Cerbera Alternatives...

[MikeyT]

I stood next to a Cerb once over at Melton Mowbray at the dealers as the bloke started it and drove off - decatted, straight through pipes - fk I thought the world was ending ... windows literally shook on nearby buildings. Plus it's as low as fk, the interior looks superb and it's a TVR ffs!

M5/M6 - and M3? ffs - please.

[sawman]

I am afraid there is no alternative to a cerbera. It is a cerbera and that is that

I would get a large barge/shed to carry bikes and then enjoy yourself

[wolf1]

Cerbera and get Jeeves to ferry the sprogs and luggage around in the estate with the nanny.

[varsas]

MikeyT said:

I stood next to a Cerb once over at Melton Mowbray at the dealers as the bloke started it and drove off - decatted, straight through pipes - fk I thought the world was ending ... windows literally shook on nearby buildings. Plus it's as low as fk, the interior looks superb and it's a TVR ffs!

M5/M6 - and M3? ffs - please.

Well, I know. M3 etc don't compare but it's the closest I can think of that fulfils the OP's brief. What would your suggestion be?

[robsco]

There is no alternative to a Cerbera. There never really will be. If you want one, then nothing else will satisfy you until you have one. The Cerbera is one of those enigmas, so utterly unique and individual on every level that there's nothing really that can appeal in the same way.

[UpTheIron]

Thanks everyone. But especially:

robsco said:

There is no alternative to a Cerbera. There never really will be. If you want one, then nothing else will satisfy you until you have one. The Cerbera is one of those enigmas, so utterly unique and individual on every level that there's nothing really that can appeal in the same way.

and

Chris71 said:

I think if you specifically want a Cerb the only thing that will replace it will be another TVR and a practical runaround for the week. You'll be able to find cars to match it in almost every quantifiable respect, but it's the intangible appeal of TVR that's so unique.

I've already got the other TVR (Tuscan) and a "practical" runaround, so this:

Targarama said:

How about having some boot cycle carrier brackets professionally bonded to the back of the Cerbera?

has got me thinking. Not brackets on the back, but underneath to take the lower straps of a cycle carrier.

Maybe the hunt for a Cerbie is on (along with a Hamer car lift and a bit of woodwork to raise the trusses in the garage... but there is already a thread for that!)

[Flintstone]

UpTheIron said:

OK... so a slightly random topic...

Just buy a Cerbera and be done with it.


(How is it random? You're asking a specific question.)

[300bhp/ton]

UpTheIron said:

OK... so a slightly random topic, but as a TVR fan, the temptation to buy a Cerbera as a solution to my "problem" is strong!

My problem: I want something that will carry 2 adults, 2 kids (4 & 7) and a load of luggage, maybe the odd bike or two, and I want it to be fun. The 996 will do the people and the bikes, but no luggage space. The Cerbera would do people and luggage, however no roof rack, so no bikes.

Any other suggestions, that give me the fab performance and bang for buck?

Personally I would love a TVR Cerbera V8, it's probably one of my all time favourite cars.

However, the cost of ownership is a little prohibitive for me. So I run an alternative V8 powered 2+2 coupe.

I will admit, if you want the light weight of a TVR and the funky interior, then there really is little to compete as an alternative.

If however you want the V8, the power, the noise and the fun. Then I think the American's get it right and add in a good dose of usability and reliability.


I run a 5.7 V8 Camaro and it's a lot of fun


There's a lovely 6 speeder manual in the classifieds.

Camaro Z28 LS1 Manual 6 - T roof - 16K only (1998)
16,000 miles £7,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2968419.htm

Original US spec - not Euro -
340bhp LS1 engine with 6 speed manual -
Custom made 17" alloys (5 off) with very good 275/40 tyres -
Corvette 340mm drilled disc & green pads -
Huge Borla Stainless exhaust -
Lowered & stiffened suspension -
Leather seats & T roof -
Hurst quick-shift stick (re-built so it can't fall apart) -
Traction control and fog lights -
Full history - 2 owners only -
Very quick if you have the skill to drive it -
More pictures and information - just ask





Mine is very similar but an auto but I can attest they are very good drive, esp with a few mods. Highly grin inducing Quite practical too, on the way camping last year I was clocking just over 30mpg fully loaded. And you can also fit a Land Rover bonnet in the back or some 8" long roofing panels.


The sound pretty awesome too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GddeyQNydcg

And go even better (this is a Firehawk, but basically the same car): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMzKks4Jo-0



Or look to the Mustang alternatives. Quite rare but a 2003/4 Mustang Cobra would be in budget. These run IRS, IFS, 6 speed manual and a DOHC 4.6 with a supercharger. Very, very easy to see 500hp+ from.



The blower wine is addictive too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsOzm1qs3hI



Or for a bit more money the latter s197 Mustang GT. Not as much power as the Cobra. But a very nice car indeed.

Ford Mustang GT Coupe - Premium (2005)
72,500 miles £13,995
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2981254.htm

For sale, 2005 Ford Mustang GT finished in Mineral Grey with dark charcoal interior. 72,500 Miles, 4.6L V8 with 5-speed manual gearbox. Majority of mileage carried has been out on motorways and A-roads, as a daily driver. This Ford Mustang GT includes the interior upgrade package (with MyColour dash), Shaker 1000 6-CD audio system and rear spoiler. Additional modifications after purchase include:

Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) Handling Kit, including adjustable panhard bar
355mm Front Stoptech Brake Kit, including stainless steel brake line kit and replacement Stoptech rear rotors
Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) Performance Pack, including Cold Air Induction (CAI) kit, rear exhaust boxes and Procal flash tool to switch between standard and tune
20" Shelby Razor alloy wheels recently added, with McGard locking wheel nuts

All modifications installed by The Mustang Workshop, along with serving at the manufacturer's service intervals. All receipts and service history documentation are available.

I have been the owner from new and the vehicle has always been stored in a garage when not in use. I do have some original parts available, including the 17" bright machined cast alloy wheels, original brake parts and air box. Also available is a set of 20" Raceline GT wheels, but they do need to be refurbished.

As a result of work commitments I can no longer keep the Mustang and will be sad to see it go. The Mustang comes complete with 9 month Tax, 10 months MOT and recent 75k service.

[Chris71]

So, Cerb and a fancy bike rack it is.

Will the legendary Saris Bones work in this situation? They always seem to be mentioned when people want to fit a bike rack to something unusual...

Also, it is worth checking that you can't just get the bike inside. I'm told you can get an MTB frame into a Chimaera boo, so it's possible - given a few bin liners and an old sheet - that you could actually avoid using a bike rack altogether. Then youd have the best of both worlds - you could hoon enthusiastically down to the trails without any worries about what was happening to your paintwork or the bike dangling precariously off it.

[MikeyT]

I understood that it would be more than just one bike

SO. Cerbera it is - I am sure if you could get under the back and have a look, it'd be possible to get something made up and welded/bolted underneath on which to attached a removeable frame for the bike(s)