Welcome back to our regular ‘Car in the Spotlight’ feature. Today, we’re turning up the heat with a car that embodies the very essence of British motoring passion – the 2006 TVR Sagaris.
We’re thrilled to have David Young join us, sharing his unique insights into the exhilarating world of TVR ownership. David’s shares his love of the raw power, uncompromising performance, and sheer joy he has every time he sets off in his Sagaris.
The TVR Sagaris: A Legend in its Own Right
The Sagaris burst onto the scene in 2005, a creation of TVR’s then-owner, Peter Wheeler. It was designed as a ‘no compromise’ sports car, built for the track but equally at home on the open road. Its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and unapologetically raw driving experience made it an instant icon.
A Design That Screams Performance
The Sagaris is a car that demands attention. Its sculpted bodywork, with its sharp edges and dramatic curves, is a visual symphony of power and aggression. From its menacing front splitter to its imposing rear wing, every element of the Sagaris’ design screams performance.
Under the bonnet lies a hand-built 4.0-litre straight-six engine, capable of producing a thrilling 406 horsepower. This potent powerplant, mated to a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, delivers a visceral driving experience that’s unlike anything else on the road.
A Raw and Unfiltered Driving Experience
The Sagaris isn’t a car for the faint of heart. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it demands your full attention. But for those who crave an unfiltered connection with the road, the Sagaris delivers in spades. Its razor-sharp handling, blistering acceleration, and spine-tingling exhaust note create a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and addictive.
With TVR’s closure in 2006, the Sagaris became an instant classic. Its limited production numbers and unique character make it a highly sought-after collector’s item to a bygone era of British motoring.
David’s Sagaris Story: A Love Affair with Power
Now, let’s turn our attention to David and his beloved 2006 Sagaris. He’ll take us on a journey through his ownership experience, sharing the highs and lows of living with this extraordinary machine. We’ll discover what it’s like to tame the Sagaris on the open road, the challenges of maintaining such a unique car, and the sheer joy of owning a piece of automotive history.
An Owner’s Viewpoint
1. When and where did you buy the car?
I purchased my 2006 TVR Sagaris in April 2019 from a TVR Car Club (TVRCC) member on the Isle of Wight, who was a skilled engineer and stainless steel fabricator. Prior to buying, I had an independent inspection by TVRSSW with particular attention to the engine that he had recently rebuilt himself. TVRSSW assured me that the engine rebuild was to the highest standard and that the car was in excellent condition.
2. Why did you buy this particular car, as opposed to another model or manufacturer?
I have been a member of the TVRCC for a number of years and I previously owned a TVR S3. By sheer coincidence in 2011, I attended the TVRCC meeting at Chatsworth House in my S3 and actually took a picture of my Sagaris, never expecting to buy it 8 years later.
The previous owner has carried out many modifications to improve the looks of the car. This included a custom exhaust with interchangeable silencer baffles, a loud set and a not-so-loud set. I’m not sure how quiet the not-so-loud set is, as I have never used them. He fabricated a stainless steel airbox, replacing the black polycarbonate one, plus many other minor improvements. The car also has had the wing cut-outs reinstated front and rear, bringing the car back to how it was originally conceived.
The colour of the car is Cascade indigo and was one of only 3 sold in this colour (I believe a very expensive option). This colour fascinates so many people and even non petrol-heads stop and admire it.
In November 2019, I showed my Sagaris at the Classic Motor Show in the NEC, it was very well received. The highlight for me was meeting an ex TVR employee who took great interest in the car and in particular the wing cut-outs. It transpired that after TVR closed and he was made redundant. He designed and fitted these wing cut-outs to my car. Surprisingly, he only modified a very few others.
3. How often do you drive it?
I am averaging around 1500 miles a year, mostly for dry day trips and car shows. Just last year I attended the Pistonheads 25th anniversary meeting at Bicester, where I won the trophy for the best sports car. I have attended both Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace and Beaulieu supercar shows twice, and many smaller shows.
In 2020 at the Classic Motor Hub the car was immortalised by Popbangcolour with one of Ian’s continuous line drawings. The drawing has also been made into wall art for my study and a mug that he still sells in his shop today.
4. How does it compare to newer models, or other cars you’ve driven?
Weighing a ton and with over 400 BHP, no ABS or traction control, the Sagaris is a bit of a monster. The saving grace is the long throttle travel, meaning in my normal driving position I have to stretch to get full throttle. Often when driving hard and accelerating, I suddenly realise I have more throttle travel available. The car is set up fairly hard and hence handling is excellent. This makes even an average driver like myself able to use the throttle to assist turning, especially at roundabouts.
I can directly compare the Sagaris with my wife’s Porsche Cayman S, manufactured in the same year and considered at the time a direct competitor. The Cayman is an excellent car, much more refined and easier to drive. It just does not have that wow factor, both in looks and when driving. That being said, for a long journey where you just want to reach the destination and get there comfortably and refreshed, I would drive the Cayman. However, I take the Sagaris when the journey is the “event”.
5. Has it been on any eventful journeys?
Last year my wife and I decided we wanted to do an extended road tour down to southern Italy. While obviously I could have taken the Sagaris; speed and handling were not high on the essential criteria for this journey. It was more open top motoring and style to make this trip a real “once in a lifetime event”. We therefore travelled over 4,000 miles in 6 weeks down through France and Italy to the Amalfi coast in my LHD E-Type Jaguar S2 DHC. Another example that one car can never fulfil all your needs.
6. Is the car a keeper or can you see a time that you’d sell the car to another custodian?
Will I sell the Sagaris? While I would not say never, but I hope to keep it as long as possible. Just walking into my garage and seeing the Sagaris (and E-Type) gives me great pleasure. And even today it is the only car I enjoy washing and polishing. Sagaris prices appear stable (not like the E-Type that I have lost money on). I do wonder what will happen to prices when it reaches 25 years old and can be imported into the USA. Because of its popularity in the game Forza, I suspect, like the TVR Cerbera, prices may rise considerably.
Only 210 Sagaris’s were ever built and with only 150 taxed or SORN in the UK today, I think I am very lucky to own such an excellent example. In fact, I consider myself more of a custodian than an owner. There is no other car I would rather have. You can find many more photos on my Instagram Account @sagdriver.
To conclude
We thank David for his insight into his ownership of his TVR Sagaris, a rare car, a loud car, a car with a colour scheme we love. A car that has to be seen up close, where you will see the colours change as you look at it from different angles. A very cool car.
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