Getting Familiar with the TVR T350 and the TVR Cerbera
Before you go gallivanting across Europe in a classic British sports car, it helps to know how the thing works. Especially when said car is a TVR — a badge that doesn’t just suggest driving involvement but practically demands it. I’d always heard TVRs were “a bit different,” but until this moment I hadn’t quite appreciated just how specific they were.
So, a TVR familiarisation session had been arranged for the three of us in the group who didn’t actually own one. A sort of unofficial induction ceremony for those who’d yet to develop the sixth sense needed to operate one without fear.
After escaping the Fridge of Fukushima incident (see previous entry), I arrived at D’s house where M and J were already several coffees in. On the drive sat two pieces of British motoring theatre: the TVR T350, nicknamed Felicity, and the TVR Cerbera, affectionately known as Big Suze.
Both had their bonnets open like they were in some kind of impromptu surgery. D had even put together a custom cheat sheet, a list of TVR “gotchas” and peculiarities, the kind of insider wisdom you only get from living with one of these machines. It was incredibly helpful, and I’ll add a link to it here once it’s published, because frankly, this sort of knowledge is essential if you want your TVR experience to be anything other than traumatic.
One of the first things I learned was that reverse gear is not your friend unless you treat it with respect. The T350 lacks synchro on reverse, which means simply slamming it in while stationary is a fast track to mechanical crunching and a broken ego. Instead, the trick is to first slide it into fifth gear, then move to reverse. This aligns the gears and stops it from chewing itself up. To someone used to the vague, forgiving gearbox of a modern Audi, this felt like a ritual. But it worked.
Then there’s the fact that these are five-speed gearboxes, not six. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you’re coming from something modern (or worse, something ultra-modern like the McLaren 570S I once briefly drove, which felt like it had about eight forward ratios and a mind of its own), it takes some mental rewiring.
The T350 in particular felt tight, compact, and very alert. Like it was always listening. It’s light, low, and has a driving position that encourages mischief. The Cerbera, on the other hand, is another beast entirely, more powerful, more raw, and somehow more theatrical. It feels like it was built with equal parts petrol and mischief, designed to test your nerve as much as your driving ability. You don’t so much drive it as negotiate with it.
D’s guidance on everything from starting procedure to idle temperament, switch placement, and fuel cap trickery was invaluable. TVRs don’t have the usual driver aids — there’s no ABS, no traction control, and certainly no adaptive cruise. What they do have is a personality. A proper, occasionally grumpy, sometimes glorious personality.
And that’s exactly why we were doing this session. Not just to prevent mechanical sympathy from becoming mechanical disaster, but to bond with the cars before asking them to cross borders, climb mountain passes, and survive hot days in southern Europe.
Also worth noting is that wearing cycling gear while doing all of this is optional, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Standing in a driveway talking gear ratios and throttle blips while dressed like you’ve just escaped a triathlon makes you feel oddly conspicuous. Not that anyone seemed to mind.
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The TVR Cerbera.
The T350 was undeniably fun—its sharp handling and compact size made it perfect for short journeys, whether nipping across North Wales or blasting around local roads. It’s a thrilling car that delivers an engaging driving experience in every corner.
But when it came to covering serious miles in the Alps, the Cerbera truly shone. It had the power, the presence, and a sense of occasion that made every twist and turn of the mountain roads unforgettable. There’s something about the way it devours long distances while still feeling raw and exciting that cemented it as my favourite for the trip.
The T350 may be the perfect car for quick weekend blasts, but for epic road trips, the Cerbera wins hands down.
Technically, the TVR Sprint Magazine article was finished before the blog, but the blog was started first.
When we embarked on the unforgettable TVR trip to the Eagles Nest, we knew it was something special. The journey, featuring the TVR Cerbera and TVR T350, took us through some of the most breathtaking Alpine roads, including the Rossfeld Panoramastraße, where we captured the now-iconic magazine cover shot.
The blog began as a way to document the trip as it unfolded, providing real-time updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and additional insights that didn’t make it into the magazine. However, writing for Sprint Magazine Issue 570 (June 2023) required a more structured and polished approach, with final details, images, and editing completed before the blog was fully wrapped up.
So, while the blog came first in concept, the Sprint article was finalised and published first. Both tell the story of the trip in their own way—one as an exclusive magazine feature, the other as an extended, behind-the-scenes account that continues to evolve.
Yes! Our unforgettable trip to the Eagles Nest was featured in TVR Sprint Magazine, Issue 570 (June 2023). The feature included stunning images and detailed notes about the cars, capturing the essence of the adventure.
For this trip, we took both the TVR Cerbera and the TVR T350, driving through breathtaking Alpine roads, with the highlight being the Rossfeld Panoramastraße, where we managed to get the main cover shot for the magazine. The article covered the journey, the cars, and the incredible driving experience, bringing the spirit of TVR ownership to life for readers.
Experience Photography provided all photography for the feature, showcasing the cars against the dramatic mountain scenery. The trip itself was expertly organised by Ben Coombs, well-known for his epic road trips and adventures. It was an incredible experience and a proud moment to see it featured in Sprint Magazine!
If you own a TVR (such as the TVR T350) or simply love the brand, you might have heard about TVR tours, but are they worth it? These road trips bring TVR enthusiasts together for epic drives on some of the best roads in the UK and Europe, often featuring scenic routes, social events, and the unmistakable roar of TVR engines.
A TVR tour isn’t just about the driving (though that’s a huge part of it). It’s also about meeting like-minded people, swapping stories, and experiencing the quirks of these legendary cars in a group setting. Expect a mix of thrilling A-roads, breathtaking landscapes, and well-planned stops at car-friendly hotels, pubs, and landmarks. Some tours even include exclusive access to motorsport venues or special TVR-related experiences.
But what if you don’t own a TVR? Many tours allow passengers or support vehicles, making it possible to join in and enjoy the experience from the passenger seat. Whether you’re considering buying a TVR or just want to see what all the fuss is about, a TVR tour could be the perfect way to get involved in the community. See our Instagram channel here for more photos.
A TVR tour is a group driving experience where TVR owners and enthusiasts take their cars on scenic road trips, often exploring some of the best driving routes in the UK and beyond. These tours range from single-day meetups to multi-day road trips, with planned stops at scenic locations, car-friendly hotels, and sometimes even motorsport venues.
But should you go on one? If you love driving and want to experience your TVR (such as the TVR Cerbera) as it was meant to be driven, on open, exciting roads alongside like-minded enthusiasts, then the answer is probably yes! TVR tours offer the perfect mix of thrilling drives, social meetups, and opportunities to swap stories with fellow owners. Even if you don’t own a TVR, you might still be able to attend as a passenger or support vehicle.
Every tour is different, with some being casual meetups and others professionally organised events with set routes, accommodation, and breakdown support (just in case). Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an epic road trip, there’s likely a TVR tour that fits your driving style. Have a read of Ben Coombs book to get a feel for the ultimate adventure and follow us now on Instagram to see all the latest images. Photography by Experience Photography unless otherwise stated.
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