This advice (rant) isn’t so much about Cerberas, nor even TVRs, it applies to all classic cars, regardless of make, model, value etc.
The war on the motorist has been running for decades now, first we saw the use of handheld radar guns at accident black-spots, then the fixed speed-trap cameras usually placed at the bottom of a hill, then the introduction of average speed cameras, and now the rollout of acoustic “cameras”, that will issue a fine if your car is deemed too noisy.
Each year the emissions get tighter and the decibel limit reduces.
In Wales recently we saw the introduction of a blanket 20mph speed limit in built-up areas
But it’s not just 30s turning into 20s in Wales. It’s happening in other parts of the country. 60s changing to 50s, 40s changing to 30s.
“Slow down” and “Slow” signs being erected all over the place.
It used to be the case, that the typical retort to motorists that want to drive enthusiastically was to “take it to the track”. These are the tracks that were built in the middle of nowhere and then when people bought homes nearby, suddenly decided they didn’t like the noise, so noise limits were put in place at the track 🙄.
And don’t get me started on the ULEZ expansion, all the potholes and the cyclists clogging up the 60 50 roads, riding 2 or 3 abreast.
Who’s to blame ? The majority of the younger generation would rather sit in the back of an Uber and play on their phone, rather than experience the thrill of driving- and without that generations interest, the war will all but be lost. Those that are in power consider a car as a taxable instrument for getting you from A to B. The notion that some people drive their car for fun, is lost on them.
To be clear, you don’t need to drive at stupid speed levels to have fun. The fun comes from the sound, the vibrations, and the smell of burnt fuel.
And I get the whole environmental topic, but a few older cars doing a couple of thousand miles a year when the sun is out, is not the problem.
I don’t know where all this will end, but for now, the direction is clear.
My advice.. if you have an interest in classic cars and haven't yet indulged yourself, go and pull that trigger, and enjoy them while you can.
Bringing this back to TVR Cerberas, with the 25 year import rule now in play, we’re starting to see them ship overseas to the U.S; and while that is a real shame, part of me is pleased that at least someone will be able to enjoy them properly in the future.