Any 1600M owners on here?
Discussion
That's a very shiny S3!
Yes, although my mother uses it somewhat more.
He built the car in 1973 and used it extensively across europe, before rebuilding it in hmm, about '99 I think. It's got a David Gerrard replacment chasis, a mildly tweaked Vulcan cross flow, a respray and several homegrown mechanical tweaks like a rebuilt steering rack and extra bushes to support the steering shaft. Allegedly comes with two points of interest - thought to be the last ever kit TVR and possibly the only M left in it's metallic browny colour. Looks fantastic in sun light - looks like a brown lump in overcast conditions.
Goes well, but he's got some slightly dubious tires on there which probably don't improve the handling!! I'm told with the right tyres on they're faster cross country than the 3000M's because of the weight distribtuion....
You'd recommend an S3 then? I was looking at various cars including those or a 350i for a fun car. Also tempted by a 944 S2 or, dare I say it, an MX5.
Yes, although my mother uses it somewhat more.
He built the car in 1973 and used it extensively across europe, before rebuilding it in hmm, about '99 I think. It's got a David Gerrard replacment chasis, a mildly tweaked Vulcan cross flow, a respray and several homegrown mechanical tweaks like a rebuilt steering rack and extra bushes to support the steering shaft. Allegedly comes with two points of interest - thought to be the last ever kit TVR and possibly the only M left in it's metallic browny colour. Looks fantastic in sun light - looks like a brown lump in overcast conditions.
Goes well, but he's got some slightly dubious tires on there which probably don't improve the handling!! I'm told with the right tyres on they're faster cross country than the 3000M's because of the weight distribtuion....
You'd recommend an S3 then? I was looking at various cars including those or a 350i for a fun car. Also tempted by a 944 S2 or, dare I say it, an MX5.
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 29th November 17:13
krispy said:
Yep....although we tend to keep our heads down since everyone else on here seems to think that 1600Ms are slow and not worth bothering with..
... maybe that came out a bit bitter
... maybe that came out a bit bitter
Well, ours isn't lightning pace, but I'd say it wasn't far off my ZS, so about 8.0 seconds to 60, maybe high 7's. I'm told having a significantly lighter engine further back in the chasis (plus lighter diff etc) makes a big difference point to point. You might argue low polar moment and some degree of handling finnesse aren't very TVR though
Yep, got it in one. For some people they appear to suffer from a perceived combination of too few cylinders and not-quite classic styling, not a problem the Vixens ever have when compared to 60s Tuscans and Griffiths. I'd love to be able to do a side-by side comparison of a good 1600m and good Vixen with equivalent powerplants to see what the real-world differences are.
Alan Snowling also posts on here and has a lovely and AFAIK original late 1600M which I had the pleasure of seeing at the Pre-1980s Meet Crich in September.
Alan Snowling also posts on here and has a lovely and AFAIK original late 1600M which I had the pleasure of seeing at the Pre-1980s Meet Crich in September.
I loved my 1600M (you can veiw a pic if you go to profile and click the blank pic under my cars 1600M it should bring a picture up) and in my opinion the classic looks and individuality factor made up for the lack of pace, though I must admit that I felt it was looked down on by the newer TVR fraternity at the meets etc, I really like the S3 which again has the rare factor and this is what has stopped me going on to the chim / griff route. This is only my opinion but out of the list you gave I would only ever consider the S for the following reasons - everyone knows what the the Porsche 944 is and its very 80s, I personally don't like the wedge shape and prefer TVR's to be curvy, Mazda MX5 is ultimatley reliable and although very nice in its own right its very very common and doesn't come with a big V6 / V8 and the matching sound track - for example I chose to drive the S into work this morning instead of my £30K BMW which I do at every opportunity which always results in waves and shouts of nice car both from other drivers and the school kids en route - I wonder how many MX5 owners get that !!!
As said above just my personal opinion and not intended to put down any of the cars above or owners.
Graham
As said above just my personal opinion and not intended to put down any of the cars above or owners.
Graham
Nah - it's my opinion too 
I think the engine adds a lot of character to a car and the MX5s I've been in sound a bit flat even for a four cylinder. Likewise, I'm unfortunate enough to live in the south eastern suburbs where every traffic jam has an MX5 at the head of it. I wouldn't say I was much of a car snob, but I am highly individual and I'd prefer a car that reflects atleast to some extent.
But, I want something I can throw around and generally abuse without too much chance of killing myself, so the humble mazda seems like a reasonable choice. Likewise it's annonimity might be a good thing in north London where [perceived] 'flashy' cars tend to get vandalised. I speak from bitter experience.
My 924S, which shares most of it's mechanics with the base spec 944 was the most sublimely balanced car I've driven. One of those with a substantial hike in power and more modern design does appeal. However, mine struggled to do 25mpg and I doubt an S2 would be much better. The insurance was considerable (I'm 23) and if it did go wrong I faced a big bill. The other thing is I really miss is having an open car.
I'm still tempted by a wedge. Not massively keen on the styling and I hear the handling is a little on the exciting side, but it would have no shortage of charisma. There seem to be quite a few rough examples out there though and running costs come into it again, along with the need to have something that atleast starts every morning and preferably keeps me dry on the way to work.
The S is one of the best looking cars I can think of, handles well I'm told and has addequate performance. A distinct possiblity although the TVR gremlins do still concern me a little.
Also looked at various kit cars, most seriously the GTM Rossa K3. I thought the idea of a quick, compact, mid engined RWD sportscar doing 40mpg with a good boot and watertight hood was rather good. Then tales of vicious bump steer and twitchy handling combined with uncommunicative steering sort of put me off. Still an option if I could find a suitably developed one.
Ahem.
Sorry, I believe we were talking about TVRs
I think the engine adds a lot of character to a car and the MX5s I've been in sound a bit flat even for a four cylinder. Likewise, I'm unfortunate enough to live in the south eastern suburbs where every traffic jam has an MX5 at the head of it. I wouldn't say I was much of a car snob, but I am highly individual and I'd prefer a car that reflects atleast to some extent.
But, I want something I can throw around and generally abuse without too much chance of killing myself, so the humble mazda seems like a reasonable choice. Likewise it's annonimity might be a good thing in north London where [perceived] 'flashy' cars tend to get vandalised. I speak from bitter experience.
My 924S, which shares most of it's mechanics with the base spec 944 was the most sublimely balanced car I've driven. One of those with a substantial hike in power and more modern design does appeal. However, mine struggled to do 25mpg and I doubt an S2 would be much better. The insurance was considerable (I'm 23) and if it did go wrong I faced a big bill. The other thing is I really miss is having an open car.
I'm still tempted by a wedge. Not massively keen on the styling and I hear the handling is a little on the exciting side, but it would have no shortage of charisma. There seem to be quite a few rough examples out there though and running costs come into it again, along with the need to have something that atleast starts every morning and preferably keeps me dry on the way to work.
The S is one of the best looking cars I can think of, handles well I'm told and has addequate performance. A distinct possiblity although the TVR gremlins do still concern me a little.
Also looked at various kit cars, most seriously the GTM Rossa K3. I thought the idea of a quick, compact, mid engined RWD sportscar doing 40mpg with a good boot and watertight hood was rather good. Then tales of vicious bump steer and twitchy handling combined with uncommunicative steering sort of put me off. Still an option if I could find a suitably developed one.
Ahem.
Sorry, I believe we were talking about TVRs
Edited by Chris71 on Friday 1st December 11:46
1600M?Love'em.Had mine since 1979.Underpowered?Why do many newer bigger cars have trouble following me round the roads of Cornwall?'cos they can't put the power down all the time but the 1600M willjust power through corners without the back-end getting completely out of shape.Mine has 100hp at the wheels with a flat torque curve from below 3000 revs from 1700cc with a pair of webers on,running standard box and diff it howls to illegal speeds with ease,great fun,very underrated car. Mine was mentioned by Krispy earlier. It's minus an engine at the moment due to a winter re-build, with which I intend to restore all the bits that need it. So next year it will become a thirty odd year old new car!
I had a wedge before this one, which was brilliant to drive on fast roads but was a pig on the good old country lanes in Norfolk. The 1600M handles the lanes with ease and many a so called 'more powerful' car has quickly disapeared behind it once the bendy bits start.
They are without doubt an excellent good handling, fun practical every day driveable classic. According to the M's I saw at Crich in August, many of them that are still on the road are better than when they came out of the factory. A credit to their owners and a sure sign that they will remain on the roads for many a year to come.
I had a wedge before this one, which was brilliant to drive on fast roads but was a pig on the good old country lanes in Norfolk. The 1600M handles the lanes with ease and many a so called 'more powerful' car has quickly disapeared behind it once the bendy bits start.
They are without doubt an excellent good handling, fun practical every day driveable classic. According to the M's I saw at Crich in August, many of them that are still on the road are better than when they came out of the factory. A credit to their owners and a sure sign that they will remain on the roads for many a year to come.
sybaseian said:
Chris71 said:
Anyone here got a 1600M? Keep suggesting my dad has a look here as he has a particularly shiny one stuck in the garage! (I meanwhile am considering a wedge or an S)
Got a very trick 1600m - check my profile.
Ian
That looks rather nice. Daresay the Vauxhall twin cam comes in handy too
Thought you might have one of the cossie powered conversions for a second - they'd be fun! Especially if there where any chimera owners around!
chris71 said:
sybaseian said:
Chris71 said:
Anyone here got a 1600M? Keep suggesting my dad has a look here as he has a particularly shiny one stuck in the garage! (I meanwhile am considering a wedge or an S)
Got a very trick 1600m - check my profile.
Ian
That looks rather nice. Daresay the Vauxhall twin cam comes in handy too
Thought you might have one of the cossie powered conversions for a second - they'd be fun! Especially if there where any chimera owners around!
Not much need when its about 200 bhp per ton and tops out at 140Mph.
changing from injection to carbs would get me to 270bhp per ton or putting a turbo on from a Calibra Turbo would get around 350 bhp per ton.
Both upgrades would actually spoil the character of the car though.
Should we start a thread for abused and battered 1600m owners
It is interesting reading this thread in that all you poor desheveled 1600m owners have an opinion that all of the other tvr owners look down their long V8 bonnets at you.
C'mon lads. You know that it just isn't true.
Graeme. I live up in the North east now (well up on a hill in the middle of nowhere) Hopefully will catch up soon.
Neil.
It is interesting reading this thread in that all you poor desheveled 1600m owners have an opinion that all of the other tvr owners look down their long V8 bonnets at you.
C'mon lads. You know that it just isn't true.
Graeme. I live up in the North east now (well up on a hill in the middle of nowhere) Hopefully will catch up soon.
Neil.
Gassing Station | TVR Classics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff