For those afflicted by the automotive hobby in their youth, the hero car is a common phenomenon. Whether it’s a Ferrari F40 or a Lexus LFA, there are always the untouchables that are nothing short of canonized. As age and wisdom build, some of those hero cars can lose their luster, but some of us still have those machines that we hold in great regard, even if we’ll likely never drive one. Maybe it’s the experience that comes with the job, but finding a personal example took a bit of searching because I’m generally a skeptic.
Unless I have prior experience with a powertrain or chassis, just about any car could go either way. However, there is one exception for me, just because spec sheets and period road tests give enough information to suggest that it’s probably fun. Yep, it’s the TVR Sagaris.
With a 406-horsepower four-liter inline-six, a five-speed manual gearbox, a curb weight of 2,731 pounds, and styling from Mars, the TVR Sagaris sounds like an absolute riot. More importantly, it seems better built than most TVR models, with Evo writing:
So instead of reporting on a sexier, more savage Sagaris, I’m here to tell you about things like washer jets fixed to the scuttle instead of floppy rubber tubes lashed to the windscreen wipers; supportive Sparco seats that don’t wobble during hard acceleration, braking or cornering; new floor-hinged pedals made with a curve so that you don’t have to overextend your ankles to fully depress the clutch or accelerator; tailgate glass with a beautiful alloy latch instead of a recess designed solely to pinch your fingers; rear-exiting exhausts that spit and pop but don’t resonate; and bodywork that doesn’t act as a trap for every leaf, granite chipping and errant cigarette butt. The list goes on.
Properly quick, lightweight, and built with some semblance of care sounds like a winning formula. The TVR Sagaris is probably good fun, even if it’s still a TVR, so things like ergonomics aren’t a massive concern. I still want one, because really, it seems like a difficult vehicle to go wrong with, provided you start with the right set of expectations.
So, what car are you convinced is great even though you’ve never driven it? Whether you idolize the R32 Skyline GT-R or just know intrinsically that the C6 Corvette ZR1 is spectacular, I’d love to hear your answers in the comments below.
(Photo credits: TVR)
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I know I could go to a dealer and test drive one, but I don’t do that when I have no intention to buy one… but…
Miata Is Always The Answer
I would love to drive and own the 50th Anniversary Porsche 911 with the houndstooth seats and Fuchs-looking wheels.
It’s always the answer for a reason!
My first car was an MGB, which is a little like the Miata’s older English cousin.
Except when the answer is R53
FD RX-7
I would love to own an Opel GT. I know there’s not much power there so i don’t know why. Perhaps it’s because a high school friend owned an Opel Manta for a time. I liked that car too.
My college roommate had one. Not much zip, but it sure could zag.
LS1 swap or EV conversion. Find one with a destroyed engine.
Elio, that thing is gonna rock
I‘m pretty sure I couldn‘t stop smiling when piloting a modern Morgan Threewheeler or Super Three.
Drove one three years ago; most fun I’ve had in decades. What’s a few bugs in the teeth compared to that?
Nissan Altima, anything that can survive such neglect and abuse is GREAT in its own way.
2024 Acura Integra S, and its upcoming variants. I owned an 1994 Integra GSR (written about on Autopian this week!), and Imiss it so much. I have dismissed all the Acura Integra since then *insert model #s or letters here*, as they have not seemed to be drivers cars. All the reviews on the 2023/2024 have been right up my alley, Many reviews claiming its a drivers car, better than Civic R to live with, fun to drive, daily driver, not too extreme, good looking without huge wings or super racey looks. Just what I have been looking for. I want to wait unill ’27 or ’28 to get one that is more optioned – or an even better version like the old Integra R comes out.
Oof that TVR is a great choice.
The McLaren F1 immediately comes to mind, but I don’t think anyone would question it’s greatness and it’s too easy of a pick.
My personal pick is a 1969 Charger R/T or a 1969 Charger 500. I absolutely loved The Dukes of Hazzard as a kid and I still dream of ripping down a dirt road in one. Of course, the General isn’t actually an R/T… but you know, TV magic. My love of NASCAR/stock cars has kept it high on my list too.
I owned a ‘68 Charger. Drove it through a cornfield once. That was a trip.
Lmfao, is it everything I imagine it would be? I know it’s a boat, but I don’t care.
Don’t know how I’d feel about it now, but I thought it was great then. Blisteringly fast, a handful in corners, and really long stopping distances. Seats didn’t do much to hold you in place when things got twisty so strong arms and core were helpful. This was in the mid 70s and nothing new could touch it for speed, which thankfully included State Police cruisers.
Lotus 23B. This is the quintessential sports racer. Welded space frame with fiberglass bodywork. 2 liter Lotus twin-cam making around 200hp. Weighing only 1000lb. It dominated sportscar racing for several years in the 60s and spawned many copycats. Everyone who races one says it is purest driving experience, as if the car is telepathic.
This would be on my list as well, but that list is hundreds of cars long…
A Fisher Fury kit car with a LeMans front end and a Hayabusa engine would be of similar weight and aero drag, and be a lot more accessible.
Classic Citroëns like the CX and the DS, but especially the SM. I am absolutely convinvced it must be the most amazing driving experience I can possibly experience despite never having driven one.
I was too small to drive but can confirm the CX is a winner for the passengers.
I was lucky enough to be a passanger in a few CXs and DSs, and even sat a couple of times in an SM, back when I was too young to know what it was – I guess I thought it was a sportier DS. I only have blurry memories of the SM unfortunately. The CX and DS are, by far, the most comfortable cars I ever traveled in.
2005 Dodge SRT-4.
16-year-old me was convinced this was the coolest attainable car, and that notion has not changed.
Ford GT40 MKIII. It has an ashtray, so I shouldn’t be wanting for creature comforts.
Ooh good one. A/C could be had too even, right?
Yes, and apparently also a TV!? Regardless, the option of left hand drive is a main reason why I chose this over the racing versions.
I know the pace of ’60s racing was maybe a little less hectic, but I can still imagine the frustration of having to contort yourself over the shifter to get into one of them during a driver change or whathaveyou.
Just look at what V10omous’s (current) profile picture is.
That’s my answer!
The new Corvette E-Ray
The BMW Clown Shoe.
Or a stick shift M2…
Fine choice. The only BMW I’d be remotely tempted to own that is not a concept car.
911. It wouldn’t be such an institution if it wasn’t a unique and amazing driving experience.
Volvo P1800 Cyan GT.
As a certified JDM nerd, no one can convince me that the FD RX-7, R32 or R34 Skyline GTR’s wouldnt be incredible to drive.
Ford Popular 103E Ute
Economy car of it’s time, because it is based off a pre WWII design.
Thermosyphon cooled flathead I4
Last mass production car with cable brakes (1959)
RWD
Amazing looks
Smol Bed.
I have never heard a disparaging word said about the first-gen Acura NSX, and nothing will ever convince me it isn’t amazing to drive. In fact, owning one is on my bucket list. Even if somehow, by some miracle, I find it less than great, I’ll still convince my geriatric ass that it’s the GOAT.
You’re not wrong – I have a friend who’s owned a number of them, and he’s been kind enough to let me regularly have a go over the years.
Around town, they’re like driving an Accord; but when you get on them, they transform into a supercar.
It’s in the lead photo.
I just know I would love driving a ford rs200.
Aston Martin DBS (60’s model; the On Her Majesty’s Secret Service car). Driven rapidly across continents as the lads at Newport Pagnell intended, I’m positive it would be every bit as magnificent as it looks.
The Tatra JK 2500. Jason wrote an article about it on the old site, and it took up lodgings in my head the second I read that article and it hasn’t left since. Sure there was only one built, sure no one knows where it is, and yeah maybe it is cobbled together from Alfa and VW parts, but it’s stunningly beautiful and would be amazing to drive
Here’s the original Jason article if you missed it: https://jalopnik.com/the-most-beautiful-car-youve-never-heard-of-the-tatra-1792315705
Never heard of this one. I’ll add it to my list…
Porsche 550
Yes.
Excellent choice.
In 2013, I got to drive Jack Rickard’s Beck Spyder Porsche 550 replica, converted to electric with an HPEVS motor and controller running a 128V pack of CALB LiFePO4 batteries. 0-60 mph time was about 9 seconds, it would supposedly do 130 mph, and I was allowed to take it to 85 mph.