Holden, a 4 door TVR?

[sjc]

After becoming a parent and 4 TVRs its time for a change. I've test drove most supposed performance cars with seats in the back (i.e. M5, 3200GT, CLK55AMG, XJR /XKR, etc. )and the only thing that appears to be any where near the driving experience and noise of a Tiv is a Holden GTS. Any info (good or bad )would be much appreciated in helping me make a decision.

[Marshy]

Just don't even think of comparing it to a Vauxhall Omega. They're not the same at all. Oh no, not one little bit. According to Holden, anyway. (Still, I want one...)

[sjc]

Marshy, I know of the Omega connection but as far as I'm aware TWR/HSV take them apart and rebuild them to the point that you'd hardly recognise it. Having driven a GTS I'm so impressed. Reasonably quick,terrific handling, lovely noise, (4) great seats and a bit different too. Dare I say it seems well put together as well? I'm going to try a GTS-R as well before I commit. Shame after 4 TVR,s the factory weren't interested in my Tuscan problems as I would have bought a Cerby 4.5. Yet another loyal customer gone for good. Still, any other info on Holden appreciated, cheers.

[sjc]

Thanks Mungo, I need to hear things like that to convince me!. I haven't a clue if resale value will be good or bad but on the assumption I might keep it longer than usual (i.e. maybe 4 years or so) it shouldn't be too much to worry about. I'm driving a GTS-R tomorrow so that should settle it one way or another. Autocar's long term test of the GTS was reassuring so that helps. Thanks for the vote of confidence . Cheers

[Bruce Fielding]

Why not go for the 'real thing' and get a Lotus Carlton - secondhand values aren't falling very much now, and they are the ultimate (I had two before switching to a Griff 500 last year and wished I bought a third!). And a child seat fits neatly in the back, too - apparently. Just test drive one and if you're not sold, on it, I'll eat my... er... cake.

Edited by Bruce Fielding on Wednesday 10th October 17:44

Edited by Bruce Fielding on Wednesday 10th October 17:45

[TVRFan]

Im an Aussie, and just by chance my step-brother works at HSV in Melbourne, helping design bits of the cars. He went wild when I told him I bought a TVR and had to show all his work colleagues about my car. So they are definitely big fans of TVRs too!

I went for a look at the factory once, and they are definitely not the same car that comes into their plant when they leave. It is not just the odd add on on the outside, but certainly under the cover and the suspension and brakes etc.
All I can say, is I would love to see more of them on the road here, so GO FOR IT (their saying is: I just want one!)

For me, I will keep my TVR, because Im afraid my wife DOES think it looks too much like a Vauxhall or Opel.....

[sjc]

Well, I've done it! Bought a new GTS-R and pick it up tomorrow (thursday). Can't bloody wait. One of only fifteen in the U.K. apparently. Have dug up some roadtests and it seems to get pretty good reviews so coupled with the test drives, the favourable comments here and a couple of long chats with the importer to put my mind at rest on a couple of things I've taken the plunge. Thanks to all who posted and any more info always welcome.

[realdriver]

There will be another car that could compete (we hope). It's the MG ZT 385. That car will certainly shift.

[sjc]

Realdriver, my (excellent) TVR dealer Kerridges is also an MG dealer and I tried a ZT190 and was really impressed but wanted more power. As I understand it the 260 will be out in the spring and the 375 later in the year but I didn't want to wait that long. They will be terrific if the ZT190 was anything to go by. Mungo thanks for your encouragement, first impressions on the drive back have convinced me I did the right thing in buying it.

[Captain Chaos]

I was out in Aus on business recently and a dealer let me loose in one. Opinion - The dogs danglies!