WHY I LOVE MY 3000S
OLIVER EDWARDS
There’s no question that Oliver Edwards’ turbocharged 3000S is something a bit different; it’s not one of the 13 originals, but an exacting replica – the only one of its kind.
‘It belonged to a lad who wanted a convertible turbo, but couldn’t afford one (or couldn’t find one) so Adrian Venn [of well-known specialist Exactly-TVR] suggested that as he had all the bits he could build one to full turbo spec.
‘I bought it October 2003, having had a Taimar before. I started with a Vixen, and was unsure what I wanted next. I was worried that a standard 3000S wouldn’t be fast enough and that I’d regret not buying a convertible if I went for a Taimar Turbo. After eight years of on-andoff searching for a 3000S Turbo, I spotted this car.
‘It’s the looks that appeal as much as anything, and the rarity. The V8S is nice but the detailing on the 3000S around the front is so much sharper. Plus, I love the back history of the company. There’s no way that TVR should have survived. It went bankrupt so many times and yet Martin Lilley somehow rescued what should have been a dead duck in 1965 because he had so much affection for the company.
‘ This is the last iteration of the original TVR shape before the Tasmins; it’s the last of the traditionally built and styled cars – and mine’s one of the last batch of cars, being registered 1 January 1980.
‘I’ve had a lot of adventures in this car, I bought it when I was courting my wife; she’s been out in it, she’s driven it around Zolder in Belgium and Rockingham. I take my little boy out in it (he’s eight and a half – I’ve promised it to him) and he just loves riding in it, roof down. Plus, you can put your foot down in it and it goes.’