The Stig on TVR
Discussion
You're taking it out of context like a tabloid newspaper!
He said that a 911 Carrera GT (cost when new in 2005 £321k. Value now £600k minimum) was the "greatest car" that he drove, and "such a rewarding car to drive", even if it was a real challenge". He talked about 2 spins where he was not expecting a car to spin, a "hair-trigger throttle". In summary, a pretty difficult car to drive fast, you might say. Not that anyone will, because like all such cars, they are a better investment product than a mode of transport.
He said that "the old-school TVR's were pretty terrible on track". "Really beguiling". He talked about effectively needing to brake early and use a lower turn in speed compared with other cars. That a TVR "always wanted to lock it's wheels" and "it always wanted to spin when you turned the steering wheel". "They were savage". "You kinda got used to it". "It's actually what TVR owners' love". "A bit frightening to drive". "Reminds you that you're alive". "I guess that's why they do it".
That's seems like a pretty fair assessment to me. He doesn't say which TVR's he means by old-school. He joined TG at the beginning of series 3 until series 15. I don't think he drove the Griffith/Chimaera/Cerbera. He drove the Tuscan 2 and the Sagaris and they were not quick around the track.
The Tuscan did it in 1:24.8. The Sagaris in 1:24.6. A Ferrari F430, launched at the same time as the Sagaris, did it in 1:22.9. A Corvette, also launched at the same time as the Sagaris, did it in 1:20.4 on a damp track.
He said that a 911 Carrera GT (cost when new in 2005 £321k. Value now £600k minimum) was the "greatest car" that he drove, and "such a rewarding car to drive", even if it was a real challenge". He talked about 2 spins where he was not expecting a car to spin, a "hair-trigger throttle". In summary, a pretty difficult car to drive fast, you might say. Not that anyone will, because like all such cars, they are a better investment product than a mode of transport.
He said that "the old-school TVR's were pretty terrible on track". "Really beguiling". He talked about effectively needing to brake early and use a lower turn in speed compared with other cars. That a TVR "always wanted to lock it's wheels" and "it always wanted to spin when you turned the steering wheel". "They were savage". "You kinda got used to it". "It's actually what TVR owners' love". "A bit frightening to drive". "Reminds you that you're alive". "I guess that's why they do it".
That's seems like a pretty fair assessment to me. He doesn't say which TVR's he means by old-school. He joined TG at the beginning of series 3 until series 15. I don't think he drove the Griffith/Chimaera/Cerbera. He drove the Tuscan 2 and the Sagaris and they were not quick around the track.
The Tuscan did it in 1:24.8. The Sagaris in 1:24.6. A Ferrari F430, launched at the same time as the Sagaris, did it in 1:22.9. A Corvette, also launched at the same time as the Sagaris, did it in 1:20.4 on a damp track.
"You're taking it out of context like a tabloid newspaper!"
No, there isn't any context issue to consider here. He is asked which was the worst car to drive around Dunsfold, and he names the old-school TVRs. He then goes on to explain his choice, and admit that other people may disagree ; but it's basically a straight answer to a straight question. No issue of context at all.
No, there isn't any context issue to consider here. He is asked which was the worst car to drive around Dunsfold, and he names the old-school TVRs. He then goes on to explain his choice, and admit that other people may disagree ; but it's basically a straight answer to a straight question. No issue of context at all.
Of course there is context, and of course it has been taken out of context. The original poster's comment is "clickbait" just like a tabloid. He said:
"Not sure he's going to win too many fans here".
Knowing full well that he doesn't slate the cars totally, and is also critical as to how hard the Porsche (which cost nearly 10 times as much to buy) was to drive around the airfield. Additionally, most TVR owners will care far more and be far more pleased about his other positive comments (which are set out in my earlier post) because they are the raison d'etre for buying a TVR, as Collins acknowledges, rather than how their car handles around an airfield that they are unlikely ever to drive on.
Once you highlight those comments, and don't just take the other comments out of context to create a "clickbait", there is no reason not to be a fan of what he said.
"Not sure he's going to win too many fans here".
Knowing full well that he doesn't slate the cars totally, and is also critical as to how hard the Porsche (which cost nearly 10 times as much to buy) was to drive around the airfield. Additionally, most TVR owners will care far more and be far more pleased about his other positive comments (which are set out in my earlier post) because they are the raison d'etre for buying a TVR, as Collins acknowledges, rather than how their car handles around an airfield that they are unlikely ever to drive on.
Once you highlight those comments, and don't just take the other comments out of context to create a "clickbait", there is no reason not to be a fan of what he said.
We all look at these cars with Rose tinted spectacles so many get their knickers in a twist when they hear comments like that.
It's no secret they are a handful best suited to cruising around listening to the noise and getting admiring glances.
Not many respected motoring journalists own Tvrs which may tell a story, I know Harry Metcalf owned a griff but sold it.
It's no secret they are a handful best suited to cruising around listening to the noise and getting admiring glances.
Not many respected motoring journalists own Tvrs which may tell a story, I know Harry Metcalf owned a griff but sold it.
Are his comments really a surprise.
A fully blown race driver is bound to get frustrated with a car that in essence was still using 1960’s tech.
Compared to modern tech and millions spent on development it’s the only conclusion you could make.
But then 99% of us are not 10/10ths race drivers so his comments though correct mean very little.
Do you think Joe Blogs would be able to drive the Porker anything like as fast as he could!
We are talking proper ragged edge on a massive wide smooth circuit.
The whole thing means little in the real world of driving for 99% of people who are not ragged edge race drivers.
Most of these cars would be half cooked with just one day in the hands of such violent people and need rebuilding.
It’s all nonsense to ask race drivers such questions because most of us will never drive a road car in such a way. The roads just don’t allow it.
A fully blown race driver is bound to get frustrated with a car that in essence was still using 1960’s tech.
Compared to modern tech and millions spent on development it’s the only conclusion you could make.
But then 99% of us are not 10/10ths race drivers so his comments though correct mean very little.
Do you think Joe Blogs would be able to drive the Porker anything like as fast as he could!
We are talking proper ragged edge on a massive wide smooth circuit.
The whole thing means little in the real world of driving for 99% of people who are not ragged edge race drivers.
Most of these cars would be half cooked with just one day in the hands of such violent people and need rebuilding.
It’s all nonsense to ask race drivers such questions because most of us will never drive a road car in such a way. The roads just don’t allow it.
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