Anyone Know This Cerbera?
Discussion
Mags said:
Have you driven a Cerb yet? The AJP8 is a completely different animal to the RV8. For many Cerb owners I think its fair to say the AJP8 is the whole reason to own a one, it's a fast revving race style engine without the lazy V8 torque the RV8 produces. I've not driven the Speed 6 so can't comment.
Chimp871 said:
OP, think you should drive one first they tend not to be happiest at low revs.
As standard the torque comes in at 3K revs, so below 3k revs it's ok but not lazy like the rover v8, but a certain gent in Chesterfield has a way of mapping cars that brings the torque in earlier making it much smoother. I can potter around at 2k revs in mine quite happily. For me that transformed the car, making it a lazy commuter whilst also retaining the frantic AJP characteristic. Over 3k revs and it just keeps going to the 8K redline. Third gear is a killer....
Lets put it this way.
I'm heading to Wales tonight, 350 mile round trip plus some mileage there. Weather doesn't look great for tomorrow.
Do I be sensible and take the Diesel car for cheap mileage, the MX-5 for some sensible mileage and easy parking, or the Cerbera...
Gone to work in the Cerbera
I'm heading to Wales tonight, 350 mile round trip plus some mileage there. Weather doesn't look great for tomorrow.
Do I be sensible and take the Diesel car for cheap mileage, the MX-5 for some sensible mileage and easy parking, or the Cerbera...
Gone to work in the Cerbera
Rightly so and great work.....enjoy 
My problem is even my sensible cars aren't really that sensible. My long distance steed is currently a Jag XJL SuperSport.
I don't do diesels any more and my last was about 4 years ago.
I just can't often take a silly car to a customer site for the constant jibes of we are paying you too much or the like!
My problem is even my sensible cars aren't really that sensible. My long distance steed is currently a Jag XJL SuperSport.
I don't do diesels any more and my last was about 4 years ago.
I just can't often take a silly car to a customer site for the constant jibes of we are paying you too much or the like!
I get that.
I use three cars, a man needs at least three cars.
Mercedes ML for wafting, towing, chucking everything else in and generally big car work. 18-year-old VRS Skoda Octy for work and 90% driving. Amazingly good fun on the twisties, Remapped and a bit of a wolf in sheep‘s clothing.
Of course the Chimaera for all the fun stuff.
I use three cars, a man needs at least three cars.
Mercedes ML for wafting, towing, chucking everything else in and generally big car work. 18-year-old VRS Skoda Octy for work and 90% driving. Amazingly good fun on the twisties, Remapped and a bit of a wolf in sheep‘s clothing.
Of course the Chimaera for all the fun stuff.
Edited by phazed on Thursday 8th August 10:52
Byker28i said:
I have Mazda 6 estate for dog and lugging stuff, mx-5 for commuting and the Cerbera for fun...
Just got a call from the missus - got to take her and the dog now (which doesn't go in the Cerbera). Got to go home after work and swap cars
I used to squeeze everyone in my Cerbera, I had my young daughter at the time in the front and my Labrador in the front footwell...and my Mrs sat behind me! Just got a call from the missus - got to take her and the dog now (which doesn't go in the Cerbera). Got to go home after work and swap cars
Now that I have a 2 seater as my occasional car I do miss the practicality of the Cerb.
Oh so familiar...
Pre cat Griff and mk1 MX5 as fun toys. Shouldn’t really have both, but they are so so different. Had them both a long time and cannot see myself parting with either.
Jag X type predominantly for work (client image), but it is capable of towing the boat and carrying the dog.
Land Rover defender is capable of towing the boat and carrying the dog but predominantly used for playing off road (just as much fun as sprints and track days but much cheaper).
The Mrs has a Mazda MPS as a daily driver.
There is a classic Range Rover in the garage as project.
Asset rich but time and cash poor......
Edited to add, I really fancy a Cerb, but it isn’t achievable without selling something and that is a sticking point.
Pre cat Griff and mk1 MX5 as fun toys. Shouldn’t really have both, but they are so so different. Had them both a long time and cannot see myself parting with either.
Jag X type predominantly for work (client image), but it is capable of towing the boat and carrying the dog.
Land Rover defender is capable of towing the boat and carrying the dog but predominantly used for playing off road (just as much fun as sprints and track days but much cheaper).
The Mrs has a Mazda MPS as a daily driver.
There is a classic Range Rover in the garage as project.
Asset rich but time and cash poor......
Edited to add, I really fancy a Cerb, but it isn’t achievable without selling something and that is a sticking point.
rockits said:
I'm 6ft.
I agree. I have always loved the shape of the Cerbera but never liked the idea of the AJP engines. They seems expensive to run in comparison to a RV8 based car.
I guess a Cerbera owner will say they are great but a little unsure. No such thing as a cheap TVR.
I am 6ft 2 and have no issues what so ever, headroom fine and the seat can still go back further.I agree. I have always loved the shape of the Cerbera but never liked the idea of the AJP engines. They seems expensive to run in comparison to a RV8 based car.
I guess a Cerbera owner will say they are great but a little unsure. No such thing as a cheap TVR.
Steering and pedals are all adjustable so just set the car up to fit.
Amazon fits in her Cerberas and she is a good few inches taller than I am.
Edited by gruffalo on Saturday 10th August 10:21
I have sat in a couple, I’m 6 foot two and probably have a slightly longer back.
There is no way I can have the seat in a proper driving position without my head hard up against the roof.
Of course you can recline it somewhat but that defeats the object of a good driving position. There is more headroom in my wife’s mini by about 4 inches!
To be fair to the Cerb, when myChimaera had its original seats fitted, my hair was brushing the top of the roof panel. Now that I have Elise seats fitted I can wear a helmet and that just touches the roof panel but otherwise plenty of room.
There is no way I can have the seat in a proper driving position without my head hard up against the roof.
Of course you can recline it somewhat but that defeats the object of a good driving position. There is more headroom in my wife’s mini by about 4 inches!
To be fair to the Cerb, when myChimaera had its original seats fitted, my hair was brushing the top of the roof panel. Now that I have Elise seats fitted I can wear a helmet and that just touches the roof panel but otherwise plenty of room.
Rockets, I think you are in a similar position to me in that you fancy a Cerbera but you don't want to buy at the peak. Looking at how long most examples have been for sale I suspect it's only a matter of time before sellers accept the bubble is letting out air and asking prices have to drop to make a sale. As an example, there is what looks like a lovely Series 2 car for sale privately but is it really worth anything like the £36k the owner is asking? Only to the very few I suspect when, as a Maserati guy, you'll be aware you could now buy a similar mileage Gransport for c.£15k less than that since prices have dropped c.20% on last years peak. You can now get a very nice low miles Vantage 4.7 manual for £36k. However, as a petrolhead one doesn't want to wait a year or two for prices to adjust and half of me is looking for forum members to talk me into a purchase!
I've found that many of the cars for sale are because they are not being used, which is not healthy and likely to unearth issues if you want to use the car as intended. The other problem is that those with sorted examples, like the owners on here, are not going to sell them!
I note some posts mention the Cerbera doesn't like town driving too much. Happy to be corrected but my research suggests the 4.5 is a bit more compliant in this respect and I assume the popular short induction kit further improves driveability. Also, I haven't read too much about the need for rebuilds of the AJP engine if a car has been properly maintained and tappets adjusted to schedule.
I've found that many of the cars for sale are because they are not being used, which is not healthy and likely to unearth issues if you want to use the car as intended. The other problem is that those with sorted examples, like the owners on here, are not going to sell them!
I note some posts mention the Cerbera doesn't like town driving too much. Happy to be corrected but my research suggests the 4.5 is a bit more compliant in this respect and I assume the popular short induction kit further improves driveability. Also, I haven't read too much about the need for rebuilds of the AJP engine if a car has been properly maintained and tappets adjusted to schedule.
Not up on AJPs put a few major failings recently.
Failing oil pump drives maybe plus other expensive stuff?
RV8s are cheap. My old 4.6 was ravaged on scores of TD’s and drag days, unburstable, even in 325bhp tune.
Of course it wasn’t as powerful as an AJP but put a huge smile on your face!
Failing oil pump drives maybe plus other expensive stuff?
RV8s are cheap. My old 4.6 was ravaged on scores of TD’s and drag days, unburstable, even in 325bhp tune.
Of course it wasn’t as powerful as an AJP but put a huge smile on your face!
SFTWend said:
Rockets, I think you are in a similar position to me in that you fancy a Cerbera but you don't want to buy at the peak. Looking at how long most examples have been for sale I suspect it's only a matter of time before sellers accept the bubble is letting out air and asking prices have to drop to make a sale. As an example, there is what looks like a lovely Series 2 car for sale privately but is it really worth anything like the £36k the owner is asking? Only to the very few I suspect when, as a Maserati guy, you'll be aware you could now buy a similar mileage Gransport for c.£15k less than that since prices have dropped c.20% on last years peak. You can now get a very nice low miles Vantage 4.7 manual for £36k. However, as a petrolhead one doesn't want to wait a year or two for prices to adjust and half of me is looking for forum members to talk me into a purchase!
I've found that many of the cars for sale are because they are not being used, which is not healthy and likely to unearth issues if you want to use the car as intended. The other problem is that those with sorted examples, like the owners on here, are not going to sell them!
I note some posts mention the Cerbera doesn't like town driving too much. Happy to be corrected but my research suggests the 4.5 is a bit more compliant in this respect and I assume the popular short induction kit further improves driveability. Also, I haven't read too much about the need for rebuilds of the AJP engine if a car has been properly maintained and tappets adjusted to schedule.
I think you are right. Many Maserati's, Ferrari's, Aston's and the like have softened a fair bit this year. It only makes sense that other marques including TVR could also be affected. I am not made of money and always need to look to find VFM but also keeping an eye on resale if the time came. I am not sure it is a good time or place for me to sink £25k or more into any car but if I do (and I probably will!) it needs to be one that represents decent value and one that would be easier to sell. Such as right model, spec, colour combo etc. At least you have half a change of selling. Or the other option is to buy the right car but also at the right price as a lower price can often be enough to sell a car against other competing cars on the market.I've found that many of the cars for sale are because they are not being used, which is not healthy and likely to unearth issues if you want to use the car as intended. The other problem is that those with sorted examples, like the owners on here, are not going to sell them!
I note some posts mention the Cerbera doesn't like town driving too much. Happy to be corrected but my research suggests the 4.5 is a bit more compliant in this respect and I assume the popular short induction kit further improves driveability. Also, I haven't read too much about the need for rebuilds of the AJP engine if a car has been properly maintained and tappets adjusted to schedule.
From what I have researched a Speed 6 or AJP V8 I don't think will be my thing. I think I will likely stick with a RV8 for the moment. However if a decent car and deal lands then I wouldn't ignore it. I am always trying to do deals be it cars buy or sell or work stuff buying/selling IT or tech kit.
I have never had an Aston or a V12. I will have both at some point likely a V12 Aston but not sure the time is right yet. They are very tempting though. Especially DB9's but I think I would prefer the Vantage. A Maser guy I know had a GT S 4.7 MC Shift and sold going for an Aston Vantage V12 S and loves it.
Yes, Gransports have really eased off as well after having a strong few years. When I bought my mint 2007 4200 about 4 years ago it was £10k more to get a GS and I preferred the interior and slightly more understated look of the 4200 facelift cars. That it was £10k less was win win. I don;t rgret it at all, love my 4200 and will never sell it. I bought of the 1st owner with 11k miles on and it has just turned 15k miles 4 years later.
Lots of choice out there! Which way will you go??
Byker28i said:
gruffalo said:
Amazon fits in her Cerberas and she is a good few inches taller than I am.
Obi-One Cerberobi "Amazon, now there's a name I've not heard for years..."Which one, didn't she have a habit of buying them?
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