Best wedge buy - must be pre 1989.

[ariddell]

Guys,
I'm looking at potentially buying a wedge to have shipped out to Australia to keep my Chimaera company. Only main condition would be that it absolutly MUST be built before the 1st Jan 1989 to avoid a whole load of nasty import restrictions.

Would there be any particular model that i should be looking at, keeping in mind that the car will be getting shipped a long way from the UK so parts availability & simplicity of maintainance is important. Are there any models that are better in this respect than others?

Also is there a buyers guide on the net somewhere to i can do some more research before trying to find a particular vehicle to bring over? Obviously i'm going to have to do a lot of the deal based on trust that the car is as described as i wont be able to visit/check it out myself easily so are there any particular things that i should look out for or have checked before a deal is finalised and the car is shipped?

I'm presuming buying rules are similar to on the Chimaera, chassis condition, proof of history and condition condition condition being more important than low mileage etc.

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Cheers

Al

[wee man]

Caveat Emptor!

Ask Brap_Brap. He just imported a car to the US, sight unseen.

I think a 350i would be best for you. But I'm biased

Wee man.

[eesbad]

I would say a 350i too - as it used a standard engine as fitted to other vehicles and hasn't been 'fiddled with' by TVR/Others. Should be able to get a very good one on your budget too.

Ask for plenty of photos and perhaps engage someone in the UK to look at it for you. You should be able to arrange an AA inspection or similar from Oz. Or failing that - post a message on here asking if one on the many knowledgable members would have a look for you... I am sure they'll be plenty willing to help!

[pwd95]

Buyers guide plus loads of other stuff in here.
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

[ariddell]

Thanks, looks useful. When you say the engine hasn't been played with by TVR where else is it used? I'm presuming it should be a straight swap from similar aged Range Rovers or is there much difference from the 3.9? There are quite a few places that are happy to work on the Rover v8 here so i don't see this being any more problematic than with the Chim.

In terms of the other components, i take it most of the suspension/brakes etc are from the Ford/Leyland etc parts bins?

Talking of budgets i'd ideally be looking at ~£5,000 - is this a realistic figure for a wedge of this type in good condition?

Cheers

Al

Edited by ariddell on Tuesday 5th June 11:19

[eesbad]

The 3.5i engine was lifted straight from the Rover Vitesse. The engine is, in essence, the same as in the Chim - just increased in capacity and tuned. So yes - lots of common parts with the Range Rover.

Just brought a pretty mint '84 350i with all new leather, new paint, new roof and a mechanical overhaul for £5900 from a dealer. You should be able to pick up a very good one for your £5k budget.

Most parts are Ford/Leyland, but the rear axle and brakes are from a Jaguar XJS. Suspension is bespoke TVR, I think(!). Few oddities like Renault lights... But most parts are easy enough to source. Probably why there are so many still going!