIKIs I maintain on here :-

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

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...

I reckon 47 Standard 4 litre and 45 'S' specs have been made.
All convertibles have wavey dashes, early 2004/5 Tuscan MK2 (3.6 & 4 Litre)Targas had the "Baboons Bum" dash but from Jan'06 Targas adopted the wavey dash (then the factory workers started calling it the MK3 although never official launched as the MK3 Targa)
Convertibles have always attracted higher values than the Targas . I would like to think a sub 25k mile car in excellent condition should be in the £50k region . A fully spec'd S convertible was the same list price as a Sagaris in 2006 , so even at £50k is still a bargain .

I think the car you are looking at was Retrowheels some years ago and it was retrimmed magnolia from the original Black 2006 car VIN 1047 .

Heath @Xworks keeps his Tuscan in a shipping container , in fact it fitted mine in aswell for awhile a few years ago.

Edited by glow worm on Tuesday 16th February 11:55

[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.

[PhilF329]

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!

[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?

[Gladers01]

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!

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

[PhilF329]

I haven't viewed the car - just saw the tyre date code in the pics.

You'll find loads of posts on here about chassis corrosion that will frighten you. IMO you need to be realistic and accept there is some risk buying a car that is 15 to 20 years old

[Getsis]

Go view as many cars as you can private as well as dealers. as long as it has excellent service history from the usual garages you should be fine whichever way you go.

Also drive the S and Non S, you might find the CR box a pain in urban traffic. great for track days but normal use I hated it. I doubt you will notice any difference in performance on a test drive though.

Edited by Getsis on Tuesday 16th February 13:32

[PhilF329]

Yes, some of the Targa cars do look great - I just prefer the full convertible

[Jurgen Schmidt]

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

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

[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.

[glow worm]

Beware of non S cars made to look like 'S's ....Front Splitters added, Badges changed and cam covers painted red

[so called]

glow worm said:

Beware of non S cars made to look like 'S's ....Front Splitters added, Badges changed and cam covers painted red

My non-S has front splitters.
I had them fitted as I found it a little unstable on the autobahn. The splitters made a BIG difference.
I also upgraded to the large front discs.
I wouldn't change the badge, its not an S and I'm not a sad brd.

[glow worm]

so called said:

My non-S has front splitters.
I had them fitted as I found it a little unstable on the autobahn. The splitters made a BIG difference.
I also upgraded to the large front discs.
I wouldn't change the badge, its not an S and I'm not a sad brd.

I don't think it's question of being a sad bd..I think it's done to attact the £10k premium that an "S" Pack cost in 2006

[S6 ROR]

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

[anonymous-user]

I had a 2008 registered non S convertible. 3.7 diff and CR gearbox I fitted. Many late S cars were reputed to have CR box but never did.
Went big brakes and bilstein shocks valved as a Sagaris with Sagaris spring rates. Fabulous drivers car, just couldn’t live with the poor build quality and eventually sold it. Mistake, should have persevered.

[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

[anonymous-user]

PhilF329 said:

I haven't viewed the car - just saw the tyre date code in the pics.

You'll find loads of posts on here about chassis corrosion that will frighten you. IMO you need to be realistic and accept there is some risk buying a car that is 15 to 20 years old

at 50k there shouldn’t be any risk associated with chassis corrosion.

[glow worm]

TVRMs said:

I had a 2008 registered non S convertible. 3.7 diff and CR gearbox I fitted. Many late S cars were reputed to have CR box but never did.
Went big brakes and bilstein shocks valved as a Sagaris with Sagaris spring rates. Fabulous drivers car, just couldn’t live with the poor build quality and eventually sold it. Mistake, should have persevered.

John, I'm pleased to hear you say that "mate".. I know you are a perfectionist , Keith
I hope you and Linda are keeping well in these difficult times.