Where to buy these days?

[greystone_way]

I'm looking for a near 25 year old Tuscan to take away to the states. I'm not afraid of tearing in to a car for repairs and maintenance but Tuscan parts will need to be acquired from UK so starting out with a well sorted car would be much preferred.

I'll be in UK later this summer and intend to visit Str8six, HPC and TVR 101, though I doubt I'll find what I'm looking for while I'm there, and I'd like to consider private sales as well. Ideally I'd find an independent expert to do a prepurchase inspection on a private sale car, are there any resources that you can recommend for inspections?

Pricing is all over the map so I still have a lot to learn.

Thanks.

[Let off some steam Bennett]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Cripes! Can colour really be a deciding factor amongst these cars? Hardly any were made, many have met the scrappy in the sky.

This car looks the dogs

Agreed 👍

[greystone_way]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Cripes! Can colour really be a deciding factor amongst these cars?

It's a toy car purchase, it's certainly going to be a color I enjoy. Fortunately they came in a rainbow of crazy combinations.

[Speed 3]

Mark @ Amore usually has a couple in. He sold my Tuscan for me, decent guy and can probably help with inspections too if you find a private one you like. There's a collaboration video on YT of a US guy (wears a crash helmet as his schtick) with a guy from a UK channel buying a white one I saw recently but can't find it in my history. That one was at Amore.

[mk1fan]

'Chrisfix in a TVR for the first time.' is the video. By Autoalex Cars.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

greystone_way said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Cripes! Can colour really be a deciding factor amongst these cars?

It's a toy car purchase, it's certainly going to be a color I enjoy. Fortunately they came in a rainbow of crazy combinations.

First rule of buying a TVR, buy on condition first, anything else second

[craigjm]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

greystone_way said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Cripes! Can colour really be a deciding factor amongst these cars?

It's a toy car purchase, it's certainly going to be a color I enjoy. Fortunately they came in a rainbow of crazy combinations.

First rule of buying a TVR, buy on condition first, anything else second

First rule of buying any older car

[greystone_way]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

First rule of buying a TVR, buy on condition first, anything else second

There are a lot of good looking examples for sale, why would anyone buy a color they don't like?

[greystone_way]

Speed 3 said:

Mark @ Amore usually has a couple in. He sold my Tuscan for me, decent guy and can probably help with inspections too if you find a private one you like. There's a collaboration video on YT of a US guy (wears a crash helmet as his schtick) with a guy from a UK channel buying a white one I saw recently but can't find it in my history. That one was at Amore.

Thanks for the recommendation. I watched the Chris Fix video, the helmet thing is a bit odd. The project car he bought would be great if I were in the UK with easy access to parts.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

greystone_way said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

First rule of buying a TVR, buy on condition first, anything else second

There are a lot of good looking examples for sale, why would anyone buy a color they don't like?

Fair point

[Granturadriver]

15 years ago I commissioned Rob Ingleby, an independent specialist, to carry out a TVR check, he was very good, had a lot of experience and therefore good judgement. He was very helpful. However, as far as I know, he is no longer active.
http://findasportscar.co.uk/

I have saved this contact, but have not yet worked with him, so have no further experience: https://www.sportscarinspections.co.uk/

[greystone_way]

Granturadriver said:

15 years ago I commissioned Rob Ingleby,

Much appreciated!

[DartyBistard]

Has Racing Green shut up shop? I remember they were big players in the TVR sales and service game but they seem to have vanished without a trace.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

DartyBistard said:

Has Racing Green shut up shop? I remember they were big players in the TVR sales and service game but they seem to have vanished without a trace.

I might remember wrongly, but wasn't there a scandal about them some years ago? (I might be thinking of some other Hampshire based outfit)

[Speed 3]

Didn't they sell out their parts business to the new TVR when they were trying to set up a new network for the newco, looks like they bought it back though and then sold to Motaclan in 2022. Think they may have got out of TVR car sales at the same time as selling the original parts business.

Not sure what position that puts owners of FFF head cars now ? Motaclan don't seem to stock anything for that now, dunno who now owns the design/manufacturing rights

Edited by Speed 3 on Monday 21st July 19:30

[OchAye74]

DartyBistard said:

Has Racing Green shut up shop? I remember they were big players in the TVR sales and service game but they seem to have vanished without a trace.

I think they were bought out by Motoclan.

[breezer42]

Buy mine! You won't find a more comprehensive listing anywhere (which will help given you're remote), and it's had a lot of spend on proper maintenance - I moved servicing to Hilton and Moss for 2023 and 2024 annual services and it's been painfully expensive but worth it as they REALLY know their stuff!

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/tvr/2002-tv...

[sixor8]

I had noticed that in the auctions. Is the engine original? Being a 2002 car, it should have had the required remedies at manufacture perhaps.

[Speed 3]

sixor8 said:

I had noticed that in the auctions. Is the engine original? Being a 2002 car, it should have had the required remedies at manufacture perhaps.

Also too young to import into the US until 2027.....

[breezer42]

sixor8 said:

I had noticed that in the auctions. Is the engine original? Being a 2002 car, it should have had the required remedies at manufacture perhaps.

It hasn't, as there's never been any sign it needs it. I've kept the clearances well adjusted and it sounds and feels as smooth as when I got it, and as good as any Speed Six I've been in.