Vixen 2500 Road Tests

[Mr Tiger]

Hi

I'm finding it difficult to track down info on the Vixen 2500. I have the Hot Car magazine road test but I don't believe its performance data. I'm trying to find a copy of the Road & Track magazine from Jan 73 but haven't found one in the UK yet. Does anyone know if any other road tests exist or any other informative articles for that matter?

Many thanks

Chris

[moluag]

Hot Car September 1971

[Grantura MKI]

Hi Chris,
I have tonnes of articles, etc. as I restored the first 2500 to be produced. Let me know what exactly you are seeking.
Cheers,
D.

[pridaux]

Hi Chris
This book TVR Gold Portfolio has a number of road tests basically its a compilation of most of the road tests written on tvrs from 59 to 84 and the Vixen 2500 is well covered it is published by Brooklands Books and Motorbooks International ISBN 1 85520 2573 £13.95 on Amazon well worth getting a copy
Andrew

[Mr Tiger]

Hi thanks for the replies.

I already have the Hot Car magazine from Sept '71. I didn't make it clear, sorry. It states the top speed is 118 which seems optimistic for 106 bhp. Very enjoyable read though.

Regarding the Brooklands book do you know which 2500 road test it covers. If it's the Road & Track it may be worth me getting it. I'd prefer to track down an original copy of the magazine though. Does the book definitely have a 2500 road test though? The front cover is somewhat ambiguous - it states Vixen - S2 - 2500M.

Regarding the other articles and info, I'm really interested in all of it! To try and narrow it down though, one of the first jobs I ought to do is replace the front trunnions and uprights. The previous owner of the car said he'd changed the trunnions and I don't doubt him for a second but I'm not sure if the uprights were changed. It's something I ought to do for peace of mind and also something I need to get to grips with - sooner rather after the front has collapsed. I could really do with a step by step guide with lots of photos as I'm a beginner. I've got the Haynes TR6 manual but now realise the Vixen has mostly Herald front suspension. I dare say they are similar but there are not enough photos for a numpty like me. I got a copy of the June 2003 Practical Classics yesterday from eBay. This has nice article on a Vixen resto (with a 1.8 turbo) but nothing technical on the suspension. Ironically it has a fabulous step by step guide for changing Morris Minor trunnions and also an interesting article in tweaking the Triumph straight sixes.

Also, the gearbox is showing signs of trouble. I can't get second when starting up from cold. After a couple of minutes it will engage albeit in a very notchy manner. I think the Rimmer Bros site says problems with second are usually the first signs of trouble with these boxes. I've never taken an engine or box out before, so this should be challenging (when I get round to it).

I've heard the Car Builder magazine covered a Vixen restoration back in 1992, so I'm scouring eBay almost daily. I must also get the Practical Classics book on the Herald restoration.

If anyone knows of any other sources of info or advice it would be much appreciated. Also, if you have any photos of your 2500 restoration particularly the front suspension and gearbox it would be a huge help.

Sorry for rambling so much.

Thanks again for the replies.

Cheers,

Chris

[pridaux]

Yes its the Road and track road test.
Book is interesting reading but many parts are not very accurate they simply re print the articles as they where printed.
A

[Mr Tiger]

I've just today got hold of a copy of the Lidsay Porter & Peter Williams book on restoring Spits, Heralds etc. If I'm reading this correctly, it looks like the front uprights and trunnions can be removed from the car with the springs and shocks in situ. I would never have guessed this was possible - I am new to this though. It looks like the top wishbone has no spring tension and merely keeps the upright upright. I'd be grateful if someone could confirm this or correct me.

I'll keep an eye out for the Gold Portfolio book too - thanks for letting me know.

Regards,

Chris

[matchless_mike]

With regard to Vixen parts have you tried simply googling the subject ? You will soon find John Upham's Vixen parts list and workshop information of which a great deal is relevant to the 2500.