SO, you’ve got a bit of spare cash and you’re looking for an enjoyable car to drive for fun at the weekend.
You could go for a Porsche or a BMW 3-Series convertible I suppose, or you could get serious and buy a TVR Tuscan.
Just look at it. These beautiful sportscars look sizzlingly fast when they’re standing still and it’s not just promise.
A straight six 3.6 or 4.0-litre engine with a superb 360 or 380bhp will deliver all the performance you could possible want with an exhaust note to die for.
Add in point and shoot, pin sharp steering and immense grip giving tremendous road-holding and you have the consummate sportscar.
The experience might be a little too sharp for many, with a fidgety ride over some surfaces and a good deal of noise.
But for real hands-on drama with a capital D, only a Lamborghini comes close - even though great care is needed to keep it on the straight and narrow in the wet.
Interior
The wonderful interior is pure joy with supportive seats and reasonable cabin space. But older or larger people may find climbing in and out difficult even though most will do so because they can’t resist a ride.
There's room in the boot for a couple of cases but there is very little storage in the cabin.
Only buy with full service history and they do have a temperamental reputation.
FAST FACTS
TVR Tuscan
Price: Pay about £16,300 at a dealer for an ’05 05-reg S, or £22,300 for the same model on an ’07 plate
Mechanical: 380bhp, 3,996cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 195mph
0-62mph: 4.0 seconds
Combined mpg: 20
Insurance group: 50
CO2 emissions: 405g/km
Main rival: Porsche 911 convertible