Tuscan Mk1 4.0 Targa. 2001
- Spec
- History
- Test Drive
- Warranty
Tab 1
TVR Tuscan Mk1 Targa. “15 TVR - Simply the best!”
SOLD
Was it the reg no. or the photos that caught your attention? Check the mileage too!
15 TVR is a one owner car, first registered on 8 January 2001. The verified mileage is just 5,750.
15 TVR’s sole owner was a TVR enthusiast and owner of a Griffith 500, when he attended TVR’s launch of the stunning prototype Tuscan at the 1998 London Motor Show. Mr Dickson immediately placed his order for a Tuscan with HR Owen of Kensington on 24 Oct 1998. TVR had taken over 600 orders at the Show and the handover of 15 TVR was delayed for over 2 years until 2 Jan 2001.
As he had planned, Mr Dickson did enjoy fun days out with his disabled son, visiting car and aviation-oriented events. However, as time progressed, his son became less able to participate. Eventually the car was garaged in 2008. Ultimately. In 2022, Mr Dickson decided it would be sensible to part with 15 TVR.
The resurrection of 15 TVR by Str8six
As with all of our sales cars we use the opportunity to invest time, love and care in them to improve them for future owners. However, being an early Tuscan with so few miles and with a raft of improvements made to the model over the years we chose to go a few steps further with 15 TVR!
The body and chassis were separated and the chassis stripped of every nut and bolt and all its components. It was then relieved of sharp edges (not good for powder coat adhesion). The chassis was then shot blasted before being powder coated in its original RAL colour to BS EN12260. This process was to a far higher specification and standard than employed when the car was originally manufactured.
The suspension wishbones, rear uprights and general bracketry were also treated in the same way. All gold passivated items were stripped and re-coated to ensure their original, as new factory-finish was re-instated. The chassis and its suspension components were then reassembled using new “metallastic” bushes with thrust washer modifications, uprated ARB drop links, ball-joints, and track rod ends, etc. The latest specification Bilstein Sport dampers and progressive rate Eibach springs were installed. The original setup was devised by Lee Noble for the MK3 Tuscan S. However, slight improvements have been made over the years and the solution installed in 15 TVR is the best available for any road-based Tuscan. Str8Six’s revised suspension geometry has also been utilised during the rebuild.
Having worked at the TVR factory as an engine builder from 2001-2005, I was fully aware of the shortcomings of the early Speed Six engines. Since leaving the factory in 2005, we have developed this engine further over the last 17 years. I have now built over 800 Speed Six engines for customers’ road cars. I have also developed various Speed Six race engines since 2009. These have competed successfully in the Sprint and Hillclimb Championship, TVR Tuscan Challenge, CSCC, Masters Historic and Peter Auto Endurance Racing Legends Championships.
The engine originally installed in 15 TVR was stripped down to its individual components, and all alloy castings were vapour blasted to bring them back to factory original bare alloy finish. All components were carefully inspected and the engine was rebuilt to Str8six’s latest specification, as follows:
2 x Chilled cast camshafts.
24 x Later type finger followers.
24 x Nitrided valves.
24 x Cast valve guides.
24 x Uprated valve seats.
24 x Valve stem seals.
Composite head gasket with revised coolant gallery layout.
Chain kit.
Uprated top chain slipper.
Modified 1/2 time sprocket with high load roller bearings.
Rebuilt water-pump.
Later type oil pump rotors.
Modified auxiliary shaft bearings.
Set of main bearings with thrust modification.
Set of big end bearings.
O rings and seals.
Set of stainless cover bolts.
The cylinder head was completely rebuilt using new and uprated valve seats and valve guides; the combustion chambers were then balanced. The engine was put back together incorporating coolant and oil gallery modifications to both the head and the block castings. The decision was made not to replace the piston rings as they are nicely run into the bores, fitted to moly-coated pistons - and with only 5k miles from new - have plenty of life left. This also negates the 1000 mile run-in process, which would have been required if the piston rings been changed.
The throttle bodies were stripped, inspected, vapour-blasted and rebuilt using the re-passivated linkage kit and the fuel injectors were sent for testing and servicing. All engine and gearbox bracketry has been dipped & re-passivated to re-instate an “as new” factory finish to the car.
The car is now 22 years old, and all pipework and rubber items were showing their age and starting to perish. They were therefore all replaced, as follows:
Full high pressure oil hose kit.
E10 compliant fuel lines.
E10 compliant Bosch fuel pump.
Black silicone coolant hose kit.
Low pressure PAS hoses.
Stainless steel braided brake hose kit.
Alternator and PAS drive belts.
Differential and engine mounts.
Steering rack and driveshaft gaiters.
Exhaust mounts and clamps.
4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres with latest recommended tyre sizes.
The clutch was replaced by the later, smoother-operating AP type with new bearing, master cylinder and re-sealed clutch slave cylinder.
Brake discs and pads were inspected, cleaned and refitted with a new handbrake cable.
A New battery, Anderson jump start connector and “Accumate” trickle charger were fitted.
The car was further improved with the dash pod being sent for modification, incorporating the later spec microchips and software. These enable quicker operation, enhanced reliability and the ability to cancel any warnings. The boot opening switch has been relocated to allow the rear badge to sit flush with the bodywork and to improve operation. Both front and rear badges were sent for specialist re-chroming, painting and plastic doming. An ACT stainless steel exhaust system with improved silencing was fitted. This utilises the authentic, original style factory tail cans, which have been polished.
All new fluids & filters were used during the rebuild and the car was wheel aligned on our Optiline 4 camera system.
The paintwork is immaculate and unmarked in its original Ferrari Le Mans Blue colour, complimented by the two tone Cream and Navy Blue interior trim. The only changes applied have been the incorporation of Str8six’s later type “rifle and fluting” door card features. We have also re-trimmed the steering wheel with perforated grip points which improve the feel and aesthetics of the car.
Ideally the new owner of this Tuscan will be someone who wishes to cherish a piece of TVR history and keep it in the condition it is today. However, if required this car will behave like the very best TVRs out there and should give miles of enjoyment to its new custodian.
Str8six will of course supply 15 TVR with our unrivalled “All the Twelves” Handover Specification.
The car’s 12 months MOT will be renewed. 15 TVR will also benefit from Str8six’s own 12 Months/12,000 miles FULL WEAR AND TEAR WARRANTY - covering PARTS and LABOUR on the whole car. It will be supplied with a 12 volt trickle charger and an Anderson jump start cable, and it will be provided with its own Indoor car cover. It will be taxed for 6 months.
Overall mileage - 5,750
Share this page -
SOLD
Was it the reg no. or the photos that caught your attention? Check the mileage too!
15 TVR is a one owner car, first registered on 8 January 2001. The verified mileage is just 5,750.
15 TVR’s sole owner was a TVR enthusiast and owner of a Griffith 500, when he attended TVR’s launch of the stunning prototype Tuscan at the 1998 London Motor Show. Mr Dickson immediately placed his order for a Tuscan with HR Owen of Kensington on 24 Oct 1998. TVR had taken over 600 orders at the Show and the handover of 15 TVR was delayed for over 2 years until 2 Jan 2001.
As he had planned, Mr Dickson did enjoy fun days out with his disabled son, visiting car and aviation-oriented events. However, as time progressed, his son became less able to participate. Eventually the car was garaged in 2008. Ultimately. In 2022, Mr Dickson decided it would be sensible to part with 15 TVR.
The resurrection of 15 TVR by Str8six
As with all of our sales cars we use the opportunity to invest time, love and care in them to improve them for future owners. However, being an early Tuscan with so few miles and with a raft of improvements made to the model over the years we chose to go a few steps further with 15 TVR!
The body and chassis were separated and the chassis stripped of every nut and bolt and all its components. It was then relieved of sharp edges (not good for powder coat adhesion). The chassis was then shot blasted before being powder coated in its original RAL colour to BS EN12260. This process was to a far higher specification and standard than employed when the car was originally manufactured.
The suspension wishbones, rear uprights and general bracketry were also treated in the same way. All gold passivated items were stripped and re-coated to ensure their original, as new factory-finish was re-instated. The chassis and its suspension components were then reassembled using new “metallastic” bushes with thrust washer modifications, uprated ARB drop links, ball-joints, and track rod ends, etc. The latest specification Bilstein Sport dampers and progressive rate Eibach springs were installed. The original setup was devised by Lee Noble for the MK3 Tuscan S. However, slight improvements have been made over the years and the solution installed in 15 TVR is the best available for any road-based Tuscan. Str8Six’s revised suspension geometry has also been utilised during the rebuild.
Having worked at the TVR factory as an engine builder from 2001-2005, I was fully aware of the shortcomings of the early Speed Six engines. Since leaving the factory in 2005, we have developed this engine further over the last 17 years. I have now built over 800 Speed Six engines for customers’ road cars. I have also developed various Speed Six race engines since 2009. These have competed successfully in the Sprint and Hillclimb Championship, TVR Tuscan Challenge, CSCC, Masters Historic and Peter Auto Endurance Racing Legends Championships.
The engine originally installed in 15 TVR was stripped down to its individual components, and all alloy castings were vapour blasted to bring them back to factory original bare alloy finish. All components were carefully inspected and the engine was rebuilt to Str8six’s latest specification, as follows:
2 x Chilled cast camshafts.
24 x Later type finger followers.
24 x Nitrided valves.
24 x Cast valve guides.
24 x Uprated valve seats.
24 x Valve stem seals.
Composite head gasket with revised coolant gallery layout.
Chain kit.
Uprated top chain slipper.
Modified 1/2 time sprocket with high load roller bearings.
Rebuilt water-pump.
Later type oil pump rotors.
Modified auxiliary shaft bearings.
Set of main bearings with thrust modification.
Set of big end bearings.
O rings and seals.
Set of stainless cover bolts.
The cylinder head was completely rebuilt using new and uprated valve seats and valve guides; the combustion chambers were then balanced. The engine was put back together incorporating coolant and oil gallery modifications to both the head and the block castings. The decision was made not to replace the piston rings as they are nicely run into the bores, fitted to moly-coated pistons - and with only 5k miles from new - have plenty of life left. This also negates the 1000 mile run-in process, which would have been required if the piston rings been changed.
The throttle bodies were stripped, inspected, vapour-blasted and rebuilt using the re-passivated linkage kit and the fuel injectors were sent for testing and servicing. All engine and gearbox bracketry has been dipped & re-passivated to re-instate an “as new” factory finish to the car.
The car is now 22 years old, and all pipework and rubber items were showing their age and starting to perish. They were therefore all replaced, as follows:
Full high pressure oil hose kit.
E10 compliant fuel lines.
E10 compliant Bosch fuel pump.
Black silicone coolant hose kit.
Low pressure PAS hoses.
Stainless steel braided brake hose kit.
Alternator and PAS drive belts.
Differential and engine mounts.
Steering rack and driveshaft gaiters.
Exhaust mounts and clamps.
4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres with latest recommended tyre sizes.
The clutch was replaced by the later, smoother-operating AP type with new bearing, master cylinder and re-sealed clutch slave cylinder.
Brake discs and pads were inspected, cleaned and refitted with a new handbrake cable.
A New battery, Anderson jump start connector and “Accumate” trickle charger were fitted.
The car was further improved with the dash pod being sent for modification, incorporating the later spec microchips and software. These enable quicker operation, enhanced reliability and the ability to cancel any warnings. The boot opening switch has been relocated to allow the rear badge to sit flush with the bodywork and to improve operation. Both front and rear badges were sent for specialist re-chroming, painting and plastic doming. An ACT stainless steel exhaust system with improved silencing was fitted. This utilises the authentic, original style factory tail cans, which have been polished.
All new fluids & filters were used during the rebuild and the car was wheel aligned on our Optiline 4 camera system.
The paintwork is immaculate and unmarked in its original Ferrari Le Mans Blue colour, complimented by the two tone Cream and Navy Blue interior trim. The only changes applied have been the incorporation of Str8six’s later type “rifle and fluting” door card features. We have also re-trimmed the steering wheel with perforated grip points which improve the feel and aesthetics of the car.
Ideally the new owner of this Tuscan will be someone who wishes to cherish a piece of TVR history and keep it in the condition it is today. However, if required this car will behave like the very best TVRs out there and should give miles of enjoyment to its new custodian.
Str8six will of course supply 15 TVR with our unrivalled “All the Twelves” Handover Specification.
The car’s 12 months MOT will be renewed. 15 TVR will also benefit from Str8six’s own 12 Months/12,000 miles FULL WEAR AND TEAR WARRANTY - covering PARTS and LABOUR on the whole car. It will be supplied with a 12 volt trickle charger and an Anderson jump start cable, and it will be provided with its own Indoor car cover. It will be taxed for 6 months.
Overall mileage - 5,750
Share this page -
Tab 2
The Service History is as follows:
21 Dec 00 - 24 miles - PDI Service /HR Owen, Canary Wharf
08 Jan 01 - Vehicle registered to 1st owner - Bucks
28 Mar 02 - 1,069 miles - 1,000 service/HR Owen, S Kensington
21 Jan 04 - 2,404 miles - MOT - Graysheen, Gerrards Cross
12 Mar 04 - 2,431 miles - Tech Rectif/Henley Heritage
29 Sep 05 - 2,512 miles - 12,000 service /Henley Heritage
19 Oct 05 - 2,527 miles - MOT/Graysheen, Gerrards Cross
16 Apr 07 - 2,528 miles - Last MOT Test/Graysheen, Gerrards Ceoss
17 Jul 07 - 3,557 miles - Tech Rectif/Westover TVR, Poole
Owner’s notification to insurer
May 08 - 5,643 miles - Mannings Insurance
Feb 09 - 5,644 miles - Mannings Insurance
Jan 10 - 5,649 miles - Mannings Insurance
No MOT’s from 16 April 2007 to 18 Oct 2022
Oct 22 - 5,653 miles - MOT for Str8six
POST SALE TO NEXT OWNER
Date TBD c.5,750 miles
21 Dec 00 - 24 miles - PDI Service /HR Owen, Canary Wharf
08 Jan 01 - Vehicle registered to 1st owner - Bucks
28 Mar 02 - 1,069 miles - 1,000 service/HR Owen, S Kensington
21 Jan 04 - 2,404 miles - MOT - Graysheen, Gerrards Cross
12 Mar 04 - 2,431 miles - Tech Rectif/Henley Heritage
29 Sep 05 - 2,512 miles - 12,000 service /Henley Heritage
19 Oct 05 - 2,527 miles - MOT/Graysheen, Gerrards Cross
16 Apr 07 - 2,528 miles - Last MOT Test/Graysheen, Gerrards Ceoss
17 Jul 07 - 3,557 miles - Tech Rectif/Westover TVR, Poole
Owner’s notification to insurer
May 08 - 5,643 miles - Mannings Insurance
Feb 09 - 5,644 miles - Mannings Insurance
Jan 10 - 5,649 miles - Mannings Insurance
No MOT’s from 16 April 2007 to 18 Oct 2022
Oct 22 - 5,653 miles - MOT for Str8six
POST SALE TO NEXT OWNER
Date TBD c.5,750 miles
Tab 3
Please contact us on 07834 739307 or 01844 352735 to make an appointment.
If conditions are wet we reserve the right to provide a demonstration drive, rather than a customer driven test drive. Please bring your driving licence if you wish to test drive this car. Finance is available, subject to the usual terms and conditions.
If conditions are wet we reserve the right to provide a demonstration drive, rather than a customer driven test drive. Please bring your driving licence if you wish to test drive this car. Finance is available, subject to the usual terms and conditions.
Tab 4
Complete piece of mind purchasing
- with our 12 months full wear & tear warranty
The above car comes with Str8six's renowned full 12,000 miles service completed, 12 months MOT, 6 months Tax and 12 months/12,000 miles full wear and tear warranty covering parts and labour. Plus an inbuilt 12 volt trickle charger and a 12 volt auxiliary cable (if applicable) will also be provided.
- with our 12 months full wear & tear warranty
The above car comes with Str8six's renowned full 12,000 miles service completed, 12 months MOT, 6 months Tax and 12 months/12,000 miles full wear and tear warranty covering parts and labour. Plus an inbuilt 12 volt trickle charger and a 12 volt auxiliary cable (if applicable) will also be provided.
This car comes with Str8six's renowned "All the 12’s” handover specification
The 12 months/12,000 miles warranty - is FULL WEAR AND TEAR (Parts and Labour)
