After having the TVR advertised for a couple of months, I’ve eventually sold it. I had mixed feelings about the sale once it finally looked like it was going ahead and the reality of waving it goodbye dawned. I was fortunate enough to have some great weather last week so that I could use the car for a couple of days. It was great to be out in it when the weather was good and it was running so well but I have to admit I’d think long and hard about getting another one. After struggling to put my finger on why, I think it’s just down to the fact that there are few places where you can really enjoy these cars without endangering others, yourself, your license or wallet.
There are few roads smooth enough to really enjoy the power and when you do come across one more often than not there is a mobile speed hump in front of you doing 40 mph and no opportunity to pass. I couldn’t even contemplate using the car on a track, since the standard brakes fade rapidly after 2 good applications; the cooling is not up to extended periods of thrashing and consequently the oil pressure falls rapidly due to the excessive temperature in the engine bay. To rectify these problems would cost far more money than I could afford.
Coupled this with the fact that they are fragile, despite what anyone may tell you, take it from me they break frequently. Mine spent a lot of time on stands in my garage in the four years I had it. I only did 7000 miles in 4 years and probably spent more time under the car than in it driving.
All that said, it is a beautiful car with “character” and I really enjoyed owning it but now that I’ve got half my garage back, a wedge of cash and some spare time I’m looking forward to starting work on the mk indy again.
