This English Sports Car Is a True "Holy Grail" for Enthusiasts | TVR Tuscan S | Jay Leno's Garage
The Tuscan S stands out with a fiberglass body weighing in at just 2,300 lb. This featherweight shell paired with a four-liter engine means explosive power-to-weight, not just numbers for spec sheet arguments but seat-of-the-pants reality. Jay’s grin widens every time his foot hits the accelerator. Horsepower fixes plenty of bad days.
TVR built about 1,600 Tuscans, and this one came to America thanks to the 25-year import rule. Owner Mike Welling bought his Tuscan S sight unseen, drawn by its restoration and pristine engine. No badge snobbery here. Mike’s love for TVR started with a purple Cerbera and only grew. He knows these cars are unusual, even in England—quirky enough to turn heads and start arguments.
Peter Wheeler, TVR’s boss through the 1990s, pushed for bespoke engineering. The Speed Six wasn’t just an off-the-shelf lump; it was designed with inspiration from Suzuki GSX bike motors, complete with wide heads and finger followers on the cams. TVR’s stubbornness meant solid performance but a struggle for longevity. Fragile build quality and wild business moves left the brand teetering in tough times. Value for money was strong. Drive one and you’ll see why enthusiasts still chase TVRs—lightweight, sharp handling, and more fun than the competition.
Hand-built quirks define the car. The tach sits at 7,000 rpm redline. The dry sump system keeps the oil under control. Everything feels tactile, old-school, mechanical. Four-wheel AP Racing disc brakes dig in hard. The roof pops off and stows in the trunk. Little design touches make you smile, sometimes scratch your head.
Jay Leno takes Mike’s Tuscan S out and comes back grinning. The car pulls hard and feels tight. No shudder, no drama; just raw, connected driving. Despite its age, the Tuscan feels contemporary. It’s the same weight as a McLaren F1 but costs a fraction—then and now. Zero to sixty in under four seconds, with handling to match the power.
TVR’s legacy may be patchy, but Wheeler’s passion lives in every wild curve and boisterous exhaust note. This isn’t a car for quiet types or badge-chasers. It’s aimed squarely at enthusiasts who believe real driving comes from honest engineering and irreverent attitude. A Tuscan S doesn’t just go fast—it gives you stories.
Jay Leno tips his hat to TVR Garage for bringing these oddball legends to the States. He dreams the company might revive someday, but for now, the Tuscan S remains a trophy for anyone lucky enough to join its tiny club. If you ever get a chance to drive one, take it. You won’t leave disappointed.
