It Started with a Miss
I was glad it had turned out to be a bright and sunny September afternoon when J and son came to pick me up to take me to D’s house for the big off.
We threw the bags in the back and headed to M’s house to collect him en route.
D’s missus had had TVR T-shirts made for us, so we’d decided to travel in these. As we’d not had a packing rehearsal, we spent 15 minutes working out which bag was going where but it all soon took shape.
The Cerbera’s back seats proved to be perfect for the bags we’d chosen, and its boot was spacious enough for yet more luggage. I dumped my camera bag in the back of the T350 as it was easy to access and less likely to get crushed.
We pulled the cars out onto the drive to get a couple of pictures while we were still fresh and the cars clean.
We said our goodbyes and headed off into the setting sun, straight to the nearest petrol station. There was going to be a theme throughout the holiday, essentially plotting routes from one fuel stop to another, but you don’t buy a V8 and then worry about fuel economy. Or more accurately, if you do, you’re going to be doing a lot of worrying.
After we’d settled up the bill at the station I jumped in the T350. It was my time to shine. To show everyone what a bit of practice could do. I got in, started her up, managed to get it in reverse and then promptly stalled. Never mind, there’d be plenty of time to get used to recovering from a mere stall.
We dropped on the M53, segued onto the M56 and slid onto the M6 without any hindrance. Whatever traffic I was expecting just didn’t materialise. The novelty of driving the car made what is essentially the world’s most boring road, interesting and we were soon at the M6 toll. The crowds evaporated and we opened up the cars.
Getting to the toll booth I encountered my first issue with travelling in a sports car. I could barely reach the payment station. Using every last bit of stretch I had, I managed to get the card within millimetres of the payment point, the gate lifted and I opened the throttle and we zoomed out the other side.
Based on our current progress we were unlikely to make the Premier Inn restaurant before closing. We’d decided to have some food in a service station in Milton Keynes. Getting out of the car the was a nip in the air, summer was definitely behind us and autumn was here.
We grabbed a Subway, and I headed to Costa for a much-needed coffee – which took about 20 minutes to make.
Once I’d finally got my caffeine fix we had a quick look at the first day’s itinerary and decided against heading too far south – which meant we’d be going to Bruges. Result – this had been top of my list for day one.
We ambled back to the cars, this time D was going to continue to drive and I’d navigate us to the hotel. It was dark now and the traffic was minimal when we skirted around London and headed to Dartford.
D and I were chatting about nothing much in particular as we approached our turn-off when the car in front decided to slam on its brakes.
Our world was filled with red, and time slowed down. I slammed on the brakes. This had little impact as I wasn’t driving.
As we closed in on the back of the SUV at pace, my first thought was, “I wonder if we’ve got antilock brakes”.
The brakes locked.
“Nope”…
We skidded towards certain death and the annihilation of a classic sports car. D made the decision to deftly switch lanes. Which was a good idea given our trajectory would have embedded us into the car in front.
Hurtling past the black SUV, I expected to see a wheel in the road or at least a reason for the heavy braking. Nothing at all was in front of the car.
They’d obviously had a moment, woke up, or realised that their car is neither sports nor utility and wanted to get out there and then. Whatever the reason I was glad D was driving and not me.
We headed on, the Dartmouth bridge looming in the distance, spanning the inky black Thames below and made another stop at a petrol station as the T350 was running on fumes.
Once we’d filled up, it was a short trip to the Premier Inn circumnavigating the world’s most complex roundabout and then a road with no lights or decent signage to where we were staying.
We dumped our gear in the rooms and headed to the bar for refreshments. There were a few TVRs in the car park, but I’d expected to see a lot more TVR folk in the pub. In some ways, after a long journey, it was nice to reflect on the first leg of the voyage without making polite conversation.
J got down to telling the story about when he was trying to hit 30mph on his bike and a cat ran out in front of him, which he subsequently hit and ended belly up on the asphalt. The cat ran off, J didn’t, but he was okay in the end.
The staff politely came around and kicked everyone out and we headed to our rooms, agreeing a 7 am start at breakfast, so we’d be all ready for the off and the chunnel in the morning.
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Pictures by ExperiencePhotography.co.uk unless otherwise stated.
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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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