The TVR Fan Club

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TVR has built one final Cerbera to be live auctioned off to raise money for charity.

The last Cerbera live online auction is launched

The fearsome TVR Cerbera 4.5 is making a one-off comeback in a live online auction of the last ever example of the car. The auction launched today and will close at midnight on 31 August 2006. All proceeds that exceed the reserve price will be donated to a charity, to be named in due course.

Since the Cerbera broke cover in 1994, it has become an iconic British sports car, its suave shape standing the test of time to become a true classic. One would never guess the ferocious power that lurks beneath the Cerbera's gentlemanly exterior.

The TVR Cerbera is a car with a dual role: on the one hand it's an extremely competent 2+2 grand tourer that can be used on any journey, through towns or across countries; on the other hand, it boasts the break-neck performance for which it's both famous and feared. TVR's own 4.5 litre AJPV8 rockets the lightweight Cerbera from naught to 60 mph in under four seconds, and is one of the most revered sports car engines.

Production of the Cerbera was discontinued officially in 2004. But this year, the last Cerbera was commissioned and specified personally by TVR's owner and chairman, Nikolai Smolenski, bringing the car out of retirement for one last time in TVR's true tradition of producing one-off 'specials', and paying homage to this beautiful but brutish bygone British sports car.

For further information, to watch the online auction or to join in, please visit the specially-commissioned last Cerbera microsite. All registrants will gain access to the live auction, either to simply watch or to bid, and will receive regular e-mail updates, a limited-edition full-colour 40-page catalogue and an A2 poster, all commemorating the event and celebrating this very special British sports car.
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The site for the auction is here, unfortunately you have to be a registered member to view the auction itself though.
http://www.thelastcerbera.com/
 
Why? The Cerbera was offered in that colour, it wasn't offered in reflex or chamelion or any of the other mad colour swapping paint jobs though, even if it is in GT4.

That said, they should have given it reflex spice or something like that, then it would be the only factory Cerbera in that colour as well as the last one.
 
live4speed
Why? The Cerbera was offered in that colour, it wasn't offered in reflex or chamelion or any of the other mad colour swapping paint jobs though, even if it is in GT4.

That said, they should have given it reflex spice or something like that, then it would be the only factory Cerbera in that colour as well as the last one.
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It's 'taxi white' IMO. The dark red or British Racing green-ish colour would be better IMO.
 
I agree it would have looked better, but it still looks great. And it's not taxi white ;).
 
Simply white? Pretty "usual"... I'd prefer my "last" Cerbera to have a somewhat more special color...

But it looks awsome.


(I saw the Reflex Spice paintjob getting mentioned here.. Didn't it look horrorible in GT4? I mean, it looks like puke, or some other thing that comes out of the body... It can actually make a car look bad, even if it's the Speed 12)
 
Depends on your tastes I guess, also GT4 doesn't quite capture the changing paint schemes quite right, irl a reflex spice Tuscan looks a lot better than it does in GT4.
 
Yeah, I guess. I'd like to see one, but there are no TVRs in my country. Actually, car magazines list and write about all the supercars (or special sports-cars) in Israel every year, telling what new ones were bought. Last year, the list included 4 cars: 3 Porsche 911, and one Boxter. Sad...
 
Swansea Taxi-white.
6fa3cda5ddfb95a835c27b0f702fe151_2.jpg


As featured on all Skoda Taxis in my area.
 
Skoda taxis?

Must be a posh area. We have Corollas, Carismas and Avensis's (first gen:()
 
The deal for TVR's new site has been officially finalised. More good news for TVR.

TVR secures site for purpose-built new factory 30 July 2006

TVR and Blackpool Council have today agreed a site for TVR's new factory. The nine-acre site, which is in the Blackpool Business Park close to Blackpool Airport, has been secured by TVR for the development of a state-of-the-art facility, confirming the company's commitment to remaining in the area and to retaining its local workforce.

"This is an important step for TVR, but there is still a lot to do towards the move," commented David Oxley, TVR managing director. "Relevant consents and planning permissions need to be obtained first and contractors' proposals tendered, so we expect it to take at least 18 months to complete the project." In the meantime, however, TVR will continue with its interim relocation strategy, announced recently, to ensure that production and services are uninterrupted and customers are unaffected.

Nikolai Smolenski, chairman of TVR said: "Blackpool is and has been historically a very important location for the British automotive industry. Both Jaguar and TVR were founded here, so I am glad to secure the future of TVR in Blackpool."

Blackpool Council is very pleased that TVR has decided to stay in Blackpool. Alan Cavill, Head of Corporate Policy and Development for Blackpool Council attended the British International Motor Show and said: "We look forward to continuing to work with TVR to deliver their future plans, and I'm sure the company will go from strength to strength. I was delighted to help in bringing about this decision to retain TVR in Blackpool, both for the company's future benefit and for the employees and residents of Blackpool."

Blackpool Business Park is a 75-acre site at the end of the M55 and adjacent to Blackpool Airport. It is home to 30 companies employing over 2,500 staff.
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New news in that TVR has started thier relocation to the new site at Squires gate.

TVR to start relocation process
21 August 2006


TVR has announced today that it will start its relocation process next week.

The British Sports Car manufacturer said in July that it would move to a new state-of-the-art production facility in Blackpool Business Park, close to Blackpool Airport.

The planning, building and fitting-out process of the new facility is likely to take up to two years, but the current lease on TVR’s existing premises expires at the end of September 2006.

TVR will now implement its interim relocation strategy. This will ensure that production can continue as normal while the new facility is built.

Over the coming six weeks TVR will move to the interim location announced earlier this year. This is an existing 200,000 square feet facility in Squires Gate, Blackpool, that is larger and more suitable for production.

"This is the beginning of our journey to the state-of-the-art production facility we are planning at Blackpool Business Park," commented Mike Penny, Head of Production.

"The interim facility will offer a better layout for production and it will be larger than we have currently.

"That will enable us to begin trialling the more efficient and modern production techniques we plan to use in the new facility, while maintaining the levels of quality and performance that our customers expect."

TVR's staff will begin the process this week of cleaning and dismantling equipment and preparing the new facility.

The company expects to begin producing cars using existing staff from the new premises by the beginning of October, leading to a loss in production time of just six weeks.

Mr Penny said: "The move will be a big test for TVR's maintenance workers but I am confident that with the support of the rest of the staff, we will get the job done in time.

"This is finally an opportunity to clean out the cupboard and start TVR's progress to more efficient production methods."

The T&G has expressed its full support. Tony Hodson from the T&G said "This is a necessary move and management and the workforce will work closely together to make this transition a success."
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And news of a company using the TVR name in North America, nothing TVR can do about it but they have confirmed that it is not them.

TVR North America LLC
23 August 2006


We have been made aware of a business called TVR North America LLC, incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States.

We would like to confirm to our customers that we are not connected in any way to this business, that it does not act with our authority and that we are not in any way responsible for its activities.

If you are in the United States and have an enquiry about TVR, please contact David Oxley.
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So they're staying pretty close to where they were untill now, right?

And can't they copyright the TVR brand or something to prevent "TVR" companies?
 
They can, but they have to pay for copyright in each country seperately and each variation of thier name seperately. TVR do have the name TVR copyrighted almost everywhere they plan on selling car including in the US ready for when they go back there, but this other company has come out called TVR North America LLC, which is nothing to do with TVR and is a name TV obviousely didn't own the copyright to, jst because TVR own the copyright to TVR, they don't sutomatically own the copyright to any company name that has TVR in it. Can you imagine how much it would cost to copyright every possible variation of your comany name in every country.
 
*Goes out and licences "TVR Motorsports" in Israel*

Yeah, It's too much. But still, there should be some way to restrict those companyname-variations...
 
*Another bump for the thread .*

Can I join? Please, it took me bloody ages to read through 42 pages. :D 👍

Darren.
 
It's been a while since anyones posted up to date news on TVR so heres the latest from the last month or so. In a nut shell, revised Sagris is better than before, Blistein are manufacturing replacment dampers for old and existing TVR models, more tidbits aout the move and TVR accident managment has been setup.

Lastest news on the move is that TVR is moving to Italy to manufacture the chassis and bodywork, the powertrain will continue to be built in the UK by Ricardo. TVR Power will remain in the UK under private ownership.

Bilstein dampers for TVR aftermarket 25 October 2006


For most of this year, TVR's factory engineers have been working in close conjunction with Bilstein, leading handling experts, to develop replacement dampers for the TVR aftermarket.

The new dampers offer a direct replacement for the original equipment units in all Cerbera, Tamora, Tuscan and T350 models, and have been tuned to work with existing springs and anti-roll bars. They provide improved ride and handling, as well as better durability.

The new Bilstein dampers are available only through TVR Power and all official dealers and service centres. Bilstein has also been working with TVR on its current model line-up.
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Some production to be outsourced abroad 17 November 2006


TVR, one of Britain's longest established independent sports car manufacturers, is to outsource the assembly of its cars to a sophisticated production operation in Europe, whilst production of its engines, clutches, gearboxes and other essential components are expected to remain in Britain.

The management, sales, marketing and research and development teams are expected to remain in the region in which the company was founded in 1947, and dealerships, service centres and general operations will remain unaffected.

The move will, however, mean the closure of the company's well-known Bristol Avenue plant and the loss of many production roles. TVR has been based at its historic factory in Blackpool since the 1970s.

TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski said: "We are extremely sorry that, after a period of uncertainty and raised hopes that we could continue production ourselves in Blackpool, we have had to make this difficult decision. We need to secure the future of the company and move it forward, and I am afraid we see no other way to do this."

Consultation is underway with the Transport and General Workers' Union on redundancy, and counseling support is being put in place. Smolenski added: "We are acutely aware of the shock and distress this will cause for our staff and their families. We will ensure that we meet all of our responsibilities towards them over the coming months. We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have worked with us over the past months to try to maintain the company in Blackpool."

The new state-of-the-art production facility will enable TVR to increase its volumes and to achieve important type approvals necessary for international markets, as well as to further its programme of continuous quality improvements.

TVR is also in advanced discussions with third-party automotive specialists Ricardo and Sparco, as part of the company's ongoing product advancement strategy. Ricardo is a UK-based provider of automotive engineering solutions, specialising in the development of engines, drivelines and transmission systems. Sparco is a leading manufacturer of racing and automotive accessories, in particular race seats and other motorsport equipment.

"These are important steps for TVR," continued Smolenski. "We shall be making further announcements in due course about our plans, which we believe represent a major advance for the proud name of TVR, but for the time being we are concentrating on our staff in Blackpool and the consultation process."

The relocation will be managed carefully to minimise disruption and to ensure that customers' orders are unaffected. TVR's dedicated network of dealers and service centres throughout the UK and abroad will continue to operate as normal.

TVR remains committed to producing some of the most exhilarating premium performance cars, something it has done for some 60 years and which it's looking forward to continuing well into the future.
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More enjoyable than ever, reports Evo 24 November 2006


"It's still here, and it's more enjoyable than ever," begins Richard Meaden in his review in this month's Evo of TVR's revised Sagaris. And according to Meaden, it's the improved attention-to-detail that makes all the difference. Meaden writes:

"It was with a sense of resigned sadness that we absorbed the news of TVR's closure. The writing had been on the wall for some months, we said. Job losses, management changes, falling sales and a mysterious owner with uncertain motives all pointed to a sad but inevitable end to Britain's most exciting and nonconformist car maker.

"Then we had more news. Apparently TVR's death had been greatly exaggerated, and though production at the factory in Blackpool had ceased, the company would live on, with production shifted to Italy and engines developed by a highly regarded British specialist to comply with Euro V legislation. While still extremely sad for those facing redundancy in Blackpool, solace could be taken from the bigger picture: TVR would live on.

"By sheer coincidence, in the midst of this tumult we had a Sagaris booked in for assessment. At first we thought it would be cancelled, but no, the car would be delivered so that we could see the direction in which TVR was heading. And no, it wasn't sideways for the nearest apex.

"In the old says, a revised TVR usually meant a faster, louder, meaner TVR. As a diversionary tactic it generally worked a treat, for you'd never hear a loyal TVR customer complain about more power for fear of his sexuality being drawn into question. However, newcomers to the brand, those vital 'conquest' customers used to the quirk-free functionality of Porches and BMWs, were finding TVR's flaky finishing and wonky ergonomics as off-putting as the performance was overwhelming.

"So, instead of reporting on a sexier, more savage Sagaris, I'm here to tell you about things like washer jets fixed to the scuttle instead of floppy rubber tubes lashed to the windscreen wipers; supportive Sparco seats that don't wobble during hard acceleration, braking or cornering; new floor-hinged pedals made with a curve so that you don't have to overextend your ankles to fully depress the clutch or accelerator; tailgate glass with a beautiful alloy latch instead of a recess designed solely to pinch your fingers; rear-exiting exhausts that spit and pop but don't resonate; and bodywork that doesn't act as a trap for every leaf, granite chipping and errant cigarette butt. The list goes on.

"Do people buy a TVR for its ergonomics? Of course not. But doubtless there are those who don't buy a TVR because of its ergonomics. It's this line of argument that the new management is applying. It's all very un-TVR, but addressing long-standing quality, comfort, ergonomics and functionality issues are what the cars - and many of the customers - have been crying out for.

"Naturally, a TVR wouldn't be a TVR without blood and thunder performance, something the Sagaris remains eminently capable of delivering. The familiar straight-six is as guttural as ever, and while the 400 Blackpudlian horses feel slightly smaller than their Bavarian counterparts, the Sagaris is still a formidable tool to work with on typical British A- and B-roads. The chassis, without doubt TVR's best to date, is quick-witted but more forgiving than you'd think, and while you need your wits about you to compensate for the lack of ABS, traction control and other modern accouterments, it's a pure, challenging and invigorating experience. Business as usual, then.

"Improving but not sanitising the product is a fine line to tread, for quirkiness is a definite TVR trademark. However, if our experience of the subtly but effectively revised Sagaris is anything to go by, polishing out a few flaws frees you up to enjoy the driving even more."

Evo rating: 4.5 out of 5

Richard Meaden, Evo
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Official accident management launched 29 November 2006


Accidents do happen, and when they do, it is reassuring to be in the best possible hands. Being involved in an accident can be very distressing and hugely time-consuming to resolve.

TVR Accident Management has been established to provide a complete specialist service that ensures TVR owners involved in an accident will be back on the road with the minimum of inconvenience. The team can arrange a replacement vehicle and repair of the damaged vehicle, and can act in pursuing reimbursement from a third-party insurer.

Any innocent party involved in an accident is entitled by law not to be disadvantaged as a result of the accident. And drivers of prestige vehicles have the right to expect the use of a similar make and model whilst their own vehicle is undergoing repairs. In these cases, TVR Accident Management can arrange a replacement TVR and also manage delivery and collection of the damaged vehicle at commencement and completion of the repair work.

TVR Accident Management can also arrange for repair works to be carried out at a TVR-approved repair centre, ensuring that the warranty is not invalidated, that the work is undertaken by a properly trained and approved centre, that genuine original equipment replacement parts are used and that the value of the vehicle is preserved.

In the event of an accident or emergency, TVR Accident Management is ready to provide immediate assistance anywhere in the UK. TVR Accident Management can be telephoned on 0845 146 1640.
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TVR Power sold and made parts distributor 1 December 2006


TVR Power, supplier of parts and spares to TVR dealers and owners for some 20 years, has been bought from TVR in a management buy-out.

Under the new contract, TVR Power will be the sole distributor of official TVR components to the authorised dealer network in the UK and Ireland, and will supply parts for the existing model range and all models produced in the past ten years. TVR Power carries an extensive range of spares supplied direct by the original equipment manufacturers.

Operating from its own facility in Longford, Coventry, TVR Power was previously a subsidiary of TVR but has been bought by company director Dom Trickett. The new owner commented: "I am delighted we will be able to continue supplying original parts for TVRs as we have done for many years. The team at TVR Power loves TVRs, just like the owners."

Trickett continued: "This deal will bring peace-of-mind to all TVR owners and will secure the future of our company. Under this contract, the owners can be confident that they will be able to get the spares they need from their dealers."

David Oxley, TVR managing director, added: "We are very pleased to have helped secure the supply of original TVR parts for existing models. Dom and his team have supplied a fantastic service over many years and we are sure they will continue to help TVR owners keep their cars in top condition."

TVR Power can be contacted on 024 7636 6177, or more information can be found by visiting the TVR Power website.
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Breat work on the update Dave. 👍 *click*

I'd been meaning to post the stuff about the UK plant closing down for a while now but never got round to it.

It's a shame the manufacturings leaving the original plant and going overseas but at least the TVR brand lives on I suppose. Good to hear build quality has improved too, I read Evo mag myself and they can be pretty harsh at times.

Darren.
 
I heard about the closure not so long ago. No doubt the purists will claim that because some of it is built overseas, it's no longer British, but I don't care. I'm just glad that TVR still exist, and are still churning out cars that can scramble your brains when you put your foot down.

Here's to another 60 years of Totally Vicious Racers. :)
 
It's disspointing, but as long as they continue to build cars like they have been doing, but up the reliability I'll always be a fan. I do feel for the engineers in Blackpool though, but it was inevitable to happen at some point. The UK is just too expensive compared to countries overseas.
 

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