Discussion
I'm sure all this has been posted before - but I'm unable to locate it - sorry.
I'm currently in the middle of a, as it turns out long, search for my next TVR and fancy a Chimaera!
I'm in contact with a chap who's selling a '98 450. He's mailed me some pics and in one it shows the rear light cluster - problem being it's the "old" unit, he swears the car's not been involved in any accidents and the lights are the originals!
Can anyone confirm this (when did the new config come into production
) or is he taking me for a complete mug!
Appreciate any help
Sad ex V8S owner
I'm currently in the middle of a, as it turns out long, search for my next TVR and fancy a Chimaera!
I'm in contact with a chap who's selling a '98 450. He's mailed me some pics and in one it shows the rear light cluster - problem being it's the "old" unit, he swears the car's not been involved in any accidents and the lights are the originals!
Can anyone confirm this (when did the new config come into production
) or is he taking me for a complete mug! Appreciate any help
Sad ex V8S owner
As far as I am aware the face lift models with the upgraded rear light cluster and bonnet came along in late 98 / 99 so it is entirely feasible that you feller is genuine.
I'm no expert but I belive that all changes made to these cars were gradual so it possible to have 2 cars from the same year of a different spec.
Thats my two penneth for what its worth - I'm sure somebody will be along who knows what they're talking about in a bit !
Good luck
Mark
I'm no expert but I belive that all changes made to these cars were gradual so it possible to have 2 cars from the same year of a different spec.
Thats my two penneth for what its worth - I'm sure somebody will be along who knows what they're talking about in a bit !
Good luck
Mark
I think it was 99 when the cluster rear lights came in, this was not part of the 97 facelift, as mentioned already.
PS I can't quite follow this "the lights may have been changed so it must have had an accident" thinking. Many people upgrade the lights for aesthetic or other reasons, without having to have pranged the car first. Conversely, most people who HAVE had an accident make damn sure the car is returned to original spec so as not to advertise the fact.
>> Edited by victormeldrew on Sunday 19th February 10:33
PS I can't quite follow this "the lights may have been changed so it must have had an accident" thinking. Many people upgrade the lights for aesthetic or other reasons, without having to have pranged the car first. Conversely, most people who HAVE had an accident make damn sure the car is returned to original spec so as not to advertise the fact.
>> Edited by victormeldrew on Sunday 19th February 10:33
This is when I think the changes happened.
1997 - New front grill slat, larger bonnet vents, larger lip on bonnet trailing edge, larger overhang on boot and rear bumper.
Feb 1998 - Four round rear lights, slanted back rear number plate. Possibly different boot latches. You may find it has not got a spare wheel either. Not sure when they were deleted. I worked this out on another thread a while back when someone had a Feb 98 car with the round lights.
Mine is a late 1997 4.0 registered 1st Jan 1998 and has a backlit plate and Fiesta rear lights.
1997 - New front grill slat, larger bonnet vents, larger lip on bonnet trailing edge, larger overhang on boot and rear bumper.
Feb 1998 - Four round rear lights, slanted back rear number plate. Possibly different boot latches. You may find it has not got a spare wheel either. Not sure when they were deleted. I worked this out on another thread a while back when someone had a Feb 98 car with the round lights.
Mine is a late 1997 4.0 registered 1st Jan 1998 and has a backlit plate and Fiesta rear lights.
Thanks for all the replies.
With regards my concerns with accident damage and "old style" light clusters. My logic (flawed) was that perhaps being a new config there may have been a short supply and a number of the older units in stock.
One thing I've noticed is how open and friendly the TVR community is
! If I've ever e-mailed, phoned or test driven a Chim, the owners have always been enthusiastic and helpful. I tried contacting two S2000 private sellers who failed to respond and the same problem from an MX5 - All advertising on this site. If you've already sold please update the Ad.
The hunt continues!
Rog
With regards my concerns with accident damage and "old style" light clusters. My logic (flawed) was that perhaps being a new config there may have been a short supply and a number of the older units in stock.
One thing I've noticed is how open and friendly the TVR community is
! If I've ever e-mailed, phoned or test driven a Chim, the owners have always been enthusiastic and helpful. I tried contacting two S2000 private sellers who failed to respond and the same problem from an MX5 - All advertising on this site. If you've already sold please update the Ad. The hunt continues!
Rog
If you are an Ex "S" owner, you will know all about various changes at staggered times (S2C anyone?....) Whatever's in the parts bin that week!
It would have depended which mould came down the line when - later rear lights were part of the body mould as can be seen above, but I don't suppose that means there weren't some older moulds sitting about - maybe needing some remedial work etc, that then came through later.
But, later rear light model would need hacksaw surgery to fit Fiesta rear lights (unless you have whole new rear end) - as said above, highly unlikely wrong rear lights = crash damage.
Good luck with your hunt.
It would have depended which mould came down the line when - later rear lights were part of the body mould as can be seen above, but I don't suppose that means there weren't some older moulds sitting about - maybe needing some remedial work etc, that then came through later.
But, later rear light model would need hacksaw surgery to fit Fiesta rear lights (unless you have whole new rear end) - as said above, highly unlikely wrong rear lights = crash damage.
Good luck with your hunt.
victormeldrew said:
PS I can't quite follow this "the lights may have been changed so it must have had an accident" thinking. Many people upgrade the lights for aesthetic or other reasons, without having to have pranged the car first. Conversely, most people who HAVE had an accident make damn sure the car is returned to original spec so as not to advertise the fact.
Exactly,
Mines a 97 P and has the 4 light cluster. The previous owner upgraded them as he preferred the look to the Fiesta lights, when I bought it I saw receipts for this and had a clear HPI.
IMHO it look a LOT better than the old solid rears and would have been on my to do upgrade list anyway had it not already been done.
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