One thing you can never accuse TVR of is being boring. It seems every car they managed to produce despite countless budgetary and capitalization setbacks was a bananas road car, full-up on power while skimping on the curb weight. The trouble is we often associate TVRs in this country with the kind of vehicles you see discarded behind a workshop or long abandoned in someone’s garage, such as the wedge-shaped 280i. The car shown here is decidedly not that, as it’s a 2001 Tuscan Speed Six, which is now eligible for importation. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $37,500.
First of all, how does this styling not give you chills? It’s a stunning, if not slightly unhinged, design, which I think most TVR engineers were always striving for in some capacity. Really, it’s that spirit that always drives me to the TVR, like the British version of Carroll Shelby, or the drunk cousins of Colin Chapman’s ilk. TVR has never worried about fuel economy or even safety, just constantly churning out cars that demand your attention whether you’re driving it or staring at it. The Tuscan Speed Six produces 360 b.h.p. and a beefy 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
And, of course, it’s a straight race car inside, with minimal features and just the bare necessities. Of course, TVR had matured by this point to offer some additional trim and comfort features, but not much. This is not the car to buy if you’re looking for something that cossets you and tells you that you’re a good driver. The seller has yet to import this particular TVR but is standing by, ready to go, should you decide it belongs in your garage. If you do, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of a recently rebuilt engine by Powers Engines of UK, which even comes with a transferable 100,000-mile warranty.
The color is Storm Grey Metallic, which is fitting for a car that’s sure to be a handful in the wet. If you’re of a certain age, you likely remember seeing this car in the epic 90s action film, Swordfish, which I believe John Travolta fired bullets into, and the car then politely ignored his violence. I mean, look at the taillights – TVR not only didn’t care for your safety standards, it literally laughed at them. The seller has listed the TVR with the option to bid on it, but the opening bid isn’t much better than the Buy-It-Now. But with an opening shot of $30,000 and no reserve, you might just save $7,500 if you’re lucky.
I have photos of a Tuscan race at Knockhill (they were on the Touring Car bill that year) which look like they were taken with a Kodak Disc camera (remember them?). The reason for that was the hailstorm; must’ve been grim racing open cars in that. Colin McCrae’s wee brother had a guest drive.