Gone Fishin’ – TVR Swordfish
The first time I joined the dots up about liking TVRs had to be watching Swordfish. There’s a scene describing John Travolta’s character, Gabriel and he pulls up to a club in what can only be described as a cross between a spaceship and a car. It’s the TVR Tuscan and it’s incredible. No other car manufacturer has, to my knowledge made such an ergonomically and organically nice-looking car as the TVR Tuscan.
Now I was aware that TVRs are not perfect and there are some different variants. But to be honest, they all sounded and looked amazing. Another point about TVR Tuscans is they always seem to be in the most incredible colours; often sporting that chameleon paint which changes colour and blazes away in the sun.
Check out the video. I came across one of the TVRs used in Swordfish, naturally parked outside a North Wales cafe.
It was a TVR event, and it was not just any cafe. It’s the Ponderosa which sits atop the horseshoe pass. Once the main haunt for hardcore bikers, the rest of the world has woken up to it (which is a good and a bad thing), at least in the summer. When the sun shines there it shines brightly and the TVR club arranged a meeting.
TVR Tuscan
I thought I’d include some info on the TVR Tuscan while you’re here.
TVR is a British sports car manufacturer that has been in operation since the 1940s, and the TVR Tuscan is one of its most iconic models. It was designed by TVR’s in-house design team, led by TVR’s owner and chairman, Peter Wheeler.
The TVR Tuscan was first introduced in 1999 and quickly gained popularity among sports car enthusiasts. It was designed to be a high-performance car that could compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 and the Lotus Elise.
Under the hood, the TVR Tuscan was equipped with a powerful 4.0-litre inline-six engine. This engine could produce up to 360 horsepower and propel the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4 seconds. The top speed of the TVR Tuscan was an impressive 190 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest sports cars of its time.
The TVR Tuscan was produced in limited numbers, with only around 1,500 units being built between 1999 and 2006. Despite its relatively low production numbers, the TVR Tuscan was a commercial success and helped to establish TVR as a serious player in the sports car market.
One of the most interesting things about the TVR Tuscan is its unique design. The car features a sleek and aerodynamic body that is made from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and fibreglass. The design is a testament to TVR’s commitment to performance and style.
Unfortunately, TVR went bankrupt in 2006, bringing an end to the production of TVR Tuscan. However, the car’s legacy lives on, with many enthusiasts still cherishing their TVR Tuscan models and seeking to preserve their legacy.
If you’re a fan of the TVR Tuscan or simply interested in sports cars, be sure to check out the TVR Tour Blog. It’s a great resource for TVR, including news, reviews, and articles about the company’s history and iconic models like the TVR Tuscan.
In conclusion, the TVR Tuscan is a true British icon that has left an indelible mark on the sports car world. With its powerful engine, sleek design, and impressive performance, it’s no wonder the car is still so highly regarded by enthusiasts today. If you want to learn more about the TVR Tuscan and other great TVR models, follow the TVR Tour Blog and social media channels. You won’t be disappointed!
And finally, did you know that the TVR engineering team used to leave bags of crisps inside the door panels to test if they had enough room for insulation? Now that’s some truly British engineering ingenuity!
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If you’ve got any questions about the incredible TVR Tour Roadtrip I’ve been through here, please get in touch using the form below. You can also follow us on Social Media above for up-to-date photos, and check out the FAQ section.
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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.
