Any wedges out there want some sun?

[PokiGTA]

Hey guys from Sunny Australia!

Looking over the next year or to to start saving for a weekend weapon and have always loved TVRs. Seeing as the Aussie Dollar is kicking arse at the moment i thought it best to use it before it goes tits-up and the pound regains some ground.
I'm looking for a Wedge obviously but due to import laws it has to be manufactured before 1/1/89 and proof must be shown if it's close to that mark.
Ideally looking at a 420SE but a 400 or 390 would suffice in any guise. I know TVR's are not known for their bulletproof construction and as i have had Alfa's a rudimentary knowledge of mechanical repair has been thrust upon me.
Would love any feedback on the models and any pitfalls to look out for such as fakes and dodgy sellers.

Thanks,

Tim

[rev-erend]

Good luck in your search - I think there was only 2 or 3 420's made ..

There were plenty of 400SE but other models like 420SE and 450SE are much rarer.

[PokiGTA]

Thanks for your reply. I'm not really that fussed with the model and i'm restricted to vehicles manufactured before 1989. I would rather models with the up-rated running gear and having the 3.9 or bigger is really what i want.

[adam quantrill]

So is that part of the story behind the 400SX that just came back from OZ? Was it a 1989 car so couldn't be registered???

[PokiGTA]

Not sure. Didn't see that thread but i'd say so. I actually process vehicle import Approvals into Australia and if they were refused it would have been on that basis.

[Trickie Dickie]

I think you may be best looking for a 390
as I am pretty sure most the 400s were made during 1989 onwards

Richard

[adam quantrill]

Another approach might be to buy a 350i and an extra block, say a 4.6, and 'upgrade' it once you get it registered.

[mark387mw]

Might be worth contacting Jim Gamsby in Auckland. He's the TVR club NZ man and has brought a few over so may know of one in this part of the world.

[grahamw48]

There is no discernible difference in performance(and virtually none in looks) between a S2 390SE and a 400SE. Different dashboard, yes...and round lights on the 390, square on the 400.

(I've owned both).

If you want an original car, I'd suggest a late model flared arch 390 and perhaps uprate the front brakes.

My old one...lovely car...1988 model...and NOT unreliable.

Edited by grahamw48 on Saturday 14th November 13:14

[JumboBeef]

Good luck with your search!

How are you going to pay for it etc once you find one over here? If you buy one, I'll drive it over

[PokiGTA]

Thanks for the advise guys. Also seeing as the 390SE are more common it probably is the best option.
Plus any TVR V8 is still a TVR V8.
If i do find one I like I have family in the UK that can pick it up and store it before i can organise shipping.
What year did they change change the styling and running gear?

[pwd95]

They made just over 100 390SE's & 242 400SE's so both are very rare cars. The running gear is the same but some of the 400SE's had a slightly different injection system. They started making 390's in 85? & 400SE production started in 88 so you'r more likely to get a 390 that fits your import criteria.

Edited by pwd95 on Sunday 15th November 11:11

[grahamw48]

390 styling changed in 88 to S2 (more like 400SE).

Haven't seen any 400s pre-89 though.

[PokiGTA]

Thanks for the info lads! Its good to see that the love of cars crosses all barriers. Even those forged by us beating you in the rugby last week. Its a shame that Jonathon Kaplan didn't see it fit to hand us the irish on a plate but such is life and rugby.
Is there an actual list of numbers of the wedge models?
Is there a big difference between an S1 390 and an S2 390?

[Trickie Dickie]

If you click on the car stats button on the left on this site
it takes you thru to some very helpful info inc production figures

http://www.tvrccoxford.co.uk/

Hope that helps

Richard

[rev-erend]

ASHES

Edited by rev-erend on Monday 16th November 09:55

[grahamw48]

PokiGTA said:

Thanks for the info lads! Its good to see that the love of cars crosses all barriers. Even those forged by us beating you in the rugby last week. Its a shame that Jonathon Kaplan didn't see it fit to hand us the irish on a plate but such is life and rugby.
Is there an actual list of numbers of the wedge models?
Is there a big difference between an S1 390 and an S2 390?

Lots of pics and info here too:

www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

[PokiGTA]

Trickie Dickie said:

If you click on the car stats button on the left on this site
it takes you thru to some very helpful info inc production figures

http://www.tvrccoxford.co.uk/

Hope that helps

Richard

Fantastic mate! Thanks for the link. Lots of time will be spent there.
It seems there are an aweful lot of Wedges out there and yet not many for sale. Is this ddue to the owners not wanting to let them go or that many of them have disappeared?

[PokiGTA]

rev-erend said:

ASHES

Edited by rev-erend on Monday 16th November 09:55

I was thinking this might come up. England deserved the Ashes this year and the last time as well. I blame Ponting. Worst captain ever and seeing as he wants more say in selecting the team, Australian cricket is going down hill.
IMHO if you can't win or lose with humility and integrity, then you shouldn't be representing your country and Ponting is neither of those things.

and back on topic I see that the SEACs were made prior to 1989. better option than a 390SE or 420SE?

[adam quantrill]

Yes, but they are now all in Holland!