Those who are familiar with Ride Drive as an organisation will know of our established links with TVR owners and the TVR Car Club.
Sadly this relationship began with someone getting killed. A few years ago a self-styled businessman bought for himself a TVR sports car and on the fateful day, and with a friend on board, he took the car for a spin – probably to show off the car to his mate. Many will be aware that over 80% of all TVR losses occur within the first year of ownership and do not involve a third party, but in this case there was another vehicle involved - A stationary and unattended vehicle.
It would not be fair for us to relate the specific circumstances of this occurrence, but what did come out of it was the evidence that clearly showed that if driver of the TVR had received even the very basics of advanced driver training there was a very strong chance the collision would not have taken place. Most likely we shall never know this for sure, but the position of the car at the approach to the point of impact was totally inappropriate.
The dealership that sold that car was devastated by what had happened, and knowing they had supplied a car in which someone lost their life was for them a hard pill to swallow. It is perhaps quite ludicrous, if you think about it from a totally detached and clinical point of view, there are no restrictions placed upon the purchase of cars like these, other than for the purchaser to be in possession of an ordinary driving licence and a certificate of motor insurance.
As a result of this incident Ride Drive began conversations with a regional group of the TVR Car Club, within whose catchment area the fatality occurred. Not only that, but the car dealer expressed an interest also, promoting safer TVR ownership by referring customers to Ride Drive.
As time passed by we saw more and more TVR owners becoming involved with us, and as the word spread so did the range of our coverage across the country. It is fantastic to see how much more that people get from owning a TVR after they have been to us, having the method by which they drive their car completely transformed. With the support of the TVR Car Club limited, the numbers of TVR owners adding their names to the Ride Drive database took another leap forward whilst the club actively promotes and encourages their members become better trained drivers.
Ride Drive now enjoys a strong position within TVR circles and will continue to work closely with those associated with these fabulous cars buy guiding drivers towards the use of those advanced driving techniques that will make sure they not only enjoy their car a lot more, but will remain safe and in control whilst they indulge in that enjoyment. In other words, they learn how to grab a TVR by the scruff of the neck and make it do as it’s damn well told! |
