Wanting my first Wedge (and first TVR!)
Discussion
Hello
After thinking about it for some years now, I have decided it is time to get myself a fun car. I have always wanted a TVR, and particularly like the way the old wedges (280i and 350) look, and from having a quick look around was surprised at the price of them (surprised at how little they appear to be), and also how cheap they are for me to insure.
Now I could just jump straight in and get one off eBay (and there are a couple on there at the moment) or elsewhere, but thought it may be sensible to do some research first! I know these are old cars, and are therefore going to need to be looked at carefully before buying to make sure that its not a complete shed, but are there any specific points that I should be looking for? Obviously buying one with an MOT would go some way to making sure its half decent (or at least vaguely working). I have been reading around a bit and seen that its worth checking that the outriggers are not shot. One that I have seen advertised suggests that a new roof is in order, obviously this is going to be an expense, but are things like this worth the work (and cost?) involved?
Basically I want a TVR, and preferably one that is working and not going to cost me a bomb to keep running for a bit. I would rather pay a bit more up front for a decent one rather then less for one that is going to be a nightmare. Bearing in mind that I have seen 280i's for between 2K up to 3.5K, any tips or suggestions on things I may not have considered, or indeed any places worth looking that Google may not have turned up (e.g here, TVR Webmart, Autotrader) and are ones with replacement engines OK to consider or should I look to stick to ones with the original engine in? Or am I deluding myself here a bit, and actually need to spend considerably more than this?
Cheers
After thinking about it for some years now, I have decided it is time to get myself a fun car. I have always wanted a TVR, and particularly like the way the old wedges (280i and 350) look, and from having a quick look around was surprised at the price of them (surprised at how little they appear to be), and also how cheap they are for me to insure.
Now I could just jump straight in and get one off eBay (and there are a couple on there at the moment) or elsewhere, but thought it may be sensible to do some research first! I know these are old cars, and are therefore going to need to be looked at carefully before buying to make sure that its not a complete shed, but are there any specific points that I should be looking for? Obviously buying one with an MOT would go some way to making sure its half decent (or at least vaguely working). I have been reading around a bit and seen that its worth checking that the outriggers are not shot. One that I have seen advertised suggests that a new roof is in order, obviously this is going to be an expense, but are things like this worth the work (and cost?) involved?
Basically I want a TVR, and preferably one that is working and not going to cost me a bomb to keep running for a bit. I would rather pay a bit more up front for a decent one rather then less for one that is going to be a nightmare. Bearing in mind that I have seen 280i's for between 2K up to 3.5K, any tips or suggestions on things I may not have considered, or indeed any places worth looking that Google may not have turned up (e.g here, TVR Webmart, Autotrader) and are ones with replacement engines OK to consider or should I look to stick to ones with the original engine in? Or am I deluding myself here a bit, and actually need to spend considerably more than this?
Cheers
You definitely need to talk to some Wedge owners and have a look at what's on offer and what the pitfalls and positives are. Obviously you should buy the best you can afford and I'd suggest as a first car of this type definitely one with an MOT.
The NEC Classic is being held from the 16th to 18th November and I'd suggest you get yourself over there and have a talk to some of the guys on the TVRCC stand in Hall 9 C60. There will be an owner on there (Mr Tank on here) who iirc owns 6 wedges along with other wedge owners who'll give you all the info you need and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
I'd also recommend you join the TVRCC and visit a meeting local to you.
The WedgePages is a good resource as well.
The NEC Classic is being held from the 16th to 18th November and I'd suggest you get yourself over there and have a talk to some of the guys on the TVRCC stand in Hall 9 C60. There will be an owner on there (Mr Tank on here) who iirc owns 6 wedges along with other wedge owners who'll give you all the info you need and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
I'd also recommend you join the TVRCC and visit a meeting local to you.
The WedgePages is a good resource as well.
Hi mate..Welcome to the mad house..And to some of the nicest people you will meet..Where does one start..It might be worth keeping an eye out on here for a good wedge or at least one with a traceable history..There are bargains that pop up from time to time but they dont stick around for long..As a 280 driver i would say...(And probably get shot for it)..Get a V8 because you will only lust after one as we all do..Even though my delilah will never leave my side..(Even if i do get a V8)..
A sorted V8..(350i).. with service history, Cean and sound chassis, Good interior/hood and good paintwork might set you back between 4.5-6K..You could go for one that has a good solid/clean chassis..good strong engine and good drivetrain..paintwork in reasonable condition but may benefit from a new hood and re-trim..For around 2.5-3.5K..Interiors and hoods can be sorted for not a load of money depending on where you take it..You need to be a bit mechanically minded or enthusiastic to own one as they need a good deal of loving..swearing..More swearing and a bit more loving..Maybe some more swearing just for good measure..They all have their quirky ways..They have soul and will get under your skin..Dont rush in unless its a bargain..And yes there are a few things to check..outriggers being one but you cant always see the complete part as it sits behind a sill..A good look with an inspection mirror and a torch is handy or up on a ramp if poss..
Im sure there will be loads of advice to follow..Good luck in your search...ziga
A sorted V8..(350i).. with service history, Cean and sound chassis, Good interior/hood and good paintwork might set you back between 4.5-6K..You could go for one that has a good solid/clean chassis..good strong engine and good drivetrain..paintwork in reasonable condition but may benefit from a new hood and re-trim..For around 2.5-3.5K..Interiors and hoods can be sorted for not a load of money depending on where you take it..You need to be a bit mechanically minded or enthusiastic to own one as they need a good deal of loving..swearing..More swearing and a bit more loving..Maybe some more swearing just for good measure..They all have their quirky ways..They have soul and will get under your skin..Dont rush in unless its a bargain..And yes there are a few things to check..outriggers being one but you cant always see the complete part as it sits behind a sill..A good look with an inspection mirror and a torch is handy or up on a ramp if poss..
Im sure there will be loads of advice to follow..Good luck in your search...ziga
Dont listen to Ziga, he does nothing but b
h about his 280 and say that the V8 is better, but has he sold it???
no!!
Have a look at a few examples first, and then drive both a V8 and a 280i and see what you think!
Where are you in the world?
If you are in the North Kent area Ive got both if you want to try them.
Stu
h about his 280 and say that the V8 is better, but has he sold it???no!!
Have a look at a few examples first, and then drive both a V8 and a 280i and see what you think!
Where are you in the world?
If you are in the North Kent area Ive got both if you want to try them.
Stu
Dont listen to Hallsie..He will try anything to get you round there..I take it you have seen "The league of gentlemen"...
..Only messing stu!..
The reason im keeping my 280i is because next year it will become an SX280i..Yes thats right a supercharged race prepared 2.9i..MF..(Muvver fugga)..Even though it will be faster and have more torque than most V8's the sound from a well tuned V8 is like the devil with a belly ache..Mind you mine is pretty loud at the moment..Yes..Drive both but if you drive the 280 first and then the V8 you will feel the difference straight away and the smile on your face will get bigger..If you drive the V8 and then the 280 then you will feel the differenve straight away and the smile on your face will get smaller..Probably more of a sympathetic smile...But dont get me wrong im not slating the 280 as it was the initial creation of the wedge series.."A real TVR" as Mr oliver winterbottom said..Heres a pic of him with mine..Plus i will defend the 280 to the death..Remember PPC mag...
Mr Winterbottom.
..Only messing stu!..The reason im keeping my 280i is because next year it will become an SX280i..Yes thats right a supercharged race prepared 2.9i..MF..(Muvver fugga)..Even though it will be faster and have more torque than most V8's the sound from a well tuned V8 is like the devil with a belly ache..Mind you mine is pretty loud at the moment..Yes..Drive both but if you drive the 280 first and then the V8 you will feel the difference straight away and the smile on your face will get bigger..If you drive the V8 and then the 280 then you will feel the differenve straight away and the smile on your face will get smaller..Probably more of a sympathetic smile...But dont get me wrong im not slating the 280 as it was the initial creation of the wedge series.."A real TVR" as Mr oliver winterbottom said..Heres a pic of him with mine..Plus i will defend the 280 to the death..Remember PPC mag...
Mr Winterbottom.
Thanks for the info so far!
Will see about getting myself to the NEC for the show, up that way that weekend anyway, so not much of a detour. Other than that I am in the North London area (Enfield, M25 J25). So depending which bit of North Kent you are in I may have to take you up on that offer hallsie.
I guess the next big issue is to go for one with a roof or not (though I think that's an easy decision to make...)
Just been searching through the forums, and have seen some ziga's posts about Delilah, and it definitely sounds like they can take a bit of effort to keep going, but I'm sure that each time you drive one it makes it all worth it.
My thinking on the V8 or not is that I guess a 280 is a bit cheaper to insure and run, and as it would also be my first car of this type (indeed anything with larger than a 1.6) that something a little more 'sensible' (if you can ever apply this term to a TVR) could be a good move. If it then gets me wanting to move to a V8 in the future then so be it!
Will see about getting myself to the NEC for the show, up that way that weekend anyway, so not much of a detour. Other than that I am in the North London area (Enfield, M25 J25). So depending which bit of North Kent you are in I may have to take you up on that offer hallsie.
I guess the next big issue is to go for one with a roof or not (though I think that's an easy decision to make...)
Just been searching through the forums, and have seen some ziga's posts about Delilah, and it definitely sounds like they can take a bit of effort to keep going, but I'm sure that each time you drive one it makes it all worth it.
My thinking on the V8 or not is that I guess a 280 is a bit cheaper to insure and run, and as it would also be my first car of this type (indeed anything with larger than a 1.6) that something a little more 'sensible' (if you can ever apply this term to a TVR) could be a good move. If it then gets me wanting to move to a V8 in the future then so be it!
908glen said:
Where about,s are you situated.
He's not answering that one!!Perhaps Solitude has already contacted him!!!
IF YOU GET AN EMAIL FROMA GUY CALLED GAV, DELETE IT.
On the other hand, if you look at it that way, a bunch of blokes asking where you live and offering you a ride in their cars is also a bit wrong!
Stu
Hi
Just wanted to put in my tuppence worth. As mentioned by others its really worthwhile looking at a few cars before taking the plunge, that way you'll be able to judge the prices being asked for the car against it's condition and hopefully pick out a nice example. Winter is always a good time to buy any sports car as prices tend to be a little bit lower than in the spring or summer. 280's tend to be cheaper than the V8's so your money should go a bit further if you go the V6 route- though you'll soon be hankering for that V8 burble. Buy the best condition car you can find or afford. Also don't be afraid to ask lots of questions on this forum - there are a lot of guys on here with an amazing amount of information on wedges locked into their brains who are more than happy to share it with you.
Happy hunting, hope to see pic's of your new wedge on here soon
Ron
Just wanted to put in my tuppence worth. As mentioned by others its really worthwhile looking at a few cars before taking the plunge, that way you'll be able to judge the prices being asked for the car against it's condition and hopefully pick out a nice example. Winter is always a good time to buy any sports car as prices tend to be a little bit lower than in the spring or summer. 280's tend to be cheaper than the V8's so your money should go a bit further if you go the V6 route- though you'll soon be hankering for that V8 burble. Buy the best condition car you can find or afford. Also don't be afraid to ask lots of questions on this forum - there are a lot of guys on here with an amazing amount of information on wedges locked into their brains who are more than happy to share it with you.
Happy hunting, hope to see pic's of your new wedge on here soon
Ron
IWantAWedge said:
Just been searching through the forums, and have seen some ziga's posts about Delilah, and it definitely sounds like they can take a bit of effort to keep going, but I'm sure that each time you drive one it makes it all worth it.
My thinking on the V8 or not is that I guess a 280 is a bit cheaper to insure and run, and as it would also be my first car of this type (indeed anything with larger than a 1.6) that something a little more 'sensible' (if you can ever apply this term to a TVR) could be a good move. If it then gets me wanting to move to a V8 in the future then so be it!
Ahh the trials and tribulations of Delilah..I rescued her from a near scrap fate..And a self inflicted sacrificial burning but we wont go in to that..Insurance can be a vast and varied conundrum..I live in the sarf eest of lundun..Apparently one of the worst post code's..Even though one live's in a conservation area what...Anyway when i owned an ole tin top rover 420 it used to cost with 3 years NCB 1200 soberoonies a year TPFT...My thinking on the V8 or not is that I guess a 280 is a bit cheaper to insure and run, and as it would also be my first car of this type (indeed anything with larger than a 1.6) that something a little more 'sensible' (if you can ever apply this term to a TVR) could be a good move. If it then gets me wanting to move to a V8 in the future then so be it!
The 1982 280i Tasmin DHC cost me 411 smackers full doo dar a year..
.Even though its still on the large side compared to some lucky V8 owners..I had some quote's for a V8 a little back...From 900-4K...
...
...Its better if its a second car..Im fitting a supercharger to mine next year and its only 160 wotsits more...If you want fuel economy fit a diesel engine..
..You would probably get around 26-30MPG from a 280 if driven conservatively..I get around 18-20...
..If you can get a sorted one then its just servicing and light maintenance..Delilah was a basket case so dont use her as an example..Convertible's are great for summer and bright winter driving..FHC's are for girls and people who dont like messing their hair up..
..Only messing lads, They are both good lookers...Zigahallsie said:
mrzigazaga said:
FHC's are for girls and people who dont like messing their hair up....Only messing lads, They are both good lookers...Ziga
Cheeky sod!..Only messing lads, They are both good lookers...ZigaI still maintain that my 280i FH bloody C is quicker and a lot louder than my V8.
Stu
....keep ya alan's on im only messing mate...I love em both..In fact if i had the space i would have a 280i FHC, A 350i or a rare 390se FHC next to a 500se convertible and my 1982 SX280i DHC..Actually the classifieds has a good choice of 280's and 350's at the moment..Theres a nice 2+2 FHC next to a 1982 280i DHC..Shame its covered up..Its probably made of cardboard...
..Hang on thats mine...
Drop-head's roof condition is immaterial (oops,...pun there) cos Wedgers don't use it anyway.
.
If you're over 25, just insure your car on classic car insurance as a secondary vehicle (assuming you also have a daily driver on a normal policy), then your insurance will be peanuts, even for a V8.
Contrary to popular myth, if you buy a car with MOT that has been regularly maintained, reliability should be very good with minimal 'tinkering' required.
None of the systems are rocket science, just 20+ years old and possibly slightly cobbled together from new.
Not many cars attract the attention that in particular a V8 Wedge does.
I'd recommend that if you see a car that takes your fancy, then run it by the forum because most of them will be known to at least one member.
.
If you're over 25, just insure your car on classic car insurance as a secondary vehicle (assuming you also have a daily driver on a normal policy), then your insurance will be peanuts, even for a V8.
Contrary to popular myth, if you buy a car with MOT that has been regularly maintained, reliability should be very good with minimal 'tinkering' required.
None of the systems are rocket science, just 20+ years old and possibly slightly cobbled together from new.
Not many cars attract the attention that in particular a V8 Wedge does.
I'd recommend that if you see a car that takes your fancy, then run it by the forum because most of them will be known to at least one member.
Edited by grahamw48 on Tuesday 6th November 13:41
If you see my old Mica Blue 400SE (H 902 POG) please buy her and let me know that she is safe! She is a truly fabulous car with a mountain of history and a brilliant spec. ( I should know it cost me enough to do!) She is also the only wedge (as far as I know) to be officially tracked on a GPS at 155mph (roof down of course)
Should never have sold her.. She'd look fab in the garage next to my current steeds!
Should never have sold her.. She'd look fab in the garage next to my current steeds!
Well it was seeing this one evening during a discussion down the pub that got me seriously considering getting one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-wedge-280i-/12099958...
Seemed to look quite a bargain at 2k. And it's pretty close to me too...
The seller says the paintwork could do with a mop, is this a costly job or quite reasonable, as it would need it to be looking good and nice and shiny!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-wedge-280i-/12099958...
Seemed to look quite a bargain at 2k. And it's pretty close to me too...
The seller says the paintwork could do with a mop, is this a costly job or quite reasonable, as it would need it to be looking good and nice and shiny!
IWantAWedge said:
The seller says the paintwork could do with a mop, is this a costly job or quite reasonable, as it would need it to be looking good and nice and shiny!
He means a good machine polish & wax.So it's either something you could do yourself either by hand/machine or take it to a detailer who'd charge somewhere in the region of £150-£200 if it didn't need too much work.
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