Discussion
Do you know what Vixen you want S1? S2? S3? Tuscan V6? Are you after something with all original features or would you take on a car that has been modified? Do you want something to get in and just drive or would you take on a rolling project? or a larger project. Do you have any preference to the engine thats in it?
It might be worth popping along to your local TVRCC meeting and introducing yourself, there may be some Vixen owners in the club who can help you.
Places I keep an eye on for cars includes here, fleabay, TVRCC website, carandclassic, classiccarsforsale alot of the cars that do come up for sale tend to get posted on here anyway.
Good luck in your search and hope you find something interesting.
It might be worth popping along to your local TVRCC meeting and introducing yourself, there may be some Vixen owners in the club who can help you.
Places I keep an eye on for cars includes here, fleabay, TVRCC website, carandclassic, classiccarsforsale alot of the cars that do come up for sale tend to get posted on here anyway.
Good luck in your search and hope you find something interesting.
I may well be wrong but I think there are only a couple of Vixens that can be found in Hampshire. One is the lovely S3 that is usually on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and the other one sits in my garage. You would be more than welcome to have a butchers at my car just to satisfy yourself that a Vixen is the right car for you.
I'm obviously biased but its a good call.
I'm obviously biased but its a good call.
Ah, forgot that one. I thought the burgundy S3 was located over in West Sussex. There is a nice little clutch of Vixens over that way.
If it is still available, I think I would be off to Spain to have a look at that red one. If you haven't got one, borrow a car with a tow hook and hire a trailer for a couple of days and get on the Pompey to Bilbao ferry and bring it home!
If it is still available, I think I would be off to Spain to have a look at that red one. If you haven't got one, borrow a car with a tow hook and hire a trailer for a couple of days and get on the Pompey to Bilbao ferry and bring it home!
tomtrout said:
I may well be wrong but I think there are only a couple of Vixens that can be found in Hampshire. One is the lovely S3 that is usually on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and the other one sits in my garage. You would be more than welcome to have a butchers at my car just to satisfy yourself that a Vixen is the right car for you.
I'm obviously biased but its a good call.
Thanks for the replies guys and for the kind offer of coming to look at your Vixen Tomtrout. I might very well take you up on that offer.I'm obviously biased but its a good call.
As for a Vixen S1, S2 or S3 I am not really looking for a particular car and not against a bit of tlc either so either of these models would be fine. I think an early Tuscan would be out of my price range though.
I have sent an email to the guy selling the S3 in Spain but I have not had a reply from him at all.
Your research has probably already highlighted the fact that the S1 might be a bit more of a challenge to restore over the later models. The S2 were the first TVRs where the body was bolted, rather than bonded onto the chassis. That said, you might be lucky and find an S1 where the body has already been converted to 'bolt-on'. As a result, the S1s, are like hens teeth.
My decision to search out a later Vixen was driven by the desire to be able to easily remove the body for restoration if needed (which it was) and also to end up with a car I could get in and out of without pulling a muscle!
My decision to search out a later Vixen was driven by the desire to be able to easily remove the body for restoration if needed (which it was) and also to end up with a car I could get in and out of without pulling a muscle!
prideaux said:
Hi Steve don't rule anything Vixen or Tuscan The cost of an unrestored example of either is not that far apart maybe a difference of 3 to 4k and the restoration cost much the same however the end value of the Tuscan is probably reflected in that so and about 30% more unless its a V8 that's a different matter and as none have sold in a while its hard to say.
Remember there are Restorations and Restorations and just make sure you don't pay Restored money for a refreshed car a well looked after and lightly regularly used older restoration would be great but history and good documentation of what was done and good information on parts used for any upgrades are well worth paying extra for.
Andrew
What price would you say a nice unrestored car would cost as opposed to a fully restored car then Andrew? Prices seem to vary quite a lot at the moment.Remember there are Restorations and Restorations and just make sure you don't pay Restored money for a refreshed car a well looked after and lightly regularly used older restoration would be great but history and good documentation of what was done and good information on parts used for any upgrades are well worth paying extra for.
Andrew
Andrew will have a view on Vixen prices but I would have thought a V5 and a chassis plate plus a pile of cracked plastic is going to be 6 or £7k?
If you can find one, the best value would be one that has already had the chassis restored/replaced and the body repaired and painted. These do pop occasionally where the owners make a good start and then run out enthusiasm/money or both.
The little black S4 1300 that's currently for sale looks a decent buy if the description is accurate. It obviously needs some work but all comparatively cheap compared to replacing the chassis, repairing the gel coat and painting.
I know the purists might suggest that because of it's rarity (only 6 built I think) that it should be restored with the OE spitfire engine but seeing as it currently has a pinto installed, what's stopping you popping in a kent engine, or even keeping the pinto if the budgets an issue. There might be a deal to be done which IMO makes that car a decent option.
If you can find one, the best value would be one that has already had the chassis restored/replaced and the body repaired and painted. These do pop occasionally where the owners make a good start and then run out enthusiasm/money or both.
The little black S4 1300 that's currently for sale looks a decent buy if the description is accurate. It obviously needs some work but all comparatively cheap compared to replacing the chassis, repairing the gel coat and painting.
I know the purists might suggest that because of it's rarity (only 6 built I think) that it should be restored with the OE spitfire engine but seeing as it currently has a pinto installed, what's stopping you popping in a kent engine, or even keeping the pinto if the budgets an issue. There might be a deal to be done which IMO makes that car a decent option.
That is a very hard question to answer. But just as a basic guide I am in the process of restoring a 1969 Vixen S2. I will be restoring it to look pretty much standard with the exception of a roll cage. But it will have an all forged steel component race engine but for now de-tuned for road use by way of only a 234 camshaft and twin 40 weber carbs. The interior and body will be standard. Just as a guide to get to that point doing all the work myself The car will owe me well over £18k. So a £5k project car would in reality cost you £15 to £20k in the end doing the majority yourself a good older restoration at £10k to £15k if you can find one will probably need a couple of k spending just to freshen it all up. The one in Spain looks good value but do your homework on that car. Pm me if you want more info on it.
Chris
Chris
tomtrout said:
I know the purists might suggest that because of it's rarity (only 6 built I think) that it should be restored with the OE spitfire engine but seeing as it currently has a pinto installed, what's stopping you popping in a kent engine, or even keeping the pinto if the budgets an issue. There might be a deal to be done which IMO makes that car a decent option.
Stick a 302 in it 
indeed, every-time I come across that black S4 Vixen with M-chassis, I think...mmm make it LHD and finish the interior etc and build in a nice V8 with a good gearbox and diff etc.maybe a modern Ford V8 with some classic looking valve head covers etc and the rest old stuff (gearbox and strong diff etc) it still can be written down as a classic?
of course then also some nice big brakes and good suspension etc.
would make a very nice car.
oh, and maybe such TVR S2 steering wheel, those are nice too, don't know if they fit though? >
Edited by GTRene on Tuesday 7th October 00:00
Just in case the V8 enthusiasts get carried away, this thread is entitled 'Vixen'. I know the V8s sound splendid and are wonderful on long straight roads but for me, the attraction in a Vixen is the fact it weighs in at just 760kg. 180 bhp/tonne is plenty fun enough on the majority of British roads! Light, nimble and quick - whats not to like? 
The Vixen I was referring to was the yellow one. Than you really start from scratch and wouldn't have to rectify or thrown away some one els his work (and money).
The black one is suspicious because of his long term advertising period.
To expensive ? Or as mentioned by some people who saw it in the flesh not restored very well.
Hans
http://www.acroney.com/A_C_Roney_Sports_Cars_2014/...
prideaux said:
I must say looking at that car in Spain i would be very tempted to take a trip down with a trailer and think of the trip as an adventure regardless of the car and should you find its right its a bonus take someone with you that know what there looking at and have some fun on the way if you come back with a car then result if not you have had a good time
A
Yes that car does look nice. I have again emailed the seller but had no reply back. Is that car likely to be a Vixen 2500 or possibly a vixen S3 1600? As far as I have been able to find out the 2500 was a different car to the Vixen S3A
There are no pictures of the engine at all and it does not say in the description.
prideaux said:
Most Likely a 1600 if it was a 2500 i guess it would say but try calling him just be careful and make sure the car is there ie not a scam as i have seen a few out of Spain in the last year that where scams where they took pictures from an old advert and created a new one then offered a discount for a quick sale if you sent a deposit but well worth investigating
A
Would there be much of a difference in price between a Vixen S2 or S3 1600 and a Vixen 2500? I do like the sound of the that straight 6 engine. Not sure how many are still available these days though as I have read that the majority of the 2500s went to the states because they passed the emissions controls there.A
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