Decisions Decisions ??? Ferrari Or Tuscan

[kds keltec]

Hi guys,

I don’t post in the Tuscan section much, but lurk a lot in here.

In fact lurking in here is how I come to own a Tuscan
So I have a dilemma.

Some may know of me and my company and what we do but many wont I guess?

I got a lovely Tuscan (owned by PH’er, lovely genuine guy too )
I bought the Tuscan exactly 4 years ago today 21st September 2009, after spotting it on PH classifieds, and then reading the owners posts about how much he loved the car.

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

The quote “In the 3 years I have spent a small fortune replacing pretty much everything (apart from the chasis!). The paint job is the icing on the cake, it is now a new car in body, trim and mechanicals if not in reg!”

Is what caught my eye?

Then when I viewed the car it came up to what was advertised and owners posts and threads, so buy it I did.

Since buying the Tuscan it went through a 2 years restoration (by me at my workshop) to finish the last little things to compliment all the money the previous owner had spent on her.

This was finished some 2 years ago.

Here is my Dilemma

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

Once you view the links to the Tuscan in the thread you will see it would be extremely difficult to find a better car, this was confirmed by RG who even admitted the paint work and finish is far better than they could achieve when I was enquiring about the cars history.

NOW I don’t use it much apart from the odd show.
I don’t need the money but seems a waste too now it’s all finished and not getting used as much as it should.
But I have always wanted a Ferrari F355.

So my trade leads me into meeting many owners or lovely cars off all types,




I have many Ferrari F355 customers too.

Some of which have viewed the thread on their own accord, then I get an email through from one such owner who knows me well

Quote

"The 328 would feel very slow by comparison to your TVR, as would the 355" ,,,,,

"The other thing with Ferraris is that there are always little niggles with them",,,,,

"Ferraris will bring lots of joy and sometimes a little frustration too

Nice decision for you to have but seeing the info on your TVR I wonder if you'd be losing something special you've created"

I know no-one but me can answer the questions.

But I just don’t know what to do at present?????

I liked the idea of the 348 in the thread due to being unusual and rare and a project to get my teeth into (it’s had a deposit put down on the car now) , so brought me back to a 355 that I have an itch for that wont go away (even had a silly dream about a 355 last night)

I can’t help thinking that I would end up with a car that’s at least twice the cost , wont be anywhere near as sorted a car and does nothing more than the Tuscan already does well?????

yes nice problem to have, but need help.

anyone owned a TVR and a ferrari?? gone from one to the other ??

The tuscan is a rarer car too !!!!

regards kelly

Edited by kds keltec on Saturday 21st September 10:37

Edited by kds keltec on Saturday 21st September 10:43

[330p4]

Kelly I sympathise with your situation I think everyone has that moment when they want to own a Ferrari the parts costs and reliability are a turn off but then again the Tuscan does not have the best reputation. The real killer for me is I am concerned I would miss the performance of the Tuscan as I don't think anything short of a 430 would keep up with it. If the Tuscan was an average example you could sell the Ferrari and buy another Tuscan if you did not like it your problem is you will not find one in the same condition. Depends where you drive it I suppose I do a lot of B road work and the Ferrari would be too wide for this !
Ian

[mikial]

I had a 500 Griffith and a 360 at the same time, I had tested both the 355 and the 360 preferring the latter. , I never gelled with the 360 so it was traded against an AMG SL 55 which I enjoyed immensely.
In retrospect I wish I had chosen the 355 .
Of all the cars I owned over the years, the Griffith is fondly remembered and the last car I sold before leaving the UK ..

[nawarne]

I have the ideal petrolheads job (in retirement) - I deliver/collect Ferrari and Maserati for a main dealership.

Recently, I've driven a 328 a 355, 360 and 430 and a 458...plus a couple of Maser QP's and G.Sports.

The 328 was quite underwhelming - ghastly driving position, not very 'special' cabin and almost sluggish...I know, a car from a different era even when compared to my 1st TVR, a V8S.
The 355 and 360 were OK but the Tuscan is much more of an event to drive....and dare I say it, probably quicker too. The 360 interior was IMHO, less well finished than any of the TVR's I've owned.

The 430 and 458....now these are competent motor cars, fit and finish is good and even driving at 'town' speeds are very relaxed in both driveline and chassis.

My 2p's worth anyway!
Nick

[TravelsVeryRapid]

Funnily enough I have the same dilemma, I have a Tuscan I bought three and a half years ago. Haven't done any work on it myself as I bought it in good condition, but to own a Ferrari to me has always been my holy grail. Trouble is I don't want to sell the Tuscan and I already have three cars so I can't justify another. From what I have read I am not sure a Ferrari 360( the one I would go for) would be that much better, and when you consider the price difference the two cars shouldn't even be compared.

[GTrr]

Depends on what Ferrari and what Tuscan:

I'd chose a 355 or a 360 over a MkI Tuscan.
I'd chose a MKII Tuscan S over a 355 or 360.
And I'd prefer a 430 over any of them.

[Walford]

GTrr said:

Depends on what Ferrari and what Tuscan:

I'd chose a 355 or a 360 over a MkI Tuscan.
I'd chose a MKII Tuscan S over a 355 or 360.
And I'd prefer a 430 over any of them.

What is it that makes the Mk11 S so much better
(a lot of Mk1 cars have Nitrons and bigger HP engines now)

[GTrr]

handling and built quality, very close to the Sag.

forgot to add: budget wise the Tuscan is of course WAY cheaper than any of the Ferrari's so hard to compare.

(of course if you upgrade the Tuscan like you have it becomes a very different car but you double the price.)

Edited by GTrr on Saturday 21st September 15:45

[kds keltec]

GTrr said:

handling and built quality, very close to the Sag.

forgot to add: budget wise the Tuscan is of course WAY cheaper than any of the Ferrari's so hard to compare.

(of course if you upgrade the Tuscan like you have it becomes a very different car but you double the price.)

Edited by GTrr on Saturday 21st September 15:45

thus my dilemma, my Mk1 has has everything possible to help it out with regards to better handling,
Nitrons KW2's,good quality tyres (new) all new joints and bushes,adjustable anti roll bars ends ,(forgot to type this on the thread in the ferrari section) more so the steering rack height adjustment been done and new rose joints rod ends to solve bump steer on the MK1 (makes the track arms sit level at lowered ride height) , plus the thin wheel spacers.
I would suggest the only possible thing that left to my car would be to fit front splitter from "S" model .

Guys thanks for the replies so far

it all helps and some interesting comments so far.

Buy/PX and cash on a ferrari would mean to start over again with getting the correct car up to my standards,but this does not worry me or put me off as i enjoy the rebuild restoration side of things.

this quote is running through my head a lot and hit the nail on the head.

" If the Tuscan was an average example you could sell the Ferrari and buy another Tuscan if you did not like it your problem is you will not find one in the same condition"

I would not be in a position to have a ferrari and TVR in fact i have 6 cars and trying to condense down a bit too.

kelly

Edited by kds keltec on Saturday 21st September 16:50

[kds keltec]

GTrr said:

handling and built quality, very close to the Sag.

forgot to add: budget wise the Tuscan is of course WAY cheaper than any of the Ferrari's so hard to compare.

(of course if you upgrade the Tuscan like you have it becomes a very different car but you double the price.)

Edited by GTrr on Saturday 21st September 15:45

thus my dilemma, my Mk1 has has everything possible to help it out with regards to better handling,
Nitrons KW2's,good quality tyres (new) all new joints and bushes,adjustable anti roll bars ends ,(forgot to type this on the thread in the ferrari section) more so the steering rack height adjustment been done and new rose joints rod ends to solve bump steer on the MK1 (makes the track arms sit level at lowered ride height) , plus the thin wheel spacers.
I would suggest the only possible thing that left to my car would be to fit front splitter from "S" model .

Guys thanks for the replies so far

it all helps and some interesting comments so far.

Buy/PX and cash on a ferrari would mean to start over again with getting the correct car up to my standards,but this does not worry me or put me off as i enjoy the rebuild restoration side of things.

this quote is running through my head a lot and hit the nail on the head.

" If the Tuscan was an average example you could sell the Ferrari and buy another Tuscan if you did not like it your problem is you will not find one in the same condition"

I would not be in a position to have a ferrari and TVR in fact i have 6 cars and trying to condense down a bit too.

kelly

Edited by kds keltec on Saturday 21st September 16:57

[QBee]

One of our number has a Sagaris and an F430.
Bring your Tuscan to Thunder in the Tunnels next Saturday morning, let us all drool over it, listen to it and admire it, and when you get a moment have a good chat with the lovely, quiet guy in the F430. His Sagaris is awaiting a new radiator, so he's coming in his other car. He will help you with the decision I am sure.
See the thread in TVR Meetings and Events for more details, or just haul ass down to the Ace Cafe, North Circular, London NW10 for 0600 on Saturday 28th September and make a load of new friends and enjoy a run around the landmarks and tunnels of central London.

[Tuscanuwe]

2 big inspections with cam belt change (engine out job)for an older Ferrari are approx equal to the costs of a 4.3 Tuscan engine!.

One fuel pump for a 412 Ferrari costs approx 3500 Pounds, and this car has 2 pumps mounted!

I think you can run 2 Tuscans for the costs of 1 Ferrari if correct maintened!

Uwe

[GTrr]

Tuscanuwe said:

2 big inspections with cam belt change (engine out job)for an older Ferrari are approx equal to the costs of a 4.3 Tuscan engine!.

One fuel pump for a 412 Ferrari costs approx 3500 Pounds, and this car has 2 pumps mounted!

I think you can run 2 Tuscans for the costs of 1 Ferrari if correct maintened!

Uwe

very true ! (430 isn't an engine out job anymore)

[Noisy]

I love the 355, but was a little disappointed when I was lucky enough to be lent one for a couple of weeks. Sound was amazing, but the acceleration wasn't quite on par with the TVR, the steering wasn't as sharp as a TVR and all the plastic switches and heater vents lacked the special touches you get in the Tuscan, I had always wanted one, but now think it would need to be in addition to the TVR and I'm not that lucky.

[kds keltec]

Tuscanuwe said:

2 big inspections with cam belt change (engine out job)for an older Ferrari are approx equal to the costs of a 4.3 Tuscan engine!.

One fuel pump for a 412 Ferrari costs approx 3500 Pounds, and this car has 2 pumps mounted!

I think you can run 2 Tuscans for the costs of 1 Ferrari if correct maintened!

Uwe

Good point thats got to be taken into consideration.

I have worked on many cars all makes and variations.

Example from a few years back

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...

Even get involved with the larger mechanical work on ferrari's.

Ferrari 512tr engine removal.
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...

Ferrari 550 full mechanical work

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...


Not limited to just ferrari's either

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...


Qbee I will see what I can do , Saturday's are drop off and collection for most customers and I have a group training day on the sunday so need to prepare for that too.

Noisy I actually know of you and your car (wilton house) again interesting comments..
Only yesterday I was talking at length with organiser of wilton house on what to do?
Then we spoke about the 355 F1 gearbox problem can cost 10k which could buy me a 4.3 engine FITTED , jay replied you could buy another tatty tuscan for that single repair.

I also recently dealt with a 412 restoration so know how expensive and hard the parts can be to obtain.

Funny enough the only other ferrari that I would consider (need to sell the other cars to) would be a 430.

One thing is the tvr gets a very bad reputation keeping resell prices low for such a great car , when some other brands are not much better.

I work on all these cars but dont get to drive them and own them so I only see it from the other side of the owner's view point.

Kelly

[Walford]

Hopefully this thread will get you enuf work to buy a Ferrari

.

[slippery]

TVRs are a special breed and if you forgive their foibles, you certainly have to spend a hell of a lot more money to fins something that feels as special.

[Noisy]

kds keltec said:

Noisy I actually know of you and your car (wilton house) again interesting comments..
Only yesterday I was talking at length with organiser of wilton house on what to do?
Then we spoke about the 355 F1 gearbox problem can cost 10k which could buy me a 4.3 engine FITTED , jay replied you could buy another tatty tuscan for that single repair.

You could also try and find a tatty 355, I was offered one middle of last year with a broken clutch and needed a tidy up of the paint and interior, maybe worth speaking to the local specialists and mention you are in the market for one, that way you could spend a little time getting it up to your standard without parting with the Tuscan, once it's all finished then you can decide which to keep.

[kds keltec]

Noisy said:

You could also try and find a tatty 355, I was offered one middle of last year with a broken clutch and needed a tidy up of the paint and interior, maybe worth speaking to the local specialists and mention you are in the market for one, that way you could spend a little time getting it up to your standard without parting with the Tuscan, once it's all finished then you can decide which to keep.

Very valid idea that, assumed it would be rare to find such a car and I guess they go under the radar when they pop up

Ps you would be driving very close by to travel to France tomorrow if you find brake pads I can fit them first thing on route

Kelly

[Allandwf]

I went from Cerbera to Mk1 Tuscan, now on an Assetto Corsa Maserati 3200 , hopefully, on my way to a 348. For me the Tuscan was too, normal, if that maked sense. Was totally reliable, quick, and easy to drive, but lacked something the Cerbera had, and also the Assetto.