TVR Tuscan Convertible 2000 - 2007

Very few cars offer up the drama and sheer accelerative performance of the TVR Tuscan. Most TVR's are viewed in the same way as Marmite; you either love them or hate them. Regardless of ones viewpoint its hard to deny the appeal, although too raw for some, the heady blend of style, drop dead looks, performance and relative cheapness makes the TVR a particularly interesting prospect.

The TVR Tuscan engine range starts with a 3.6-litre version of TVR's own straight six. This version of the six pot motor develops 350bhp. For those who feel that more power is needed, there's also a 4.0-litre variant which delivers 400bhp. For the more powerful 4.0-litre engine, speeds in excess of 195mph are possible and the sprint to sixty is covered in 3.8 seconds.

The ride is best described as lively but also surprisingly comfortable for such a focused machine.The Tuscan's super fast steering takes some getting used to but suits the nature of the car superbly. There is certainly never a dull moment when behind the wheel of a Tuscan Convertible.

The vehicle interior is nothing short of spectacular, as any driver lucky enough to climb behind the wheel of a Tuscan would testify. The performance is brutal, one certainly needs there wits about them to drive at anything beyond 5 tenths; the car will not suffer fools so driving concentration is a must. That said the car is perfectly tractable when subjected to urban driving - you just need to get used to people stopping and staring. 

The boot space in the Tuscan is suprisingly large, with room for a couple of golf bags or suitcases. Inside the vehicle storage hasn't been made a priority but there is still plenty of room for the in-car essentials - CD's etc.

Engine: Inline 6-cylinder alloy construction with 4 valves per cylinder and dry sump lubrication

Capacity (cc): 3605 or 3996

Maximum Power Output: 350 bhp @ 7200 rpm or 400 bhp @ 7000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 290 ft.lbs @ 5500 rpm or 310 ft.lbs @ 5250 rpm

Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph: 4.2 secs or 0 to 60 mph: 3.8 secs
0 to 100 mph: 9.6 secs or 0 to 100 mph: 8.1 secs

Max Speed: 180 mph or 195 mph

Suspension: All round independent – double wishbones and coil over gas
dampers assisted by anti- roll bars

Wheels: Front - 16 or 18 inch aluminium alloy wheels
Rear - 16 or 18 inch aluminium alloy wheels

Tyres: Front - 225/50 ZR16 or 255/35 ZR18 tyres
Rear - 255/55 ZR16 tyres or 255/35 ZR18 tyres

Brakes: Front: 304mm (322mm) ventilated discs with 4 piston alloy callipers
Rear: 282mm (298mm) ventilated discs with single piston sliding callipers

Specialist servicing isn't cheap but more and more owners are choosing to have there vehicles tended by independent outfits at considerably less cost. The vehicle has a healthy appetite for super unleaded fuel and high performance tyres (Toyo Proxies when out of the factory). The car ranks at group 20 insurance but at least residual values are quite strong.