I want a wedge, but don't understand all the variations
Discussion
If you look here, the search feature is very good. I used it to track prices, as it goes back a fair way. That said not a lot been to auction for a while?
You will see most auction houses tracked and the price of all sorts of cars including all TVR types:
https://www.glenmarch.com/auctions/results/house/2...
You will see most auction houses tracked and the price of all sorts of cars including all TVR types:
https://www.glenmarch.com/auctions/results/house/2...
Downshiftup said:
Hi. Good to have another tracker along for the journey. 
That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
For the moment I'm actually more interested in a 280i and the Ford v6 over the larger v8 engines, though I may end up changing my mind there.That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
From what I've seen the v8 wedges generally seem to be listed in the £7-12k range, depending on condition and seller. While I've not contacted them directly, Amore have had some up semi recently, which, while at the upper end of prices, seem to be backed by more than you'd get from a private seller.
Downshiftup said:
Risryc said:
I'm in a similar boat of wedge searching (in fact was going to make an almost identical post until I spotted this one), I'd suggest carandclassic as another place worth keeping an eye on - as well as the 200 posted earlier there is a 390se which has popped up, though too far north for me to consider really. https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1556557
Hi. Good to have another tracker along for the journey. That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
But is that then the current going rate for a well sorted really nice V8 wedge? Or it that in the higher end of the price range or perhaps lower end? I know the SEAC and other more special models are a different matter. But I think the 350i, 390SE and 400SE are the most common V8s?
Downshiftup said:
Daggsy said:
Downshiftup said:
Thanks. Yes, I do like the FHC cars quite a bit. But I never saw a S2 FHC. Meaning a FHC with the nose like a 390SE or 400SE etc. I thought FHC were all S1 and only 280i and 350i.
Our 1983 2.8 FHC will most probably be advertised for sale around Easter time when we return form France.
BlueWedgy said:
If you look here, the search feature is very good. I used it to track prices, as it goes back a fair way. That said not a lot been to auction for a while?
You will see most auction houses tracked and the price of all sorts of cars including all TVR types:
https://www.glenmarch.com/auctions/results/house/2...
Thanks. I will have a look. You will see most auction houses tracked and the price of all sorts of cars including all TVR types:
https://www.glenmarch.com/auctions/results/house/2...
Risryc said:
Downshiftup said:
Hi. Good to have another tracker along for the journey.
That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
For the moment I'm actually more interested in a 280i and the Ford v6 over the larger v8 engines, though I may end up changing my mind there.That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
From what I've seen the v8 wedges generally seem to be listed in the £7-12k range, depending on condition and seller. While I've not contacted them directly, Amore have had some up semi recently, which, while at the upper end of prices, seem to be backed by more than you'd get from a private seller.
Thanks for the price range. It really helps to gauge. I have seen many in the 7-9K range, but some in the higher 10s and even lower 20s. Not sure how realistic it is for them to sell for that though.
Daggsy said:
Downshiftup said:
Daggsy said:
Downshiftup said:
Thanks. Yes, I do like the FHC cars quite a bit. But I never saw a S2 FHC. Meaning a FHC with the nose like a 390SE or 400SE etc. I thought FHC were all S1 and only 280i and 350i.
Our 1983 2.8 FHC will most probably be advertised for sale around Easter time when we return form France.By the way, did the FHC cars ever come out with the Renault Fuego rear ends?
KKson said:
Downshiftup said:
Risryc said:
I'm in a similar boat of wedge searching (in fact was going to make an almost identical post until I spotted this one), I'd suggest carandclassic as another place worth keeping an eye on - as well as the 200 posted earlier there is a 390se which has popped up, though too far north for me to consider really. https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1556557
Hi. Good to have another tracker along for the journey. That one looks really nice, with photos of engine bay and even underneath the chassis. Seems worth the distance. I gather it's not your colour then?
But is that then the current going rate for a well sorted really nice V8 wedge? Or it that in the higher end of the price range or perhaps lower end? I know the SEAC and other more special models are a different matter. But I think the 350i, 390SE and 400SE are the most common V8s?
Unless I totally misread you. If so, I apologize. 350i is the most common and the only FHC V8, right?
400SE is probably more expensive because it's also much newer? I think they came out 1988 and only have the more round body shell shape?
Downshiftup said:
But are they really that, awesome fun, for the money? On paper they have all the ingredients to be awesome fun, any time or at any case, for "any" money. What I mean is, they have all the ingredients to be awesome fun, period. Exotic, RWD, manual, quick, awesome noise, rare, enough power, light weight. What would you say makes them "just" awesome fun, for the money? Unless I totally misread you. If so, I apologize.
350i is the most common and the only FHC V8, right?
400SE is probably more expensive because it's also much newer? I think they came out 1988 and only have the more round body shell shape?
I've had a fair few classics and fast moderns as company cars over the years, and the "theatre" you get from a Wedge in my mind is unmatched. Also my old 350i and current SEAC are supremely comfortable over long distances. The shape is so different to other curvy crap on the road. The noise is just brilliant. The performance pretty good. Go and get out in one. Lines on this thread won't convince you, however, they are not for shrinking violets. Unless I totally misread you. If so, I apologize. 350i is the most common and the only FHC V8, right?
400SE is probably more expensive because it's also much newer? I think they came out 1988 and only have the more round body shell shape?
KKson said:
Downshiftup said:
But are they really that, awesome fun, for the money? On paper they have all the ingredients to be awesome fun, any time or at any case, for "any" money. What I mean is, they have all the ingredients to be awesome fun, period. Exotic, RWD, manual, quick, awesome noise, rare, enough power, light weight. What would you say makes them "just" awesome fun, for the money? Unless I totally misread you. If so, I apologize.
350i is the most common and the only FHC V8, right?
400SE is probably more expensive because it's also much newer? I think they came out 1988 and only have the more round body shell shape?
I've had a fair few classics and fast moderns as company cars over the years, and the "theatre" you get from a Wedge in my mind is unmatched. Also my old 350i and current SEAC are supremely comfortable over long distances. The shape is so different to other curvy crap on the road. The noise is just brilliant. The performance pretty good. Go and get out in one. Lines on this thread won't convince you, however, they are not for shrinking violets. Unless I totally misread you. If so, I apologize. 350i is the most common and the only FHC V8, right?
400SE is probably more expensive because it's also much newer? I think they came out 1988 and only have the more round body shell shape?
But it's clear I misread you, and it seems you also misread me. When you said they are awesome fun, for the money, I thought you meant they are only awesome fun, because they don't cost much. But I guess I was wrong and this is not what you meant. What I tried to say is, they seem awesome fun to me regardless of the money.
But the reason I want a wedge is exactly some of the things you point out. The theatre, the exotic shape, specially compared to what it's on the road today, the sound, the fact they are quick. And I always loved pop up headlights.
So I hope we are on the same page now.
I don't need any convincing to buy a wedge. I want one. I think it will be the perfect weekend car. I tried a Cayman and found it just a bit too boring. More like something for everyday use with a sporty feeling, than a weekend car. Not enough theater. Not enough drama. Not enough supercar vibe. Not enough fun to drive. All of which I get in buckets by just looking at the wedges, apart from the fun to drive. I won't know for sure till I try one. I just don't see how a lightweight, RWD, manual, V8 sports car wouldn't be fun. That they look so cool is a bonus.
So I need no convincing.
I only need to decide if I want a FHC or DH, and find the correct one. I think it might be better to wait longer to find the perfect one, in the perfect colour and so on, than to buy the first I can, and then try to sell it to finally buy the one I really want. In my shoes, what would you gentleman do?BlueWedgy said:
@ Downshiftup, not sure where you are based, but if someone is near you perhaps they would be prepared to meet up with you, and take you out for a spin, to get a better idea of the car, and it's capability.
Just a thought?
Thanks. This is a great offer and I would definitely take it. The issue though is, I'm currently living on the continent. And if my contract gets renewed in a few months, which it should, I will stay for another couple of years. So I will most likely bring my wedge here. They can be found here, but the prices are silly in my opinion. Specially if they are LHD.Just a thought?
I'm not that worried about the car's capabilities though. I asked around, for example how it compares to somehow similar cars, like a Corvette C4, which I have driven. But it was more to have a point of reference than really out of worrying it would or would not handle as well as a Corvette C4. Because in my situation it will be difficult to get seat time before buying one. So a reference is useful.
But like I said, the car's formula spells fun! My impression of it is, an old school sports car with plenty of power, most likely not very "precise" and a bit of a handful if you don't respect it. Which means, engaging and fun to drive in my opinion. Am I wrong?
I heard the A arm handles better. And given I'm a sucker for modifying cars for better performance, an A arm car looks attractive to me. But the earlier cars can most likely also be tuned somehow to handle better than the factory? It's all good. Maybe the difference is not even night and day.
But I'm not looking for the ultimate handling car. I'm looking for something fun, which will allow me some fun drive down B-roads, have some sense of occasion and not be too ruinous to run.
I am going to say IMHO...buy nothing with the front suspension around the wrong way (so nothing pre 84, AND, in the transition of turning them around there was a 'TVR recall' that required the chassis to be modified due to cracking and cars got missed) nothing with trailing arm (early 350's run 280 drive shafts and the shaft can twist). IMHO buy an A frame transition car, that you can remove the side sill covers play with the outriggers/fuel lines and not a car with the bolt on differential (my car is a 280DH and I can feel the rear end flexing at the neck of the chassis, later V8's flex even more)...that said, then a 390SE would be a prize. A@
Edited by Adrian@ on Saturday 4th March 18:57
Adrian@ said:
I am going to say IMHO...buy nothing with the front suspension around the wrong way (so nothing pre 84, AND, in the transition of turning them around there was a 'TVR recall' that required the chassis to be modified due to cracking and cars got missed) nothing with trailing arm (early 350's run 280 drive shafts and the shaft can twist). IMHO buy an A frame transition car, that you can remove the side sill covers play with the outriggers/fuel lines and not a car with the bolt on differential (my car is a 280DH and I can feel the rear end flexing at the neck of the chassis, later V8's flex even more)...that said, then a 390SE would be a prize. A@
Thanks for the tip. I'm still way too new to wedges to understand all your wrote. But from the surface, it seems this would drastically limit my options?Edited by Adrian@ on Saturday 4th March 18:57
So ok, nothing before 1984. Does that mean no FHC cars? Or when did they drop the FHC body?
Nothing from the transition of turning them around. Meaning what year? I tried researching what this suspension turn around is and it seems for some reason they used Granada front suspension turned around? Why did they do that and what is bad about it?
Nothing with trailing arm. Again this means no FHC cars then? When was the A arm introduced?
What is an A frame transition car? I kind of can guess by reading the term. But what cars and years are we talking about?
Not a car with the bolt on differential. Is that a late/later A arm car? No later A arm cars then?
All this makes a 390SE the only one that meets all these requirements?
Can any of the above problems be attended to? Because if I really need to limt my choice to a 390SE only, I will be waiting a long, long time I have the impression.
Thanks for the continuing help gentlemen.
Just dont forget, No two Wedges are the same,
Here is mine, (I was not holding others back ! About to turn into a car park)
Photo's dont tell the whole story, This photo does not show how loud it is (Very), or like a few others, The headlights going up and down, it does a wink when going down, always good to show that.
Here is mine, (I was not holding others back ! About to turn into a car park)
Photo's dont tell the whole story, This photo does not show how loud it is (Very), or like a few others, The headlights going up and down, it does a wink when going down, always good to show that.
KelWedge said:
Just dont forget, No two Wedges are the same,
Here is mine, (I was not holding others back ! About to turn into a car park)
Photo's dont tell the whole story, This photo does not show how loud it is (Very), or like a few others, The headlights going up and down, it does a wink when going down, always good to show that.
Very nice! Here is mine, (I was not holding others back ! About to turn into a car park)
Photo's dont tell the whole story, This photo does not show how loud it is (Very), or like a few others, The headlights going up and down, it does a wink when going down, always good to show that.
Adrian@ said:
THE very reason I bought my 280DH...full 400 running gear with a SEAC interior, BUT then, an evolved original shape from a car I bought as a kid...which I swapped for the house I live in today. LOTS of attention, when I am out in it (MUCH more than any of the other TVR I own). A@
I'm not sure I fully understand what you are saying. For next to nothing... I bought one of 6, Series 3, 280DH that has the best of everything on it as standard...I could drop a Rover V8 in, it has all the running gear/cooling of a V8. I would not change it, because it's exactly what I wanted to go in my collection of TVR's.
As I said, look for a 350i/390i transition car, the front spoiler has small integral flick ups that are part of the bumper (that the later cars get as part of the shell) if the front ARB mounts have cracked (not done as the recall) then they can be repaired on a ramp in situ (as that was the dealer repair) and the side skirts can be removed to replace outriggers. FROM OE the chassis jigs led to the rear top drivers springs being packed with rubber spacers which exude out (later plastic ring).. BUT heyho its a wedge. A@
As I said, look for a 350i/390i transition car, the front spoiler has small integral flick ups that are part of the bumper (that the later cars get as part of the shell) if the front ARB mounts have cracked (not done as the recall) then they can be repaired on a ramp in situ (as that was the dealer repair) and the side skirts can be removed to replace outriggers. FROM OE the chassis jigs led to the rear top drivers springs being packed with rubber spacers which exude out (later plastic ring).. BUT heyho its a wedge. A@
Edited by Adrian@ on Monday 6th March 17:50
Adrian@ said:
For next to nothing... I bought one of 6, Series 3, 280DH that has the best of everything on it as standard...I could drop a Rover V8 in, it has all the running gear/cooling of a V8. I would not change it, because it's exactly what I wanted to go in my collection of TVR's.
As I said, look for a 350i/390i transition car, the front bumper has small integral flick ups that are part of the bumper (that the later cars get as part of the shell) if the front ARB mounts have cracked (not done as the recall) then they can be repaired on a ramp in situ (as that was the dealer repair) and the side skirts can be removed to replace outriggers. FROM OE the chassis jigs led to the rear top drivers springs being packed with rubber spacers which exude out (later plastic ring).. BUT heyho its a wedge. A@
You seem to have gotten lucky indeed. Nice. As I said, look for a 350i/390i transition car, the front bumper has small integral flick ups that are part of the bumper (that the later cars get as part of the shell) if the front ARB mounts have cracked (not done as the recall) then they can be repaired on a ramp in situ (as that was the dealer repair) and the side skirts can be removed to replace outriggers. FROM OE the chassis jigs led to the rear top drivers springs being packed with rubber spacers which exude out (later plastic ring).. BUT heyho its a wedge. A@
What is or make a transition car. How do I identify it?
Thanks for your continuing patience.
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff