The first real breakdown in 28 years
05/20/2026
In fact, the TVR 3000 S has been a reliable member of my fleet since 1998 and has never let me down (on the road), running more reliably than you would expect given the manufacturer's reputation.
Of course, there have been one or two technical problems over the 28 years, but I've never been left stranded on the open road. Until last Sunday. The engine stopped without much warning on the lake dam between Rapperswil and Pfäffikon. Thank goodness I was able to pull into an alternative bay with parking spaces, otherwise it would have been a bit uncomfortable on the narrow road.
The engine wouldn't start and nothing worked at all. Only the lights were still on (a little?). As a TCS member, I dialed the roadside assistance number and after a short wait, which I was able to shorten with an interesting conversation with a Pagoda driver who happened to be passing by, the first TCS roadside assistant reached me. He had seen me on an earlier drive through, but was actually no longer on duty. Nevertheless, he immediately set about troubleshooting, which finally revealed a low-contact 40 ampere fuse as the cause, as the battery was still supplying 12.8 volts.
In the meantime, the second breakdown mechanic, notified by the control center, had arrived. To be on the safe side, he had brought a trailer with him, but this proved to be unnecessary. Together we were delighted that the engine started without any problems after replacing the fuse. The old fuse had worked reliably for 48 years, now we hope that the replacement will last for the next few decades.
It's not every day that two roadside assistants help you solve a technical problem, but we can only praise TCS for their competent staff. Thank you, great service!
