Some cars never blend in. Nearly two decades since it was first unveiled, the TVR Tuscan still looks like it’s driven straight off a concept stand. This particular 2006 example isn’t just any Tuscan; it’s one of the last cars TVR produced before shutting its doors, and it made its debut as a London Motor Show car. Because of this, the Tuscan is finished in the eye-catching BMW Estoril Blue and features a striking set of blue bucket seats which started off life as Ferrari seats before being retrimmed by Sparco.
Peter, the current owner is no stranger to the TVR brand, having owned TVRs since the early 1990s, this is now his fifth. While others might be drawn to the comfort and consistency of more modern performance cars, he’s always been taken by the unique styling and sheer drama of TVR ownership. In the Tuscan Convertible, that passion is provided in its purest form.
Under the long, sculpted bonnet lies TVR’s own 4.0-litre straight-six engine, developed with engineer Al Melling. With a kerb weight of just 1100 kg, the car delivers ferocious performance without the digital safety nets of today’s machines. It’ll do 0–62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, going on to hit 100 mph in under eight seconds, with a top speed close to 195 mph, figures that continue to raise eyebrows in 2025. However, don’t be fooled, the Tuscan isn’t just a numbers car. Its real charm lies in the way it delivers its performance… raw, mechanical, and completely analogue. There’s no ABS, no traction control, and no pretence. Just a glorious noise, a slippery rear end, and a chassis that rewards bravery and balance.
Our Behind The Wheel blog focuses on telling the stories of the vehicles that attend our meets and this car’s story is one that truly needs to be shared. Built in 2006 as one of TVR’s final factory efforts, it remained unregistered for two years, sitting in a storage facility known within TVR circles as “The Barn”. Here, a handful of motor show and dealer display cars were kept while the company’s remaining directors plotted a potential comeback. Unfortunately, that plan fizzled out by 2008, and the cars were discreetly made available for sale. The Tuscan Convertible featured in todays Behind The Wheel was among them, picked up with just six miles on the clock, Peter managed to get himself a brand-new TVR two years after the factory had closed.
Since then, this Tuscan has been anything but a garage queen. The car has toured extensively across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, favouring the long way around and making frequent appearances at track days along the way. From fast road driving to circuit outings, it’s been used as intended. To allow Peter to drive the TVR as it was intended to be maintenance and care have always been a priority for him. From new Peter took the car to Mike Vernon for servicing, with his workshop being located in the old factory buildings. Mike even looked after the Tuscans that were used in the making of the John Travolta film Swordfish, in Hollywood. Today the Tuscan is serviced by Steve Darvill at SD Autotec, Kirk Deighton.
This TVR has also had its share of the limelight. In 2008, a small group of TVR Tuscans, including this one, were invited to participate in the Race of Champions event at Wembley Stadium, where they were used to ferry World Champions around the stadium track for a live Sky TV broadcast. Ahead of the event, the cars underwent camera rehearsals, careful sticker placement, and an intense day of practice to nail their choreography on the tight Wembley circuit.
There are no major future plans for the Tuscan, no restorations, no engine swaps, no big projects on the horizon. The goal is simply to keep it on the road, alive and well, and doing what it does best: standing out, going fast, and making a lot of noise whilst doing it. This car is a piece of TVR history and Peter is keen on keeping it exactly how it left the factory and with such a unique back story we certainly don’t blame him.
Peter regularly attends meets at The Motorist both with the North Yorkshire district of the TVR Owners Club as well as the North Yorkshire Lotus Owners Club in his Lotus Emira. If you see him then make sure to say hello and take a look at his incredible TVR in the flesh. You never know, Peter might even manage to convince you to get a TVR of your own!
Car Facts:
Make: TVR
Model: Tuscan Convertible
Year: 2006 (but first registered to Peter in 2008)
Engine: Straight Six 3996cc designed by Al Melling and TVR
BHP: 380-400
0-62: 3.7 seconds
Weight: 1100kg
Additional modifications: None, completely standard
