The BEST British sportscar ?

[reb53]

I haven't tried them all so I wouldn't know, but guessing it's up there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duCTd9-9KtE

Ralph.

[JonB]

Err.. well, we are all biased in that regard. It's nice to see some new Elan content on YouTube. Regarding the car itself, I was interested to watch in particular because it's an S4/SE, same as mine (when I complete the resto ) but the sound of it can't be truly original as it has a single exhaust pipe, and the SEs had twin. That is to say, I think it's aftermarket. Still, sounds good.

Videos like these make me want to rush out into the garage and restart operations. My rebuild is on hold at the moment because it's been flippin' cold out there, and I have a temporary cashflow situation so can't buy the required parts. Plus, I am refurbishing a house.

To the question then - is it the best? Well, I'd have to have driven all the others to be sure, but having owned Spitfires, a Sprite MKII (so-called "Spridget"), Elan Plus 2, Datsun 100A, Morris Marina, Austin Allegro (those three weren't "classics" when I owned them, they were bangers, especially the Aggro), I'd have to say the Plus 2 was the best. I didn't get on with the ergonomics of the thing, which is one reason I sold it. The other being, I really wanted another soft top. So, I'm looking forward to seeing if the Elan is all they say it is.

[smo17003]

Was "British" really necessary in that video title?

[alan.barker]

I have an Elan Sprint fhc and also 1978 TVR 3000S. The TVR is very good.
Alan

[alanr]

I have an Elan Sprint fhc and also 1978 TVR 3000S. The TVR is very good.
Alan

I have been drawn to and tempted by TVR's many times over the years but the thought of battling with corrosion in that tubular structure chassis always scares me off. The complexity of sorting the chassis once the rot sets in is on a different scale to a chassis swap on an Elan or +2.

However, If I could find a Taimar or 3000M with a 5speed box that had had the chassis sorted I just might again be tempted.

Alan.

[alan.barker]

Hi Alan,
my 1978 3000S has a 5 speed gearbox and a very rare Hardtop.
Duncan Rubuens makes new Chassis and as for changing a Chassis it's the same as on a Lotus Elan. You can also galvanise if you like.
The TVR is very solid with solid grp but the Sprint is delicate, Both are soo different and great for driving.
I'm lucky to have a 1976 TVR 3000M also with weathersheild/webasto roof.
cheers
Alan

[alanr]

Hello Alan,

Yes I understand that Duncan Reubens at TVR Classics has the jigs for making a new TVR chassis. Hearsay is that the price is a bit eyewatering though!

As I said if I could find the right car I just may once again be tempted! Pleased to hear that you have found a nice one!

Alan.

[alan.barker]

Just for info: "Classic and Sports Car" May 2017. 10 great sportscars test and the Winner TVR 3000S page 131 the verdict and final score 74 points.
Second Fiat Spider /MGB 72 points.
"And the winner is TVR 3000S".
Get yourself a back copy.
Alan

[Sadbrewer]

Just for info: "Classic and Sports Car" May 2017. 10 great sportscars test and the Winner TVR 3000S page 131 the verdict and final score 74 points.
Second Fiat Spider /MGB 72 points.
"And the winner is TVR 3000S".
Get yourself a back copy.
Alan

With all due respect to the TVR, I'm not sure an article that has the MGB at No2 can be taken seriously, I can't think of any scale that would place an MGB in the top two...unless rustiness was a positive factor.

[alan.barker]

True MGB is for Sunday driving unless it is a "Costeiio MGB".
i thought it was strange not to have a Lotus Elan in the test.
Pity the 3000S wasn't a "Turbo Broadspeed" with 240 bhp on tap
Alan

[alan.barker]

Just an advantage with the TVR Chassis all in Tubes. You can replace a complet Tube, TIG weld in new Tube and it's like original.
A top specialust in the past Steve Reid even replaced the Outriggers on his 3000S in Stainless Steel. The only other Tube that has a habit to rust is a square Tube across the Diff from side to side.
Alan