cerbera ownership, 2 questions
Discussion
Hi all,
Bit of a newbie around TVR's but thinking of a Cerbera. I've read lots of internet forum stuff and buyers guides etc and probably now more dangerous that when i started looking. However i do have a few questions if you guys and galls have the time.
Will i fit?
By this i mean i am 5' 2", so fitting is easy, but reaching all the peddles? I know it's a giggle and all that but seriously there is no point me planning to see cars if i can not drive them. I once considered a Marcos with the fixed seats and adjustable peddle box......for about the 3 minuets it took to wind the peddle box in and realise that the adjustment was not enough.
Realistic running budget?
This is a bit of a how long's a piece of string question sure, but what should one budget for a yearly service and a war chest in reserve just in case? I get that these cars are not brand new and will require good maintenance for them to be reliable, but is this all fairly easy for a reasonable DIY'er?
Cheers,
Mark
Bit of a newbie around TVR's but thinking of a Cerbera. I've read lots of internet forum stuff and buyers guides etc and probably now more dangerous that when i started looking. However i do have a few questions if you guys and galls have the time.
Will i fit?
By this i mean i am 5' 2", so fitting is easy, but reaching all the peddles? I know it's a giggle and all that but seriously there is no point me planning to see cars if i can not drive them. I once considered a Marcos with the fixed seats and adjustable peddle box......for about the 3 minuets it took to wind the peddle box in and realise that the adjustment was not enough.
Realistic running budget?
This is a bit of a how long's a piece of string question sure, but what should one budget for a yearly service and a war chest in reserve just in case? I get that these cars are not brand new and will require good maintenance for them to be reliable, but is this all fairly easy for a reasonable DIY'er?
Cheers,
Mark
I'm 5'6" and I have to have the seat at the front of the runners. The clutch and brake are adjustable, to a degree, but the throttle is not.
I would think it will be a challenge, but you really do need some time with a compliant owner/seller/dealer to find out whether it will work for you.
I would think it will be a challenge, but you really do need some time with a compliant owner/seller/dealer to find out whether it will work for you.
Just to elaborate a little, I prefer a more upright driving position, as taught by driving schools, rather than the laid back ghetto style. The problem is that the narrow cabin means your elbows are rather constricted, so steering is not ideal. Furthermore, I tend to brace myself when on track using my knees, and the door speaker really messes that up a treat.
I would agree with the £3k per year budget mine comes aout at almost exactlky that for all costs including fuel.
I am 5'7 and i have the seat 1 click back from fully forward for normal driving and fully forward on track with helmet and race boots. I have the pedals adjusted as long as they will go and have added a 25mm extension to the throttle.
The quick check is to go and try one at a meet.
I am 5'7 and i have the seat 1 click back from fully forward for normal driving and fully forward on track with helmet and race boots. I have the pedals adjusted as long as they will go and have added a 25mm extension to the throttle.
The quick check is to go and try one at a meet.
Think with the standard pedals you will have a problem.
I'm 5'10" and found the standard Cerbera driving position had an 'unusual' relationship between steering wheel and pedals, probably set-up for someone with long legs, I wonder who
. This meant I couldn't set-up my usual driving position with palms touching the top of steering wheel with slightly bent arms while pressing the clutch to the floor. I ended up buying some long Leven pedals.
Suggest you try one before buying.
I'm 5'10" and found the standard Cerbera driving position had an 'unusual' relationship between steering wheel and pedals, probably set-up for someone with long legs, I wonder who
. This meant I couldn't set-up my usual driving position with palms touching the top of steering wheel with slightly bent arms while pressing the clutch to the floor. I ended up buying some long Leven pedals. Suggest you try one before buying.
I'm 5'7 with no problem with the seat forward. As mentioned I know others have used pedal extensions, so I don't see an issue there and the kids in the back will have more room 
I put £250 a month away to pay to run my car. I've had it 7 years, never needed anything like that and I've just forked out £7.5K on a full body off chassis rebuild plus lots of new bits, but if you put the money away in savings then it's there when needed.
I put £250 a month away to pay to run my car. I've had it 7 years, never needed anything like that and I've just forked out £7.5K on a full body off chassis rebuild plus lots of new bits, but if you put the money away in savings then it's there when needed.
markcoopers said:
Hi all,
Will i fit?
By this i mean i am 5' 2", so fitting is easy, but reaching all the peddles? I know it's a giggle and all that but seriously there is no point me planning to see cars if i can not drive them. I once considered a Marcos with the fixed seats and adjustable peddle box......for about the 3 minuets it took to wind the peddle box in and realise that the adjustment was not enough.
Sorry to piss on your parade, but my wife is 5' 3" and she can't even get close to the pedals with the seat right forward and the pedals adjusted fully out with a cushion behind her. Best try and get a sit in one yourself but I think that there is no way that you will be able to drive a standard Cerbera. Will i fit?
By this i mean i am 5' 2", so fitting is easy, but reaching all the peddles? I know it's a giggle and all that but seriously there is no point me planning to see cars if i can not drive them. I once considered a Marcos with the fixed seats and adjustable peddle box......for about the 3 minuets it took to wind the peddle box in and realise that the adjustment was not enough.
It may be possible to come up with a combination of a custom pedal set and hacking the seat runners to sit the seat further forward that will get your feet onto the pedals, but by the time you do that you will have the steering wheel against your chest.
It depends on your inside leg really, I have the Leven pedals & 1 click away from the furthest forward point is just right, on a longer journey its 2 clicks back or legs get cramp. The steering wheel also adjusts so cannot see a problem?
The Accelerator has a long travel so I'm guessing you will need leven pedals, you will be able to set them so your legs are bent there is loads of adjustment with the Levens. Good luck & take your time !
The Accelerator has a long travel so I'm guessing you will need leven pedals, you will be able to set them so your legs are bent there is loads of adjustment with the Levens. Good luck & take your time !
Edited by gerradiuk on Sunday 25th August 13:32
I'm 6ft 1 with very long legs, and to bury the throttle my right foot ends up behind the head light... so your definetly looking at Leven pedals for starters. Mind you, you will have a much easier time getting in & out rather than explosion of unfolding limbs every time i park up. : )
Mines currently having a 12k service at TVR Central but once back your more than welcome to come for a spin ( i'm in leamington spa ) and see how the fit goes.
Budget wise.. i'd say 2k a year and be prepared to get your hands dirty. But as mentioned they are pretty easy to work on, but you need a garage.
Mines currently having a 12k service at TVR Central but once back your more than welcome to come for a spin ( i'm in leamington spa ) and see how the fit goes.
Budget wise.. i'd say 2k a year and be prepared to get your hands dirty. But as mentioned they are pretty easy to work on, but you need a garage.
C3BER said:
Well to p!ss on all you tall guys parade I'm 5'7" and I drive my cerb with no issues but when I go for sprints it's seat forwards and pointy toes.
Wifey at 5'2" who drives the cerb says its no problem.
Wifey at 5'2" who drives the cerb says its no problem.
Likewise when I had my Cerb. No issues whatsoever for either of us . . . similar heights 
I can't recall how the runners were mounted on the Cerb. On some other models they're just bolted through the floor so it would be easy to re-drill and locate further forwards to suit. If not and they're mounted onto chassis rail extensions them its still not an insurmountable problem to have additional rails or extensions welded on. If you really want a Cerb then you'll do it. It may be worth checking how different the original Cerb seat compares with the newer Tuscan style seat on the later LW Cerb models too. Good luck Edited by Keithyboy on Monday 26th August 08:47
HiYa 
I bought Leven Stainless Adjustable pedals and with them at full setting Mrs Cerbera has no problem.
She is 4' 12".
Costs: If you have an idea which end of a spaner is which then you can get away by doing one service a year at Joo's or Andy's and the rest yourself, Budget £1500 p.a., depending on age and service history of the car you purchase.
Increase budget by at least 50% if you are not mechanically-minded or use other suppliers.
Best of ....
I bought Leven Stainless Adjustable pedals and with them at full setting Mrs Cerbera has no problem.
She is 4' 12".
Costs: If you have an idea which end of a spaner is which then you can get away by doing one service a year at Joo's or Andy's and the rest yourself, Budget £1500 p.a., depending on age and service history of the car you purchase.
Increase budget by at least 50% if you are not mechanically-minded or use other suppliers.
Best of ....
Edited by Mr Cerbera on Monday 26th August 09:22
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