Back in the game (MK3 Tuscan)
Discussion
So I posted the other day and it was removed, not too sure what I did wrong... I will tread carefully.
As some of you already know, I am coming back to the fold in the shape of a MK3 (wavy dash) Tuscan (final decision on car asap). I had a Chimaera 4.0 from 2010 to 2016 which I should never have sold. New Mustang GT followed but never truly replaced the TVR really.
My question is on the MK2 Wavy Targa (so MK3?) v Tuscan Convertible. For usability how do people most frequently use their Tuscan roof? With the Chimp I drove a lot with the targa off, but windows and back screen up, folded down visibility was impacted. I will plan to use 99% in the dry, but does the hard targa lend itself to more year round use? I have to admit I find the convertible a bit ugly roof up, sits a bit too high.
Also, in terms of faff with the boot, is it the case that you just get used to what you have, or do all targa owners panic about the paintwork when in the boot, it all looked quite stressful to me! Can you get the panel in the boot vertically, or does it have to sit to the top horizontally? I know the convertible can be put in either way with the former way being like the Chimaera and thus easier to still use the boot.
Pleased to see the community is still going strong on here! Thanks for any help!
Russell
As some of you already know, I am coming back to the fold in the shape of a MK3 (wavy dash) Tuscan (final decision on car asap). I had a Chimaera 4.0 from 2010 to 2016 which I should never have sold. New Mustang GT followed but never truly replaced the TVR really.
My question is on the MK2 Wavy Targa (so MK3?) v Tuscan Convertible. For usability how do people most frequently use their Tuscan roof? With the Chimp I drove a lot with the targa off, but windows and back screen up, folded down visibility was impacted. I will plan to use 99% in the dry, but does the hard targa lend itself to more year round use? I have to admit I find the convertible a bit ugly roof up, sits a bit too high.
Also, in terms of faff with the boot, is it the case that you just get used to what you have, or do all targa owners panic about the paintwork when in the boot, it all looked quite stressful to me! Can you get the panel in the boot vertically, or does it have to sit to the top horizontally? I know the convertible can be put in either way with the former way being like the Chimaera and thus easier to still use the boot.
Pleased to see the community is still going strong on here! Thanks for any help!
Russell
Good Choice and you seem better informed than a lot of dealers ...I see AMORE have a MK2 Convertible 3.6 for sale , it's really a MK2 Targa (there were NO 3.6 convertibles all 4 Std or 4 Litre S) with the Baboons Bum Dash and James Agger has a MK3 Convertible with a wavey dash which of course is just a Convertible and ALL convertibles have a wavey dash (only Targas after 1st Jan'06 adopted the convertible dash).
I ordered my vert from the factory in Jan'06 and took delivery Apr'06 and I still love it. Roof off back screen down is it's "prettiest" configuration ... I only leave the back screen up if it's cold and I don't want to damage the visqueen (I've heard people say it's pram like
) . Roof on is OK, although it is curved and still higher than a Chim, but gives more headroom. Other difference is roof stores flat in the boot rather than upright in the Chim ( both ways have pros and cons) .
Your choice of cars will be very limited (23 sold) with Wavey Dash Targas , whereas you would expect more verts (92 ...47 4 litre std 45 4litre S) . I don't know how many of the 23 wavey dash targas were "S" , but I would imagine most because built from jan'06-jun'06. Good luck with your hunt.
PS I call them MK2 Targas to differentiate ... officially they are TUSCAN MK2s and a Convertible is just a TUSCAN CONVERTIBLE
I ordered my vert from the factory in Jan'06 and took delivery Apr'06 and I still love it. Roof off back screen down is it's "prettiest" configuration ... I only leave the back screen up if it's cold and I don't want to damage the visqueen (I've heard people say it's pram like
) . Roof on is OK, although it is curved and still higher than a Chim, but gives more headroom. Other difference is roof stores flat in the boot rather than upright in the Chim ( both ways have pros and cons) .Your choice of cars will be very limited (23 sold) with Wavey Dash Targas , whereas you would expect more verts (92 ...47 4 litre std 45 4litre S) . I don't know how many of the 23 wavey dash targas were "S" , but I would imagine most because built from jan'06-jun'06. Good luck with your hunt.
PS I call them MK2 Targas to differentiate ... officially they are TUSCAN MK2s and a Convertible is just a TUSCAN CONVERTIBLE
Edited by glow worm on Wednesday 7th April 14:09
Thanks Glow Worm for the feedback, awesome that you ordered from new and still have the car - your garage looks great. Indeed a rare group of cars and not many to choose from, I am therefore trying to see most of them. My plan is to learn from before (selling the Chimp) and buy to keep plus Dom (powers performance) is just up the road to keep things running...
There was actually, officially, no such thing as a “MK3” Tuscan, despite what dealers or any contributors on here might say. They were simply MK2 Tuscan targas, the very last of which fitted with the wavy dash as per all Tuscan convertibles. These were given the nickname of MK3s by some dealers to differentiate.
I do agree with you that the Targa is a much prettier car than the convertible, which looks decidedly strange viewed from side on with the roof up.
I do agree with you that the Targa is a much prettier car than the convertible, which looks decidedly strange viewed from side on with the roof up.
it was actually the factory staff who referred to the later convertible dash as the MK3 dash when fitted to the MK2 Tuscans.
Other point of interest TVR never did issue a handbook for either the Convertible or the wavey dash MK2s , hence Phil Tudhopes dash controls documentation and the fuseboard layout on here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...
Since TVR couldn't get the electric retractable roof to work reliably , I think the roof was a last minute compromise since the launch was already late.
Other point of interest TVR never did issue a handbook for either the Convertible or the wavey dash MK2s , hence Phil Tudhopes dash controls documentation and the fuseboard layout on here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...
Since TVR couldn't get the electric retractable roof to work reliably , I think the roof was a last minute compromise since the launch was already late.
Edited by glow worm on Wednesday 7th April 23:03
I have a MK3 Targa S (I was told there were 16 S's made but that may have been dealer / sales guff!) I've had it years and love it despite hardly using it! Roof up is lovely, looks and comfort wise but I don't think I've ever taken the roof off and put it in the boot purely for fear of damaging it, it's a dry day car only so the roof gets left at home. It's also in reflex charcoal so any damage is gonna be v expensive and a right pain to fix! 
I used to enjoy driving my Tuscan with the screen out and roof on. You could have the windows open and no draught inside the cockpit. It was a really pleasant place to be.
Never had an issue with the roof stored in the boot and I feel a much better way to store it rather than the vertical aspect used in most other TVR convertibles. If you feel you are at risk of chipping the paint then you can always lay a towel over it, obviously with a Union flag!
Never had an issue with the roof stored in the boot and I feel a much better way to store it rather than the vertical aspect used in most other TVR convertibles. If you feel you are at risk of chipping the paint then you can always lay a towel over it, obviously with a Union flag!
Cats said:
I used to enjoy driving my Tuscan with the screen out and roof on.
Do you not have it anymore? Sounds like a good level of flexibility, I am sold on the targa. I have reserved one now and will make the final check this week. Hope to realise a dream which started when I was 18!
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