TVR, the formerly Blackpool-based sports car manufacturer, is fondly remembered in the USA. For decades however, many of the company’s greatest cars – namely those from the Peter Wheeler era – were never officially imported into the USA, meaning stateside car enthusiasts had to go without. Now that many of these epic sports cars have passed the 25 year threshold however, quite a few have been making their way across the pond.
A new company in the US, TVR Garage, aims to make the most of this demand, and focus on importing the legendary models as they pass the 25-year threshold. Initially, the Cerbera will be TVR Garage’s focus. In partnership with Str8six, a UK-based TVR specialist, TVR Garage will focus on importing the finest of examples, in either classic or restored specification.
We drove the ultimate version – a Cerbera 4.5-litre Lightwight ‘Red Rose’ in Octane 249.
Launched formally at Carmel Valley, during Monterey car week in 2023, TVR garage initially presented these two 1997 TVR Cerberas to the USA. Based in Tucson Arizona, with approved service locations in AZ, CA, and FL (Exclusive to TVR Garage vehicle owners), TVR Garage is aiming to provide peace of mind and end-to-end ownership support to its customers. As there is very little support and knowledge for these cars in the US, this is vital.
TVR Garage was recently featured on an episode of the Jay Leno’s Garage, in which the Octane columnist got the chance to learn all about the Cerebra and take it for a spin on the local roads in Burbank. This is just the start for the company, which aims to expand to include Tuscan Speed 6, Tamora, T350 and Sagaris as they become eligible.
Gavin Bristow, Co-founder said: ‘The TVR brand is a passion project for all at TVR Garage, born from a simple personal import to a young business bringing the oldest “new” brand to US market’.
Andi Hughes, Co-founder said: ‘Our aim is to provide to our customers an ownership experience as unique as the clients themselves. TVR offers an unrivalled motoring experience, providing a raw and visceral analogue connection that stirs all the senses. In a world of uninspiring EV’s, we wish to offer the dedicated driving enthusiast a pure driving experience in their downtime’.