Anyone know the T350t at Fernhurst TVR please?

[DOUGGRIFF]

I have viewed the service history for the car mentioned and it has spent a lot of time in France being serviced by a non TVR garage.
Apparently history is available, but would this put people off?
It’s got me thinking.
Due to the impending lockdown viewing in person is not an option only by video.
I would be interested to know peoples thoughts regards to a car living abroad and then coming back. Does the non TVR history make much of a difference?
Many thanks and best regards.

[pb450]

How long ago was the France stint Doug? Has it been serviced by a know specialist since its return to the UK?
If so, you could call them and ask if they recall the car, good or bad.

[DOUGGRIFF]

It’s been serviced since returning to the UK, but was in France for a while.
The only TVRs I have owned ( a few ) have always been specialist serviced every year.
I’d love to think of I would keep my next car for ever but realistically I do go through cars. Just wondering if it would put many people off? As it’s got me pondering.
Maybe luckily I can’t do much at the moment due to the impending lockdown, apart from looking at the pictures!!!!

[pb450]

Generally I'd say if it has some decent provenance, i.e. known TVR specialist service history for a while after its return from France (say 3 years min?) then people shouldn't be too put off. If it only has one dcent UK service sine the French excursion, (or maybe none!) then it could be a different matter.

This could also translate into the duration of your ownership, should you buy it. If you keep it for 3 years or more, then the French omissions will start to fade into the past, if you see what I mean. In other words, the longer you keep the car, the less important it becomes - assuming you have TVR specialist stamps in the book during your ownership.

But then, what do I kinow? Just my opinion of course and perception is king with these things.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Really good point regarding further specialist servicing.
I can’t imagine I’ll be able to do anything until December at the earliest as I would want to test drive it which at the moment is not possible.
Definitely food for thought.
Many thanks for your advice.
Very best regards

[pb450]

Keep us posted Doug, could be an early Christmas present!

[DOUGGRIFF]

Thanks, will do.
Best regards

[Stever]

I have bought and sold most of my cars privately and in my experience the minute you first lay eyes on a car you know if it's in the running and for you. Some I have bought without even driving and maybe I have been lucky but it's like falling in love you know when it happens So I don't think you can make a decision on a video or Advert you have to see the beast breathing up close to know whether you want it

The french angle wouldn't put me off if the car ticks the other boxes after all it has some history and as you say if you're going to keep it for a while it becomes just part of ancient history, the more recent stuff is more useful.. There are some cars advertised on PH by TVR dealers with a "comprehensive full history" yet when they list it out you see a 4 year hole where nothing happened (or it could be lost I suppose), these cars are getting on mine will be 25 next year

I did use Rob Ingleby of findasportscar fame to give a final once over of the Griff and he just said you HAVE to buy this car. Not sure if he's still working his website is there but doesn't look maintained

[pb450]

Rob did provide a very good service and he insppected my Chimaera before I bought it. As a negotiation tool the inspection cost more than paid for itself.

That was over 8 years ago and I believe he no longer provides his services any more. It was money well spent back in 2012 though.

I believe there's a guy with a Greek sounding name (sorry cazn't recall exactly) who does the same thing these days. Never used him though.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Your absolutely right, I would need to actually view the car. I’m sure some would be comfortable buying a car on video, but that’s not me.
Funnily enough Rob inspected my Griffith for the last owner 12 years ago when I sold it. From a sellers perspective he was a thoroughly nice guy who was clearly very good at his job.
I’ve since purchased the car back a couple of years ago and thought I’d keep it for ever but I’m thinking of replacing it on my own terms not because we have a second child on the way like last time.
It’s a beautiful thing and it makes me smile every time I get in it but maybe something slightly more practical would be better, if a TVR falls into that category.
Regards to the history of the T350 I Agree the older it gets the less important it’s extended holiday becomes, so that probably isn’t such an issue now.
Roll on December so at least I’ve got the option to view, and see if it’s for me or not.
Very best regards

[TwinKam]

pb450 said:

Rob did provide a very good service and he insppected my Chimaera before I bought it. As a negotiation tool the inspection cost more than paid for itself.

That was over 8 years ago and I believe he no longer provides his services any more. It was money well spent back in 2012 though.

I believe there's a guy with a Greek sounding name (sorry cazn't recall exactly) who does the same thing these days. Never used him though.

Philip Phedonos. Google finds him.
Happy to recommend him, gave a thorough report.

[DOUGGRIFF]

Brilliant thank you.

[Stever]

DOUGGRIFF said:

It’s a beautiful thing and it makes me smile every time I get in it but maybe something slightly more practical would be better, if a TVR falls into that category.

Let me know how you justify a T350 into that

It is a hatchback I suppose

[DOUGGRIFF]

^^^^^^ hatchback that’s exactly it!!!!!

[Nikk]

Just a thought: I'm sure I heard that you could remove a CAT listing from a car by exporting it to another country and then re-importing it a while later.

I'm sure that's not the case here, but be useful to know whether that's true or not!

[DOUGGRIFF]

Another really good point.
I’m definitely going to view when possible and will look into that, thanks,
I seem to remember a while ago a company in Holland sold a fair few TVRs some of which had questionable history ( from memory )
Which didn’t show on our registers.
Best regards.

[Stever]

yes I remember that too, they had a lamborghini pale green Sagaris for sale for ages that had a bit of a questionable history but not mentioned in their add

Wonder where that ended up?

[DOUGGRIFF]

Hopefully the new owner did the required diligence before buying.
I’ve spoken with the garage regards to the T350t and am going to view as soon as lockdown lets me see it in person

Thanks for all your advice, very much appreciated.
Very best regards and stay safe.

[Gladers01]

DOUGGRIFF said:

Hopefully the new owner did the required diligence before buying.
I’ve spoken with the garage regards to the T350t and am going to view as soon as lockdown lets me see it in person

Thanks for all your advice, very much appreciated.
Very best regards and stay safe.

Looks a very good example with a sound Mot history, wouldn't worry about the French angle too much (have heard of them) Fernhurst are a reputable garage and easy to deal with.

I bought a Tamora from them and my neighbour bought a Chimaera from same place shortly before me and the service we received at point of sale and afterwards was always first class

[DOUGGRIFF]

^^^^ thank you, good to hear
I think I spoke with Simon? Very helpful chap who was happy to answer any questions. It’s a shame about the bad timing on my part but will definitely view once possible to view after the lockdown and see if it’s for me.
Thanks for sharing your experience, which makes me feel more at ease with the ‘ French connection. ‘
Very best regards