Am I completely bonkers?
Discussion
I have a beautifully sorted TVR Cerbera 4.5. It's had a complete body off chassis refurb, poly bushed, new brake and fuel lines, Nitrons, ACT Hoses and has just 41000 miles on it. It really is a lovely car.
Now, bear with me. Ever since I was five (some 41 years ago) when I was given a Dinky Jensen Interceptor FF I have absolutely loved Interceptors. My Cerb sits in the garage most of the year and gets out for about 4/5000 miles at the most each year. My wife hates it, because it's too noisy and she won't drive it because it frightens her - bonus you may think, but no. It would get far more use if she would drive it occasionally and if we went out for a night she could drive home, etc.
The more I think about it, the more I think the Interceptor itch needs to be scratched. I am much more into wafting than balls out 'angry' driving and you can't really waft in a Cerbera. The Cerbera is probably worth about £18,000 and would easily sell for £16,000. Would I be mad to buy an Interceptor? I can't afford both so the Cerb would definitely have to go.
Does anyone know anything about Interceptors? I know the engine can have cooling issues, is asthmatic and thirsty, but surely the asthma can be cured relatively easily? Anything else I should know or are they all money pits, more so than a Cerbera?
So, do I need my head read?
Now, bear with me. Ever since I was five (some 41 years ago) when I was given a Dinky Jensen Interceptor FF I have absolutely loved Interceptors. My Cerb sits in the garage most of the year and gets out for about 4/5000 miles at the most each year. My wife hates it, because it's too noisy and she won't drive it because it frightens her - bonus you may think, but no. It would get far more use if she would drive it occasionally and if we went out for a night she could drive home, etc.
The more I think about it, the more I think the Interceptor itch needs to be scratched. I am much more into wafting than balls out 'angry' driving and you can't really waft in a Cerbera. The Cerbera is probably worth about £18,000 and would easily sell for £16,000. Would I be mad to buy an Interceptor? I can't afford both so the Cerb would definitely have to go.
Does anyone know anything about Interceptors? I know the engine can have cooling issues, is asthmatic and thirsty, but surely the asthma can be cured relatively easily? Anything else I should know or are they all money pits, more so than a Cerbera?
So, do I need my head read?
As you said, the main thing to worry about is overheating. So a very long test drive is required and then leave it idling for at least half an hour. The check the hot starting. If the owner won't let you do that, then walk, as you said, there are plenty of good cars available.
Then get a small, thin screwdriver and poke it up the outer sill drain holes. It should only go up about a centimetre as the outer chassis member will stop it. If it goes all the way up, the chassis member is corroded, and very expensive to have repaired.
Before you do that, join the forum: http://www.joc.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
You'll get lots of advice and ideas there.
Then get a small, thin screwdriver and poke it up the outer sill drain holes. It should only go up about a centimetre as the outer chassis member will stop it. If it goes all the way up, the chassis member is corroded, and very expensive to have repaired.
Before you do that, join the forum: http://www.joc.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
You'll get lots of advice and ideas there.
One car that I have Allways wanted . Preferably a Series 3 I'n Dark Blue with Red leather .But no Manuals , apart from a a handful of S1s , which is a huge drawback for me . Similar story with an AM V8 , Very few manual cars , but it can't be that hard to convert either ? Or is it ?
Are you sure that your Cerb would make that kind of money ? They are not yet a Classic like a Griff and Still plenty around . The looks are an acquired taste as well .
A pal has a stunning Dark Blue S3 if you are interested ?
Are you sure that your Cerb would make that kind of money ? They are not yet a Classic like a Griff and Still plenty around . The looks are an acquired taste as well .
A pal has a stunning Dark Blue S3 if you are interested ?
neutral 3 said:
One car that I have Allways wanted . Preferably a Series 3 I'n Dark Blue with Red leather .But no Manuals , apart from a a handful of S1s , which is a huge drawback for me . Similar story with an AM V8 , Very few manual cars , but it can't be that hard to convert either ? Or is it ?
Are you sure that your Cerb would make that kind of money ? They are not yet a Classic like a Griff and Still plenty around . The looks are an acquired taste as well .
A pal has a stunning Dark Blue S3 if you are interested ?
I'm fairly certain that is a realistic price for the Cerbera. I think it would sell pretty quickly as it has tons of history and receipts is well known and looked after by Dulford Automotive who reckon they could get £18 for it - but I think that is optimistic.Are you sure that your Cerb would make that kind of money ? They are not yet a Classic like a Griff and Still plenty around . The looks are an acquired taste as well .
A pal has a stunning Dark Blue S3 if you are interested ?
My wife would certainly drive the Interceptor, she has a Range Rover Sport S/c which she loves, so the 'Ceptor would be a breeze in comparison to the Cerb. The slush box is a plus point!
Your pal, is the car for sale? Details please!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C262420
This looks nice for £18k.
Go for it if you can live with the mpg. Must admit I've always wanted one just for the looks alone and have come close a couple of times but the nagging thought of filling up constantly just put me right off. It's bad enough in the XJ-S which averages 24 mpg, having to keep a constant look at the gauge on days out and usually visiting the petrol station each time I get in it.
Will the Interceptor deliver the thrills/enjoyment to outweigh the consumption?
These are the people to talk to:-
http://www.cropredy-bridge.co.uk/
I put a friend onto them who had the same itch and they were friendly and helpful. Didn't buy one in the end but in all things Interceptor they are the bible.
http://www.cropredy-bridge.co.uk/
I put a friend onto them who had the same itch and they were friendly and helpful. Didn't buy one in the end but in all things Interceptor they are the bible.
AceOfHearts said:
vixen1700][pic said:
It's bad enough in the XJ-S which averages 24 mpg . . .
O/T but which XJS do you have that averages 24mpg? I am really hankering after one this year but i thought they only managed mid teens?The 4 litre XJ-S is the one to go for unless having a six makes you feel like you have a "Jag with half a heart".
Tyre Smoke said:
I have a beautifully sorted TVR Cerbera 4.5. It's had a complete body off chassis refurb, poly bushed, new brake and fuel lines, Nitrons, ACT Hoses and has just 41000 miles on it. It really is a lovely car.
Now, bear with me. Ever since I was five (some 41 years ago) when I was given a Dinky Jensen Interceptor FF I have absolutely loved Interceptors. My Cerb sits in the garage most of the year and gets out for about 4/5000 miles at the most each year. My wife hates it, because it's too noisy and she won't drive it because it frightens her - bonus you may think, but no. It would get far more use if she would drive it occasionally and if we went out for a night she could drive home, etc.
The more I think about it, the more I think the Interceptor itch needs to be scratched. I am much more into wafting than balls out 'angry' driving and you can't really waft in a Cerbera. The Cerbera is probably worth about £18,000 and would easily sell for £16,000. Would I be mad to buy an Interceptor? I can't afford both so the Cerb would definitely have to go.
Does anyone know anything about Interceptors? I know the engine can have cooling issues, is asthmatic and thirsty, but surely the asthma can be cured relatively easily? Anything else I should know or are they all money pits, more so than a Cerbera?
So, do I need my head read?
Not at all! The Jensen Interceptor is one of the most beautiful cars ever made and I would have one in an instant if I could afford it.Now, bear with me. Ever since I was five (some 41 years ago) when I was given a Dinky Jensen Interceptor FF I have absolutely loved Interceptors. My Cerb sits in the garage most of the year and gets out for about 4/5000 miles at the most each year. My wife hates it, because it's too noisy and she won't drive it because it frightens her - bonus you may think, but no. It would get far more use if she would drive it occasionally and if we went out for a night she could drive home, etc.
The more I think about it, the more I think the Interceptor itch needs to be scratched. I am much more into wafting than balls out 'angry' driving and you can't really waft in a Cerbera. The Cerbera is probably worth about £18,000 and would easily sell for £16,000. Would I be mad to buy an Interceptor? I can't afford both so the Cerb would definitely have to go.
Does anyone know anything about Interceptors? I know the engine can have cooling issues, is asthmatic and thirsty, but surely the asthma can be cured relatively easily? Anything else I should know or are they all money pits, more so than a Cerbera?
So, do I need my head read?
I share the OP's hankering I must confess and from a personal preference I do like the interior layout of the Mk1 cars more than the later versions and kick myself that I did not buy one a couple of years ago where all the big money work had been completed.
The owner was a competent restorer and had replaced cills, floor pans, boot floor etc and lower panel sections and repainted completely - only £5000 wanted for it then.
Oh the shame.
The only drawback is the consumption which even for a low mileage classic is still horrendous - I used to have an early Mulsanne turbo and just simply to nip to the shops seemd to be £30 every time and I believe the Jensen is even worse. My V12 XJS is comparatively frugal.
A local specialist advises the key is to replace the auto box with a later version with five speed etc as this does encourage the consumption figures upwards but then we enter the territory of originality and that is a separate area for discussion.....
Regards all.
The owner was a competent restorer and had replaced cills, floor pans, boot floor etc and lower panel sections and repainted completely - only £5000 wanted for it then.
Oh the shame.
The only drawback is the consumption which even for a low mileage classic is still horrendous - I used to have an early Mulsanne turbo and just simply to nip to the shops seemd to be £30 every time and I believe the Jensen is even worse. My V12 XJS is comparatively frugal.
A local specialist advises the key is to replace the auto box with a later version with five speed etc as this does encourage the consumption figures upwards but then we enter the territory of originality and that is a separate area for discussion.....
Regards all.
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