The TVR Centre, Barnet

[Chris71]

...are they still going?

I lived near there as a small kid and was always looking for an excuse to go round. Now I'm moving back to the area they're probably going to be my nearest specialist.

[coetzeeh]

They are indeed - getting good reports from people who use them.

[BigJL]

Yeah, got my car from them just over a month ago. Very good guys that I'd definitely recommend - they're now called Trimar Sports Cars though.

[Mikeybv8]

Thoroughly recommend them.

[Gooner]

They are still in the same place, with the same sign, but its a different company now, Trimar I think. They've got Morgans and Nobles as well. Looked as busy as ever this morning.

[Chris71]

Interesting. I haven't been there since I was about 8 (my dad's a long-time TVR owner too and it was the coolest place in the world at that age) and now I've just moved to North London.

Didn't it use to be John Britten Sportscars or something (even further back), or is that a different place?

[pkitchen]

Have used them for a couple of years now and have been impressed. Martin has bought out the business and it has a very hands on feel. I find the quality of their work very good and they can't do enough to help. Always good for a cup of coffee and a chat too. I am very happy to recommend them.

Edited by pkitchen on Monday 28th April 15:44

[Terminator]

Chris71 said:

Didn't it use to be John Britten Sportscars or something (even further back), or is that a different place?

Yep, was John Britten's until 1983 when Giles aquired the dealership and changed the name to the TVR Centre. I'm told that John Britten still owns the freehold, and Chris Alford, who was Sales Director at JBs and sold me my first TVR in 1980, is now a senior instructor at Silverstone.

[Chris71]

Terminator said:

Chris71 said:

Didn't it use to be John Britten Sportscars or something (even further back), or is that a different place?

Yep, was John Britten's until 1983 when Giles aquired the dealership and changed the name to the TVR Centre. I'm told that John Britten still owns the freehold, and Chris Alford, who was Sales Director at JBs and sold me my first TVR in 1980, is now a senior instructor at Silverstone.

Didn't Chris Alford use to race a 1600M? I vaguely remember hearing he competed in a production sports car series of some description and won something like 17 out of 19 races competing against much more expensive machinery.

Little before my time you understand, but the name rings a bell.

My dad bought his first TVR off them in 1972 (thought to be the last kit TVR ever sold...)

[Dave_M]

In the 70s I drove down to them and sold them a maroon TVR (OAD 831M). Had a really sad trip back - then a blast in my other M (TVR 91). Those were the days

[Caspian]

Sorry to be churlish guys but my Tamora was not happy when it camne out of Trimar after it's service. (And yes it used to be Brittens!)
Pulled on to the A1 to head home keeping to no more than 2000 and speedo was registering about half the speed I knew I was going. So got the M25 jct at South Mymms, pulled off and went straight back to Arkley. Turned out that the speedo fault had not been noticed on test prior to returning the car to me.
Then, once it was corrected, I gave it some welly pulling on to the M4 at Newbury off the A34 and there was a terrific amount of vibration thru the front wheels. So, back we went again to have that sorted.
If you've paid £800 for a service, I think there's a reasonable expectation that this stuff is sorted before you get the car back.
And for those of you who use the A41, watch out for the camera van in the lay-by after College Road coming down from Tring to the Aston Clinton roundabout. I was locked in a gaggle of about 8 cars at the time so no problem but watch out if it's a clear day....
Caspian

[maddog-uk]

For me they are outstanding. I have used them since the day I ordered the car, and I can not fault the new team. Sorry to hear of your personal experience and I am sure all 3 of the owners would be very interested in your feedback.

On another note have joined the TVR Tamora register (www.tvrtamora.com)! I am slowly tracking down all the cars!