Sought-after modern classic is both comfortable & practical, says expert James Russell & it turns heads wherever it goes
Prepare yourselves because today, we’re diving headfirst into the mad, eccentric, and utterly bonkers world of the TVR Tuscan Speed Six.
Cue the lightning, earthquakes, and apocalyptic scenes because this beast is no ordinary car.
The Golden Era of TVR
Picture this: it’s 1999, the Peter Wheeler era, when TVR was about more than just keeping up with the European Joneses.
No, they were hell-bent on outgunning them.
This was a golden period where engineering was paramount, and TVR did things their way.
Mid-front-mounted engines, rear-wheel-driven bliss—these wacky contraptions became British symbols, turning heads and assaulting eardrums wherever they roared.
Under the hood, you’ve got a 4.0-litre Speed Six engine pumping out a ridiculous 360bhp with multi-point fuel injectors.
And if you had the courage, you’d opt for the even more deranged Tuscan R.
0 to 60mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds.
Need to stop on a dime? No worries, you could get it fitted with AP Racing brakes.
The Bright Lights
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it – these engines had a penchant for breaking.
Wheeler’s budget for testing was laughable compared to the competition.
Cars would leave the factory, not to be tested by a professional driver, but by the poor, unsuspecting new owner.
Despite this, the Tuscan’s exotic and provocative looks caught Hollywood’s eye.
You’re never quite sure if it wants to hug you or kill you
James Russell - The Motor Grid
In 2001, John Travolta and Hugh Jackman made the Tuscan a star in Swordfish.
Four cars were shipped to LA: one hero car and three stunt doubles. And yes, the hero car still exists, now lovingly cared for by TVR 101 in the UK.
The Love-Hate Relationship
Driving a TVR Tuscan is a unique experience.
It’s a conflicted beast – both comfortable and practical, yet with a growl that could split the sky.
You’re never quite sure if it wants to hug you or kill you.
Jason Clegg of STR8SIX in Oxfordshire, an engine builder from the TVR factory era, now runs a business dedicated to keeping these magnificent monsters on the road.
He said: “The electronics were overly complicated, with multiple control units – clever stuff at the time.
“These days, the good cars have had these issues sorted.
Engines will always need attention, and MK1 cars will likely require a rebuild by now – we’re talking about 25-year-old performance cars.”
Prices have risen between 5% and 10% annually, with MK1 cars being the most sought-after.
James Russell's TVR Tuscan buying guide
TVR Tuscan S MK1
Top tier: 10k miles, engine rebuilds, two owners, nut-and-bolt rebuild – £70,000
TVR Tuscan MK1
Middle ground: 2001 Tuscan with 26k miles, engine rebuild, and suspension upgrades – £40,000
TVR Tuscan MK1
Bottom of the barrel: No engine rebuild, OEM condition, £16/18k. But you’ll likely need to spend the same again to get it in decent shape.
Buy the Best, Forget the Rest
MK1 cars are the most desirable, and Jason’s advice is simple: “Buy the best you can afford.”
STR8SIX are the custodians of TVR heritage, and having visited their workshop, I can attest there’s very little Jason, and his team don’t know about these cars.
Fun fact: Jason bought the forgotten TVR Tuscan T400 34-hour car in bits, rebuilt it over three years, and now it graces podiums at events like classic Le Mans. Legendary stuff.
I strongly recommend a TVR Tuscan fix. It’ll make you grin.
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