I want a wedge, but don't understand all the variations

I want a wedge, but don't understand all the variations

Author
Discussion

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
BlueWedgy said:
Neither, It was just free to a good home?
Shown as 390 / SE / Project @10 quid, as said, the ad is still there but the page is blank now?
I don't see it. Maybe taken down.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
Granturadriver said:
There was a 6 pages buyer‘s guide in Alternatives Cars magazine (spring 2022) which might be helpful.

https://www.performancepublishing.co.uk/spring-202...
Thanks. That would be useful. Although there are probably buying guides online too? I have honestly not looked yet, as I'm not quite there yet. But almost. smile

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
Talking about buying, what are good places to look, apart from the usual PH, Ebay, Facebook, AT? There is also the page BlueWedgy posted. But any other good ones?

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
Rockettvr said:
There’s an ( from the photos) nice looking and Very rare 200 up at a (in my opinion) cheap £5k here
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1554294
Lovely looking. But unfortunately I know if I bought it I would have to engine swap it. So maybe better left to somebody who will buy it and keep it original. Specially that I have the impression the 200 cars are very rare.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
BlueWedgy said:
Ron that looks peachy.

Again if want spannering heres one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275720196791?_trkparms=...

However these types of car are projects, I would advocate as said before, spend more on one as budget allows, however that does not mean that the spending stops
The highlighted part in your last sentence is exactly my biggest motivation to buy something to finish restoring. I have bad experience with going the pay more for a nice one route and then later on finding something nasty and costly anyways. With something to finish restoring I would make sure it is properly sorted when it hits the road.

Talking price, who knows if it would end up being really that much more expensive if I can find the right "project". Because I would definitely make sure I see the chassis, and would repaint it and protect it before I put the car back together. So I will know it will hold for a good time. So even if it cost a bit more, it would de solid. I can also pay good money for a "good one" and still have to do that in a few months and end up much more expensive in the end.

The biggest negatives are time, I really would love to be driving one sooner rather than later. Plus the electrics, which will be my biggest challenge.

The prefect "project" for me would be a car which is together, I mean the body could be apart from the chassis. But all the wires, electric, lines etc are still in place, has at least an ok interior, is running, even if not perfectly and needs just a paint job or basic body work.

I can paint the car myself and attend to some basic body work. I could probably also attend to the engine. Even if I need to get some help for bigger stuff. But fully restoring interiors can get expensive fast. And if I need to put the whole car together, meaning re-wire the electrics and stuff, redoing brake lines and all, I'm at a loss and will take way more time than I would like. Full disclosure, I never did something like this. Restore a car or take a full car apart or put it together. But for the right car for the right price, I would be willing to take the plunge.

So that car on ebay is way too gone for my needs. smile


The thing is to know what is really cheap enough to make it worth it. Prices seem to be all over the place. I have seen some very pricey cars which I wonder if they will ever sell. So it doesn't mean this is the price for a good one and what you need to compare to when judging if the cost of a project is worth it. It might be you can get a semi good car for 5-7k. I mean that black 200 looks quite ready. Even if it needs some love to make it run perfectly, body and interior seems straight. If chassis is ok...

But so, if you can get an ok one for 5-7K, paying 3.5K for a project doesn't seem worth the headache.

So I have a lot of things to consider and learn. But it's clear I came to the right place for help. smile

This started as just looking at wedge TVRs because I was also looking at other wedge cars of the time. It has now evolved to the point I want a wedge TVR so much and not even looking at any other pop up headlight wedges anymore. The more I look at and listen to the TVRs, the more I want one.


Edited by Downshiftup on Friday 3rd March 09:22

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
Thanks for all the tips. I will make sure to follow all those places. smile


Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
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. smile

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? smile

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

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
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.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
Risryc said:
Downshiftup said:
Hi. Good to have another tracker along for the journey. smile

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? smile
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.

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.
Interestingly, I was also interested in the V6 FHC when I first came here. But then I started watching videos with V8 DH cars and I must say I'm falling in love with the combination of V8 sound with exotic convertible looks. In all honesty, at the moment I can't decide between FHC or DH. But heavily leaning towards a V8.

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.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
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.
Well, let me know if you do. wink
A quick look turned up a pic

Oh, nice! Seeing it there in the sun and shinning, almost not fair. Looks so good. smile

By the way, did the FHC cars ever come out with the Renault Fuego rear ends?

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Friday 3rd March 2023
quotequote all
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. smile

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? smile

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?
The 350i is the most common V8. I sold my very well sorted 350i for £5,300 the other year, which was probably on the low side. £6k to £8k should get you a decent 350i. There is a price premium for the rarer 390i. I'd guess typically £3k to £4k more. The 400SE is more expensive again typically going for around £12k plus. Prices have increased for all Wedges a little the last few years as more people realise they are awesome fun, for the money.
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? smile 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

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Saturday 4th March 2023
quotequote all
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? smile 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.
At this point, one would have to convince me not to buy a wedge. wink

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. smile

So I hope we are on the same page now. wink

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. smile 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?



Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Saturday 4th March 2023
quotequote all
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.

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? smile

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. wink


Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Sunday 5th March 2023
quotequote all
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@


Edited by Adrian@ on Saturday 4th March 18:57
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?

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. smile

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Monday 6th March 2023
quotequote all
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.

driving
Very nice! smile

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Monday 6th March 2023
quotequote all
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. smile

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Monday 6th March 2023
quotequote all
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. smile

What is or make a transition car. How do I identify it?

Thanks for your continuing patience.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Monday 6th March 2023
quotequote all
By the way, I'm kicking myself a bit. I just missed what could maybe have been a good opportunity. I missed the chance to buy a V8 wedge project for 3K because I was undecided if I wanted a project or not. Interior needed work, but body and chassis didn't. Mechanics were apart though. It looked like restoring the interior and putting the partially disassembled engine etc back together and then assemble the car.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Wednesday 8th March 2023
quotequote all
Sorry. I don't mean to overthink it or over complicate it. Hope I haven't overstayed my welcome with this notion.

I'm just the type of person who likes to learn as much as possible about things I pursue. smile

So getting to know wedges is high on the list, independently of which one I buy. Hence my other, seemly unpopular, thread on body styles. I want to have as much knowledge as I can on these interesting cars.

As for deciding what I want, at this point I have pretty much given up on anything not V8. Unless it's extremely nice for an extremely low price. I also want a DH over a FHC. But the right V8 FHC for the right price will definitely get considered.

Budget is always the limitation. If it wasn't for that, I would love me a late wedge with the most powerful V8 possible. But real life is different. So I will most likely buy a 350i. Would much prefer the S2. Although not sure when they came out. This one is a 1985 and still a S1:

So to me it is looking like a 350i DH. Would really love a S2 as I prefer the Fuego rear end and it would be A arm. Haven't found much yet. So I will have to wait. I'm watching all the mentioned channels and quite frankly I'm not in a hurry. As I can't just go down the road and buy one, it needs to be the right car for the right price. I will most likely have to pay to have it shipped, have to pay import taxes on it and go through the trouble of importing. Reason the purchase price can't be all that high.

After all that, I will be driving RHD where I should be driving LHD. So it needs to be right. Mates already tell me I'm crazy. Should just go for something more readily available here and it would buy me more for my money. But I see a lot in a TVR V8 wedge that you can't easily get elsewhere.

I would prefer paying less to sort things like paint etc myself than paying top money for something "finished", for the reasons I mentioned earlier.

I might buy something else as I wait too. Summer is coming. smile

But I have made the decision. I want a V8 DH wedge in my life.

Downshiftup

Original Poster:

126 posts

21 months

Wednesday 8th March 2023
quotequote all
mike various said:
Downshiftup said:
Thanks. Which car is it? The link leads just to a main page with several cars. smile
For info,

I've managed to get in touch with the person selling the tvr on the classified page.
It's still available how ever there is a list of people who want to go and collect it as it's stored in an old workshop with very very poor access.
The engine is missing as it says in the advert but having seen some pictures its in need of a full restoration. (It's partially stripped and everything has been piled into / on it).
It would be a fully rebuild project that's for sure.

Mike
Thanks. Probably not what I'm looking for then. I don't want to get something which might take years till I can enjoy it.