I want a Cerbera!

[Jooles81]

Hello!

first of all, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Julien, I'm French, currently living in Bulgaria as an expatriate, and I plan buying a Cerbera. I've always been a car enthusiast (I think I've bought my first car magazine when I was 6...), and currently own a 2008 Golf Gti Edition 30 in Bulgaria, and a 1992 classic Saab 900 turbo 16 and a 1954 VW beetle in France. I've always loved TVRs as they are raw, brutal, good looking beasts. So it's now time to make a dream come true... As you would think, I have a lot of questions, after lots of time lurking.

First, is it the right car for me? Roads here are pretty bad, full of potholes, cows and other annoying stuff... I've already buckled one BBS wheel from my golf, so I'm sure the spiders won't resist. RL7s or SP12s or others might do the trick, it's not a problem. I'd like to know though if the car can handle an occasionnal pothole without bending the whole chassis or wishbones? And if a Cerbera is nice to drive on poor asphalt? The roads here are also twisty. I suppose a cerbera is no rally-king, but will it be nimble enough to handle narrow twisty mountain roads properly?

Second, I'm interested in 2 cars currently in the classifieds. One is the purple Illusion 4.5 at HHC ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3598879.htm ), the other the Halcyon blue one at James Agger ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3864107.htm ). Have anyone seen/do anyone know one of these? The purple one has been for sale for 1 year, the blue one for 1 month I think, and they haven't moved. Do I make any mistake being interested in those? The blue one has 50000 miles +. I understand a used TVR is better than a low-mileage one, but is this too much without a rebuild? What is the limite? It won't be close to UK, so I don't want to send the engine for a 3000km+ trip for a rebuild... And are those reputable sellers? Anything to be aware of?

Third, what to look at? Chassis condition, oil temp / pressure, master cylinder, service history and MOT? Anyting else?

Fourth, what have I to do to test-drive a Cerbera? Can I subscribe to an insurance in UK allowing me to test-drive and ultimately drive away with "my" Cerbera? Anything else to be careful with?

Last, if you know of any other Cerbera (idealy a 4.5, but I would also consider a 4.2 or 4.0) for sale, up to around 15000£, with a nice chassis, nice/rebuilt engine, no matter how the bodywork look, you can send me a PM

Sorry for the very long post, but I had a lot to say / ask

Julien

[ewan221]

Jooles81 said:

Hello!

Second, I'm interested in 2 cars currently in the classifieds. One is the purple Illusion 4.5 at HHC ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3598879.htm ), the other the Halcyon blue one at James Agger ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3864107.htm ). Have anyone seen/do anyone know one of these? The purple one has been for sale for 1 year, the blue one for 1 month I think, and they haven't moved. Do I make any mistake being interested in those? The blue one has 50000 miles +. I understand a used TVR is better than a low-mileage one, but is this too much without a rebuild? What is the limite? It won't be close to UK, so I don't want to send the engine for a 3000km+ trip for a rebuild... And are those reputable sellers? Anything to be aware of?

Julien

I was at HHC today and have to say the purple illusion was immaculate and if I had the cash now would have been very tempted. Both HHC and James Agger have very good reputations and don't think you would go far wrong buying from them.

[scotty_d]

ewan221 said:

Jooles81 said:

Hello!

Second, I'm interested in 2 cars currently in the classifieds. One is the purple Illusion 4.5 at HHC ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3598879.htm ), the other the Halcyon blue one at James Agger ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3864107.htm ). Have anyone seen/do anyone know one of these? The purple one has been for sale for 1 year, the blue one for 1 month I think, and they haven't moved. Do I make any mistake being interested in those? The blue one has 50000 miles +. I understand a used TVR is better than a low-mileage one, but is this too much without a rebuild? What is the limite? It won't be close to UK, so I don't want to send the engine for a 3000km+ trip for a rebuild... And are those reputable sellers? Anything to be aware of?

Julien

I was at HHC today and have to say the purple illusion was immaculate and if I had the cash now would have been very tempted. Both HHC and James Agger have very good reputations and don't think you would go far wrong buying from them.

Like wise i went down with Ewan today and it did look very clean like very clean.

As for a Cerb through pot holes or any TVR for that matter it will be awful they are not great over rough ground. The road round me last year were shocking and i could drive my 125bhp diesel volvo quicker over most of these roads as i just crindge to drive any TVR fast over bad roads.

[gruffalo]

Jooles81 said:

Hello!

first of all, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Julien, I'm French, currently living in Bulgaria as an expatriate, and I plan buying a Cerbera. I've always been a car enthusiast (I think I've bought my first car magazine when I was 6...), and currently own a 2008 Golf Gti Edition 30 in Bulgaria, and a 1992 classic Saab 900 turbo 16 and a 1954 VW beetle in France. I've always loved TVRs as they are raw, brutal, good looking beasts. So it's now time to make a dream come true... As you would think, I have a lot of questions, after lots of time lurking.

First, is it the right car for me? Roads here are pretty bad, full of potholes, cows and other annoying stuff... I've already buckled one BBS wheel from my golf, so I'm sure the spiders won't resist. RL7s or SP12s or others might do the trick, it's not a problem. I'd like to know though if the car can handle an occasionnal pothole without bending the whole chassis or wishbones? And if a Cerbera is nice to drive on poor asphalt? The roads here are also twisty. I suppose a cerbera is no rally-king, but will it be nimble enough to handle narrow twisty mountain roads properly?

Second, I'm interested in 2 cars currently in the classifieds. One is the purple Illusion 4.5 at HHC ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3598879.htm ), the other the Halcyon blue one at James Agger ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3864107.htm ). Have anyone seen/do anyone know one of these? The purple one has been for sale for 1 year, the blue one for 1 month I think, and they haven't moved. Do I make any mistake being interested in those? The blue one has 50000 miles +. I understand a used TVR is better than a low-mileage one, but is this too much without a rebuild? What is the limite? It won't be close to UK, so I don't want to send the engine for a 3000km+ trip for a rebuild... And are those reputable sellers? Anything to be aware of?

Third, what to look at? Chassis condition, oil temp / pressure, master cylinder, service history and MOT? Anyting else?

Fourth, what have I to do to test-drive a Cerbera? Can I subscribe to an insurance in UK allowing me to test-drive and ultimately drive away with "my" Cerbera? Anything else to be careful with?

Last, if you know of any other Cerbera (idealy a 4.5, but I would also consider a 4.2 or 4.0) for sale, up to around 15000£, with a nice chassis, nice/rebuilt engine, no matter how the bodywork look, you can send me a PM

Sorry for the very long post, but I had a lot to say / ask

Julien

In reference to the mileage issue, there are plenty around with much higher mileage than 50K miles on them without a problem, and a few with double that and still OK. AJP is on the whole a strong engine, it just needs looking after in order to deliver high mileage.

[camel_landy]

gruffalo said:

In reference to the mileage issue, there are plenty around with much higher mileage than 50K miles on them without a problem, and a few with double that and still OK. AJP is on the whole a strong engine, it just needs looking after in order to deliver high mileage.

Yep... Mine has 72k and pulls like a train!!!

M

[Jooles81]

Hi!

thanks a lot for your answers!

So, the one in HHC is very very nice, the mileage of the one in JA is nothing to be worried of, and both are reliable sellers, great!

Scotty_D, what you're saying sounds a bit worrying. How bad was the road you're talking about? How good are the roads in UK? Here the roads are usually like bad D-roads in France, if you ever went there.

I've found a buyer's guide (the EVO one), so I'm covered on this side

Any advice / tip on insurance?

Thanks!

Julien

[ukkid35]

Where will the car be registered?

I'm no expert, but I thought large engined cars were very expensive to register in France. Also there have been several enquiries here recently from people trying to get various certificates and documentation to enable them to pass local road worthiness tests.

I would see if there's a local TVR car club that can advise on these issues.

[Jooles81]

the car will be registered in Bulgaria. Registration in France has become impossible (or almost, I'm not so sure). I have to investigate on this side too, but it should be possible I think

O/T : the work you made on your car is amazing!

Julien

[ukkid35]

You might want to consider getting some of the original 16" wheels, that will give you a little more margin for error with the local roads.

Are you handy with spanners, or at least willing to give things a go? If not who is going to look after your car?

They both look lovely, but "Just had a full engine refresh and will now need to be run-in by its new owner!" that could be particularly tedious, and the warranty could require a return to base for servicing.

[Jooles81]

Well, I've never put lots of work in my cars. Only some little things, but I understand mechanics and I want to give it a go. I don't trust the local mechanics enough to touch such a car (from experience...).

I don't like the original 16" tyres, but I was seriously thinking about 17" RL7s are they look really great on those cars.

Concerning the "running in" of the car at HHC, you're probably right : it will probably need a service after 1000miles that I won't have the opportunity to make in UK. So, indeed, the warranty would be lost. Good point!

Julien

[gbbird]

Jooles81 said:

Hello!

first of all, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Julien, I'm French, currently living in Bulgaria as an expatriate, and I plan buying a Cerbera. I've always been a car enthusiast (I think I've bought my first car magazine when I was 6...), and currently own a 2008 Golf Gti Edition 30 in Bulgaria, and a 1992 classic Saab 900 turbo 16 and a 1954 VW beetle in France. I've always loved TVRs as they are raw, brutal, good looking beasts. So it's now time to make a dream come true... As you would think, I have a lot of questions, after lots of time lurking.

First, is it the right car for me? Roads here are pretty bad, full of potholes, cows and other annoying stuff... I've already buckled one BBS wheel from my golf, so I'm sure the spiders won't resist. RL7s or SP12s or others might do the trick, it's not a problem. I'd like to know though if the car can handle an occasionnal pothole without bending the whole chassis or wishbones? And if a Cerbera is nice to drive on poor asphalt? The roads here are also twisty. I suppose a cerbera is no rally-king, but will it be nimble enough to handle narrow twisty mountain roads properly?

Second, I'm interested in 2 cars currently in the classifieds. One is the purple Illusion 4.5 at HHC ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3598879.htm ), the other the Halcyon blue one at James Agger ( http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3864107.htm ). Have anyone seen/do anyone know one of these? The purple one has been for sale for 1 year, the blue one for 1 month I think, and they haven't moved. Do I make any mistake being interested in those? The blue one has 50000 miles +. I understand a used TVR is better than a low-mileage one, but is this too much without a rebuild? What is the limite? It won't be close to UK, so I don't want to send the engine for a 3000km+ trip for a rebuild... And are those reputable sellers? Anything to be aware of?

Third, what to look at? Chassis condition, oil temp / pressure, master cylinder, service history and MOT? Anyting else?

Fourth, what have I to do to test-drive a Cerbera? Can I subscribe to an insurance in UK allowing me to test-drive and ultimately drive away with "my" Cerbera? Anything else to be careful with?

Last, if you know of any other Cerbera (idealy a 4.5, but I would also consider a 4.2 or 4.0) for sale, up to around 15000£, with a nice chassis, nice/rebuilt engine, no matter how the bodywork look, you can send me a PM

Sorry for the very long post, but I had a lot to say / ask

Julien

Your English is very good sir! A trip to blighty and a few test drives will help you with your dilemma. You do have to be careful with these cars though, thats a given.

[scotty_d]

I ran 17" wheels last year on bad roads ( I have RL7's and spiders) Spiders would not stand a chance if the roads are that bad and with the 35 profile up front will turn square in no time. With 17" you can run a 40 profile so a little more give but as said if the roads are a state i would run 16" saturns and get some nice big side wall. These cars love nice flat roads pot holes and poor surfaces really give them a hard time , The chassis are stiff and so is the suspension even in standard form but it depends how hard you want to drive it.

[Dutch_Cerbera]

when you are living that far, you might consider calling Rob Ingleby

http://www.findasportscar.co.uk/

ok, will cost you a bit, but when you fly over and check yourself will cost you a bit as well. he knows a lot about TVRs and for me he even put the car on the ship and i just had to pick her up. He took car of everything, saved me a lot of time and i think money as well...

i would just call him and inform about what is possible, might be a great help for you.

I used his service for both my TVRs (cerbera and Tuscan s) and i was and am very happy and i would recommend him to you

[Phil Dicky]

The James Agger car is my old one pm me if you need any info

[Jooles81]

Hello everyone!

thanks a lot for your answers, they are really helpful!

Scotty, I see what you mean. I think the only way to be sure is to drive a car. I found my golf boring in France, and it's almost interesting here in Bulgaria. So you get the picture. But I think you're right, the smaller the better. I've driven a Porker 993 with sport chassis and it was awfully stiff. Is a Cerbera that stiff???

Dutch Cerbera, thanks a lot for your advice, it's a good one. 700£ is a lot cheaper than tripping around UK seeing sheds. I'll definately give it a think. Maybe I'll do the same with J.A, it looks like he has the same (ish) service.

gbbird, thanks a lot!

Phil Dicky, YHM

Julien

[Rawhide]

I would imagine it's not the stiffness of the car thats the problem. It's more the agressive steering lock and bump steer. It's this that keeps my speed down on less than smooth UK country lanes.

Maybe a Speed 6 would suit better?

[Jooles81]

I thought Cerberas had little no no bump-steer (unlike Tuscans, at least the early ones). Is there a mod to cure this?

Thanks!

Julien

[scotty_d]

I have never had bump steer issues with mine and the steering feels great it's mainly Mechanical sympathy with me, It just makes me shudder to push my Cerb on on very bad roads like things are going to bend and crack. They are stiff just by the nature of the chassis design. Mine is on Nitrons and it does ride very well but it's not right to give it that abuse, that's what evo's and impreza's were built for attacking B roads. But get it on the right road on the right day and nothing else can come close to how much fun they can are.

[Jooles81]

Hello!

Well, I think I'll have to give it a try I'll see then what it feels like. But i bet I'll fall in love!

btw, the roads here are not that bad, I mean, there is asphalt between the potholes Joke aside, there are a few very nice roads I often use on weekends that should be just right.

Julien

[Rawhide]

scotty_d said:

I have never had bump steer issues with mine and the steering feels great it's mainly Mechanical sympathy with me, It just makes me shudder to push my Cerb on on very bad roads like things are going to bend and crack. They are stiff just by the nature of the chassis design. Mine is on Nitrons and it does ride very well but it's not right to give it that abuse, that's what evo's and impreza's were built for attacking B roads. But get it on the right road on the right day and nothing else can come close to how much fun they can are.

My car is on the standard shocks whereas Nitrons would make a big difference. To put things in perspective I can still travel at high speed without issues but the wheel is alive in your hands. It's not a problem but I would rather be in another car if the road surface suddenly changed mid corner!