Words of wisdom from the wise on buying a Cerbera
Discussion
After many years of wanting one, I'm getting close to entering the world of Cerbera ownership. I know this isn't likely to be a trouble free experience and I'm going into it with my eyes open (I think!). Currently looking at a Speed Six, and having read a lot about things to check and non-negotiable items, I have a question about engine rebuilds. I'm looking for cars that have had a rebuild, but I'm keen to know how much weight I should be putting on factory vs specialist rebuild? Is a factory re-build something I should be walking away from, or are they just less preferable than a specialist rebuild? Would a well documented factory re-build still hold concerns?
Appreciate any advice on the topic (or any other aspects of Cerbera ownership) before I commit my hard earned!
Cheers
Steve
Appreciate any advice on the topic (or any other aspects of Cerbera ownership) before I commit my hard earned!
Cheers
Steve
Since the factory closed in 2006, it has been almost 20 years since TVR itself carried out any last overhaul, and everything that the engines have run since then came after that. So it may be time for another overhaul.
I would therefore place more importance on the fact that an overhaul has taken place in recent years than by TVR itself.
I would therefore place more importance on the fact that an overhaul has taken place in recent years than by TVR itself.
My Tuscan motor had it's second factory rebuild in late '02. It's just been in for what I hoped would be a routine refresh having done about 40K miles since, but came back with a new crank, liners and complete head. I'd therefore not put too much value on an early factory rebuild over an un-rebuilt motor of the same age.
IMHO, the perception of if the car is low mileage, then it must be sound, is completely erroneous!
My Tuscan ('04) had a rebuild by Str8Six in 2011 at 35K miles due to a noisy 1/2 time bearing. Now, in 2025, there is 119K on the clock. Yes, it could do with a respray and re-trim,,,,,but the car is used. I try and do at least one European trip every year and in the winter, I'll drive when the weather is decent.
During my 16 years of ownership, it's been reliable - sometimes frustrating, but has only been on a recovery truck twice. Once when the engine ECU died, second time when the clutch master cylinder went.
Drive 'em, get them serviced by a good garage with TVR experience and you'll be fine.
Nick
My Tuscan ('04) had a rebuild by Str8Six in 2011 at 35K miles due to a noisy 1/2 time bearing. Now, in 2025, there is 119K on the clock. Yes, it could do with a respray and re-trim,,,,,but the car is used. I try and do at least one European trip every year and in the winter, I'll drive when the weather is decent.
During my 16 years of ownership, it's been reliable - sometimes frustrating, but has only been on a recovery truck twice. Once when the engine ECU died, second time when the clutch master cylinder went.
Drive 'em, get them serviced by a good garage with TVR experience and you'll be fine.
Nick
nawarne said:
IMHO, the perception of if the car is low mileage, then it must be sound, is completely erroneous!
My Tuscan ('04) had a rebuild by Str8Six in 2011 at 35K miles due to a noisy 1/2 time bearing. Now, in 2025, there is 119K on the clock. Yes, it could do with a respray and re-trim,,,,,but the car is used. I try and do at least one European trip every year and in the winter, I'll drive when the weather is decent.
During my 16 years of ownership, it's been reliable - sometimes frustrating, but has only been on a recovery truck twice. Once when the engine ECU died, second time when the clutch master cylinder went.
Drive 'em, get them serviced by a good garage with TVR experience and you'll be fine.
Nick
^^^ This...My Tuscan ('04) had a rebuild by Str8Six in 2011 at 35K miles due to a noisy 1/2 time bearing. Now, in 2025, there is 119K on the clock. Yes, it could do with a respray and re-trim,,,,,but the car is used. I try and do at least one European trip every year and in the winter, I'll drive when the weather is decent.
During my 16 years of ownership, it's been reliable - sometimes frustrating, but has only been on a recovery truck twice. Once when the engine ECU died, second time when the clutch master cylinder went.
Drive 'em, get them serviced by a good garage with TVR experience and you'll be fine.
Nick
M
Byker28i said:
Plenty of independents offer long warranties on the speed 6 now after a rebuild.
As always, check the chassis, especially the outriggers.
When I bought mine the cost of outrigger repairs could represent a significant expense relative to the purchase price, I'm not sure whether that is still the caseAs always, check the chassis, especially the outriggers.
I got mine, factory build (04 car so later) inspected by dom@power prior to purchase.
His view was if it looks good and still going, what you worrying about?
So whilst you need be intentional with how you approach these cars, if the cams are good, compression is good & they don’t make weird noises, they’re probably good.
The only way you can really have no concern is if you have a recent rebuild under warranty - anything else is a gamble, but probably not as a bigger gamble as people think (oh god please don’t be a jinx on my s6!)
His view was if it looks good and still going, what you worrying about?
So whilst you need be intentional with how you approach these cars, if the cams are good, compression is good & they don’t make weird noises, they’re probably good.
The only way you can really have no concern is if you have a recent rebuild under warranty - anything else is a gamble, but probably not as a bigger gamble as people think (oh god please don’t be a jinx on my s6!)
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