It would be fair to say that the future of TVR doesn’t look all that rosy. The optimism and excitement around the 2017 rebirth now seem like very distant memories. With the exclusive rights to the Ebbw Vale factory now lost, it’s hard to see how the 'new' Griffith would ever reach production; frankly, too much time has passed and too much has changed since that grand reveal at the Goodwood Revival almost seven years ago anyway. Pity - there’s no sports car brand we’d like to see succeed more. But the cookie, you suspect, has long since crumbled.
On the other hand, what’s looking better by the day is the lineup of old TVRs. Cars that were designed as the raw, unfiltered, exhilarating alternative to the norm were exciting back when everything on wheels was a bit more fun; they appeal more than ever in an increasingly stale modern world. Imagine how thrilling a sports car legendary for its atavistic nature is going to feel at a time of boost buttons, brake by wire and sound augmentation?
TVR certainly saved the best until last, the final Tuscans and the Sagaris renowned as the most sorted sports cars to ever leave Blackpool - with prices now reflecting that. The Sagaris in particular feels like a classic case of what might have been; an entire lineup that looked as incredible and drove as well as the 2005-06 flagship would have been something very special indeed.
Almost 20 years on, nothing draws a crowd in the UK quite like a Sagaris. In any colour, the dramatic slashes to the bonnet, the superbike cans for exhausts and race car ride height ensured drama above and beyond even TVR's default level. For a long time, the cars had been embarrassing supercars with their performance - the Sagaris actually looked like it deserved a place among the world's exotica.
On PH right now there are Sagarises in blue, yellow, red, orange… but only one in Spectraflair Copper. Indeed this is the only Sagaris in this colour ever made, a fact apparently verified by the factory, which is cool. As with so many of these flip paints, it’s a colour that works best in sunlight, so there’d be no excuse to have it tucked away in a garage over the summer. The Copper is paired with a stunning interior combination of Saddle and Biscuit leather with Oatmeal carpets; sounds more Jag XKR than TVR, but it works alright.
This Sagaris holds additional appeal as a car from the factory with the close ratio gearbox, which ought to make acceleration from the 400hp straight six even more vivid, and low mileage of just 13,250. It’s being sold by a serial TVR owner (they do tend to get under your skin, right?) who reckons it may well be the best one he’s had - thanks in part to a proper geo set-up.
It's being sold with a full service history, the factory build sheet, two keys and every single bill in chronological order. You don’t tend to find TVRs that haven’t been loved these days, especially now they’re all worth a little bit more money, though the dedication and affection on show here is considerable. The bad points extend to a couple of small marks on the wheels that have been filled in (tell us when you see them) and some microblistering on the roof, which is said to be common. In short, this Sagaris looks an absolute stunner.
Because of that condition, and the mileage, this is one of the more expensive Sags on TVR currently, at £80k. (One is for sale at more than £90,000.) But the fact there isn’t one at less than £70k shows just how revered the final TVR now is; the car was too good, and the chances of it every being followed up too bleak for it to be anything but highly prized. A one-of-one spec only makes it even more desirable. And there’s the possibility of using a less valuable TVR in part exchange; if 2024 is the year to upgrade, there will surely be no better opportunity…
SPECIFICATION | TVR SAGARIS
Engine: 3,996cc, straight-six
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 412@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 349@5,000rpm
MPG: Next...
CO2: 406g/km
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 13,250
Price new: £49,995
Yours for: £79,995
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