V8 Developments 500 at Castle Sportscars. Anyone know it?
Discussion
http://www.castlesportscars.co.uk/cardesc/tvr-chim...
As per the title really. I'd told myself I shouldn't need to spend more than about £10-12k to get myself a lovely 450/500, but I keep finding myself looking at it. I love the colour, it's got the right interior, a special engine, a reputable dealership, but it's FIFTEEN GRAND. What are the thoughts of the collective?
As per the title really. I'd told myself I shouldn't need to spend more than about £10-12k to get myself a lovely 450/500, but I keep finding myself looking at it. I love the colour, it's got the right interior, a special engine, a reputable dealership, but it's FIFTEEN GRAND. What are the thoughts of the collective?
The only thing holding that price down is the age.
Had you walked into a TVR dealer's show room in 2002 to look at that car, with that mileage, (assuming the rest is as clean and well maintained as stated), I expect you would have been paying £25k+.
That the asking price is that low is the shocker to me, but to be fair, there are a few lower mileage examples coming up from time to time that are under £20k.
A well looked after and maintained car is worth far more than a 'fixer up'.
If I were in the market, I would be having a serious look at that one, based upon photos and description.
You should try and confirm that it has the original block and heads though. Long term that could affect the value. A V8D engine is generally considered a real bonus by the Pistonhead's collective, but there are many other people that buy TVR's, and not all of them would be looking favourably at a modified version.
It's a very subjective view, and depends more upon what you want in / from the car.
Had you walked into a TVR dealer's show room in 2002 to look at that car, with that mileage, (assuming the rest is as clean and well maintained as stated), I expect you would have been paying £25k+.
That the asking price is that low is the shocker to me, but to be fair, there are a few lower mileage examples coming up from time to time that are under £20k.
A well looked after and maintained car is worth far more than a 'fixer up'.
If I were in the market, I would be having a serious look at that one, based upon photos and description.
You should try and confirm that it has the original block and heads though. Long term that could affect the value. A V8D engine is generally considered a real bonus by the Pistonhead's collective, but there are many other people that buy TVR's, and not all of them would be looking favourably at a modified version.
It's a very subjective view, and depends more upon what you want in / from the car.
Thanks Goaty. I am more interested in buying a car that I am happy with, than being overly concerned about originality, within reason. There's no mention of any chassis work having been done, so that is probably the largest potential future expense. There are a couple of nice 450s much closer to £10k that have had the chassis work done and look like nice cars. I'm just trying to weigh up whether or not the bigger V8D engine is worth the premium being asked. It was done at least six years ago too, which although is not a long time in real terms, I'm sure a fair bit may have been learned since, or perhaps not.
On the point of the chassis, it is always wise to look into it before parting with the cash of course.
It's a fairly big bill to pay when it needs doing.
My '97 has been garaged throughout it's life, has made it to 100k miles, and not needed any chassis work as yet, aside from front wishbones last year.
The rear wishbones will probably be done soon, more for peace of mind than because they are an immediate problem.
I know on that basis many people wouldn't even begin to consider my car for purchase, but as I'm not selling it, it matters not a bit to me
I will spend the money when it's needed.
Being a late '98, if that one has been garaged it's whole life, then I doubt you should be looking at any chassis problems for a long time to come, especially if you garage it as well.
It's a fairly big bill to pay when it needs doing.
My '97 has been garaged throughout it's life, has made it to 100k miles, and not needed any chassis work as yet, aside from front wishbones last year.
The rear wishbones will probably be done soon, more for peace of mind than because they are an immediate problem.
I know on that basis many people wouldn't even begin to consider my car for purchase, but as I'm not selling it, it matters not a bit to me
I will spend the money when it's needed.
Being a late '98, if that one has been garaged it's whole life, then I doubt you should be looking at any chassis problems for a long time to come, especially if you garage it as well.
I would not think the price is unreasonable giving you are buying from a dealer which gives you more protection and the dealer more liability than a private seller, where it is very much a case of "caveat emptor". I have had my 500 for nearly 5 years now I think and it has only done just over 20k and I love it to bits. Great to have the engine from V8D-- but if not alread done you may want to consider radiator upgrade and hose replacement. The modified engine will generate more heat I suspect.
This one looks lovely too, but without the enhanced engine.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
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