RE: PH Heroes: TVR Cerbera
Discussion
One of my all time favourite TVRs and I'm hoping to be in one by this timne next year. I'll miss the roof being able to come off though.
Also having been lucky enough to passenger with Phil James around Silverstone (albeit in the 4.5 not the Boss) then I've seen first hand just how well these cars can handle in the right hands. Awesome!!!
Also having been lucky enough to passenger with Phil James around Silverstone (albeit in the 4.5 not the Boss) then I've seen first hand just how well these cars can handle in the right hands. Awesome!!!
Robscim said:
Andy_sx said:
Robscim said:
Andy_sx said:
One of the few cars that i seriously want that may be accessible in the next few years. all the other minor things like OH, house, food etc may have to go by the way side, but ho hum!
gorgeous looking cars and sound sublime! never had a chance to even sit in one, let alone be a passenger, but hopefuly one day
Andy,gorgeous looking cars and sound sublime! never had a chance to even sit in one, let alone be a passenger, but hopefuly one day
Just find a local cerb and ask - they'll certainly take you for a spin. If you're down gatwick way, give me a shout - I'd be more than happy to take you for a spin (so long as you don't try to climb out of the door when I give it the big beans - it's happened before)
Great article by the way. They're cars with passion.
Cheers
Rob
I'm not a million miles from Gatwick at all (45 mins) so I may well have to take you up on that offer. And no, i wont try escaping while you give it some, although a gentle build up would be hugely appreciated (not the best passenger) but I'm sure that can be overcome.
Cheers
No problem - just let me know when is convenient (and preferably dry!!).
Don't worry, everything can be overcome in a cerb!!
Cheers
Rob
will drop you a line mate, and thanks very much
Zippee said:
One of my all time favourite TVRs and I'm hoping to be in one by this timne next year. I'll miss the roof being able to come off though.
Also having been lucky enough to passenger with Phil James around Silverstone (albeit in the 4.5 not the Boss) then I've seen first hand just how well these cars can handle in the right hands. Awesome!!!
Have a look at the Cerb forum, there is a current discussion on a targa top mod for a cerb which may make it more appealing.Also having been lucky enough to passenger with Phil James around Silverstone (albeit in the 4.5 not the Boss) then I've seen first hand just how well these cars can handle in the right hands. Awesome!!!
dern said:
Is there anything particularly complicated about them that would mean that an accomplished home mechanic couldn't run a v8 without the associated mad money that the tvr dealers seem to charge?
Much of the cost is in the labour, so if you had a fully stocked garage and the time (as well as the skill) then this would be an option. However the other problem is the availability of parts, the supply of which would require a fair bit of paitence and imagination to get round.For example, try getting a ribbon cable for the steering wheel controls, or a starter when yours fails (they go the opposite way), or a replacement clutch slave seal or a replacement exhaust manifold. It's all possible, but there is a lot of delay involved. Hell, there was a lot of delay years back when the factory was fully operational so I've no idea what it's like now!
I know someone who had to resort to parts for his 4.2 engine specially machined after trying to obtain them for over a year.
These cars are made of chocolate and cheese, by men who weren't happy with their employment conditions, out of far too many bespoke parts, designed with insufficient research and development and assembled in processes with a distinct lack of quality control.
Fantastic cars when running, but you need to set your expectations accordingly.
pikey said:
dern said:
Is there anything particularly complicated about them that would mean that an accomplished home mechanic couldn't run a v8 without the associated mad money that the tvr dealers seem to charge?
Much of the cost is in the labour, so if you had a fully stocked garage and the time (as well as the skill) then this would be an option. However the other problem is the availability of parts, the supply of which would require a fair bit of paitence and imagination to get round.For example, try getting a ribbon cable for the steering wheel controls, or a starter when yours fails (they go the opposite way), or a replacement clutch slave seal or a replacement exhaust manifold. It's all possible, but there is a lot of delay involved. Hell, there was a lot of delay years back when the factory was fully operational so I've no idea what it's like now!
I know someone who had to resort to parts for his 4.2 engine specially machined after trying to obtain them for over a year.
These cars are made of chocolate and cheese, by men who weren't happy with their employment conditions, out of far too many bespoke parts, designed with insufficient research and development and assembled in processes with a distinct lack of quality control.
Fantastic cars when running, but you need to set your expectations accordingly.
dern said:
pikey said:
dern said:
Is there anything particularly complicated about them that would mean that an accomplished home mechanic couldn't run a v8 without the associated mad money that the tvr dealers seem to charge?
Much of the cost is in the labour, so if you had a fully stocked garage and the time (as well as the skill) then this would be an option. However the other problem is the availability of parts, the supply of which would require a fair bit of paitence and imagination to get round.For example, try getting a ribbon cable for the steering wheel controls, or a starter when yours fails (they go the opposite way), or a replacement clutch slave seal or a replacement exhaust manifold. It's all possible, but there is a lot of delay involved. Hell, there was a lot of delay years back when the factory was fully operational so I've no idea what it's like now!
I know someone who had to resort to parts for his 4.2 engine specially machined after trying to obtain them for over a year.
These cars are made of chocolate and cheese, by men who weren't happy with their employment conditions, out of far too many bespoke parts, designed with insufficient research and development and assembled in processes with a distinct lack of quality control.
Fantastic cars when running, but you need to set your expectations accordingly.
The answer is it's quite possible to do it yourself if you're suitably skilled. There's nothing mechanically complicated about the car, but it does have its quirks and there's quite a few. This is where the specialists have the advantage of you, but in my experience they're a helpful bunch and do not hide their knowledge - quite a bit is available here on PH for instance. There are folks on the Cerb forum who do pretty much everything on their cars. If you have the time, patience and tools you'll be ok. As far as parts supply goes, you can get most things you need in a reasonable timescale these days and if anything it looks like the parts situation is improving without the Factory's poor credit with its suppliers screwing the supply chain up. Some of the parts are pricey, but removing labour in most situations would make a big difference.
Cheers,
Steve.
I enjoyed writing the article, thanks for the feedback. 
(and well done to Ollie for editing down my 'book' into 1000 words )
My 4.5 will be 10 years old on Valentines Day, and it's still a buzz to drive it. Cerberas are the best.
Was out last night in it (a mere 220 miles in an evening...). At one point had four people in it which blunts the performance a bit (but not much). Lots of whooping and shrieking at tyre-frying antics from stamping on the gas at 60mph, barking and crackling through Birmingham underpasses and firing on to the M6 flat knacker. Yee har!
Some of my favourite videos...
Spa Francorchamps Car had shot front dampers (died at the 'Ring the day before) - fair enough they were over 40K miles old.... and shot front discs (also rather aged at the time
)
Nurburgring With Arebrec's hair as G-Force meter
SilverstoneThe Sequel My favourite game of cat'n'mouse
'Bahnstorming! Cerberas on the rampage!
Wet Silverstone Throttle feathering!
(and well done to Ollie for editing down my 'book' into 1000 words )My 4.5 will be 10 years old on Valentines Day, and it's still a buzz to drive it. Cerberas are the best.
Was out last night in it (a mere 220 miles in an evening...). At one point had four people in it which blunts the performance a bit (but not much). Lots of whooping and shrieking at tyre-frying antics from stamping on the gas at 60mph, barking and crackling through Birmingham underpasses and firing on to the M6 flat knacker. Yee har!
Some of my favourite videos...
Spa Francorchamps Car had shot front dampers (died at the 'Ring the day before) - fair enough they were over 40K miles old.... and shot front discs (also rather aged at the time
)Nurburgring With Arebrec's hair as G-Force meter
SilverstoneThe Sequel My favourite game of cat'n'mouse
'Bahnstorming! Cerberas on the rampage!
Wet Silverstone Throttle feathering!
dean_ratpac said:
on my third one, and i think i'll keep this one...
and if anyone has seen me drive it... i love a hoon!
Hi Dean - yes saw and heard you come through Hampton alongside the Thames about three months ago. I had just finished coaching out on the river and you pootled by - gave you a wave. Also met you at the TVR London drinks do when they had those absolutely gorgeous Finnish girls handing out the drinks and brightening up everyone's evening. Cheers AJand if anyone has seen me drive it... i love a hoon!
Edited by AJCERB on Wednesday 6th February 15:39
Steve_T said:
The answer is it's quite possible to do it yourself if you're suitably skilled. There's nothing mechanically complicated about the car, but it does have its quirks and there's quite a few. This is where the specialists have the advantage of you, but in my experience they're a helpful bunch and do not hide their knowledge - quite a bit is available here on PH for instance. There are folks on the Cerb forum who do pretty much everything on their cars. If you have the time, patience and tools you'll be ok. As far as parts supply goes, you can get most things you need in a reasonable timescale these days and if anything it looks like the parts situation is improving without the Factory's poor credit with its suppliers screwing the supply chain up. Some of the parts are pricey, but removing labour in most situations would make a big difference.
Thanks very much Steve.dern said:
Steve_T said:
The answer is it's quite possible to do it yourself if you're suitably skilled. There's nothing mechanically complicated about the car, but it does have its quirks and there's quite a few. This is where the specialists have the advantage of you, but in my experience they're a helpful bunch and do not hide their knowledge - quite a bit is available here on PH for instance. There are folks on the Cerb forum who do pretty much everything on their cars. If you have the time, patience and tools you'll be ok. As far as parts supply goes, you can get most things you need in a reasonable timescale these days and if anything it looks like the parts situation is improving without the Factory's poor credit with its suppliers screwing the supply chain up. Some of the parts are pricey, but removing labour in most situations would make a big difference.
Thanks very much Steve.pikey said:
Really good article there Phill
One thing though, can you elaborate on this a bit more?
I believe that this was due to the car costing almost as much to make as what they sold them for, alas, as with many of the problems with TVR it was down to the mis running of the company. I think the Cerbera was actually his favourite car.One thing though, can you elaborate on this a bit more?
Cerbera article said:
Peter Wheeler regarded the Cerbera as one of his biggest mistakes.
Edited by pikey on Wednesday 6th February 13:37
Edited by BlueEyedBoy on Wednesday 6th February 16:00
There is no problem with parts, as well as all the indys and specialist suppliers there is also multipart who have the distribution contract for all TVR parts. They can supply everything from a new chassis to a new full engine and everything in between, however you do need to go through a dealer to get them.
Mags said:
Robscim said:
Andy_sx said:
Robscim said:
Andy_sx said:
One of the few cars that i seriously want that may be accessible in the next few years. all the other minor things like OH, house, food etc may have to go by the way side, but ho hum!
gorgeous looking cars and sound sublime! never had a chance to even sit in one, let alone be a passenger, but hopefuly one day
Andy,gorgeous looking cars and sound sublime! never had a chance to even sit in one, let alone be a passenger, but hopefuly one day
Just find a local cerb and ask - they'll certainly take you for a spin. If you're down gatwick way, give me a shout - I'd be more than happy to take you for a spin (so long as you don't try to climb out of the door when I give it the big beans - it's happened before)
Great article by the way. They're cars with passion.
Cheers
Rob
I'm not a million miles from Gatwick at all (45 mins) so I may well have to take you up on that offer. And no, i wont try escaping while you give it some, although a gentle build up would be hugely appreciated (not the best passenger) but I'm sure that can be overcome.
Cheers
No problem - just let me know when is convenient (and preferably dry!!).
Don't worry, everything can be overcome in a cerb!!
Cheers
Rob
The article in PPC last month didn't help much either.
I'm in Gatwick (well Horley) and I'd love to have the chance for a 'hot lap' so to speak if you really don't mind. I think it would convince me I need a Cerbie before they get too rare and parts get sparce.
Mags
I saw my first Cerbera in 96.Not long after they were launched.I was driving through Brixton,South London one day,and one was waiting to pull out from a side street.I was so awestruck on seeing one in the flesh that i forgot to let him out.Once he joined the main road i slowed up and beckoned him to overtake,which he did.Little did i know.But two streets down was a Police car stting in another side street.On seeing the monster fly past on the other side the road as over took me,they quickly gave chase.And nicked him..After seeing this and the Clarkson video,i knew at some point i would have one.And after a few cars and TVR,s later i did.
.After seeing this and the Clarkson video,i knew at some point i would have one.And after a few cars and TVR,s later i did.Edited by BLUETHUNDER on Wednesday 6th February 16:37
Edited by BLUETHUNDER on Wednesday 6th February 19:16
Must get my hands on one of these sometime soon.
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