500 ID

[skiver]

I'm looking at 500's at the mo and some have had the painted rocker covers, some haven't.
Were these only produced during a specific period or should all 500's have,or have had, them fitted.
Or maybe it's another TVR 'thing'.

[Chuffmeister]

I think the original TVR 500 colour was purple for the rocker covers. However, by now, I should imagine that most would have flaked and been replaced with custom colours.

[JimChim500]

Mine had black covers from new.

I'm told that they occasionally ran out of the standard purple covers so fitted whatever was available....

Maybe?

[Chilliman]

Good luck with the search Stu... If you're still looking come February and need a lift somewhere or company give me a bell

[Goaty Bill]

To stay completely on topic for a moment; mine had purple / lilac covers from new, like any others I saw around that time. I doubt that is guaranteed to be 100%, if for no other reason than because TVR would paint/trim your car to almost any specification you desired on a new order, and dealers would often provide any extra services / modifications otherwise avoided by the factory.

Sorry for stating the obvious but; if I were searching specifically for a 500, I would want more proof than that
You will be paying a substantial premium for a 500, make damned sure you are getting one, and ideally that all the serial numbers 'line up', (assuming originality is at all important to you).
As you are aware, there are a lot of 400s with 5L engines from engine builders, and a few original 500 cars with 4L or 4.6L engines in them.
Just be certain you know what you are getting for your extra pennies.

[skiver]

Chilliman said:

Good luck with the search Stu... If you're still looking come February and need a lift somewhere or company give me a bell

Thanks Rich, I'll do that,two heads being better etc. I've had a similar offer from phazed so much appreciated guys.

[BarnFind]

Well i quess thats the difference between a Baboon and a purple assed Baboon,whether the factory had the purple paint at the time,whether the Baboon had a retro fitted purple ass,oh i could go on...............!

[swallet]

Drive a 400 and 450 then drive a 500. If it's a good one you'll know the difference in the seat of your pants!

[Roy the Boy]

Mine's a 400 but has purple rocker covers - well, what's left of it.

[Andy JB]

Easier to check the chassis nos on the crossmember in front of the engine should start 50pxxxx or similar or the nos on the plaque in the o/s engine bay - or just drive it .... most have crumbled by now unless resprayed