TVR Vixen S1 - newbie with questions
Discussion
First post in the TVR classics forum. I hope you all can help me with some information regarding Vixen S1's.
I'm looking at a Vixen s1 which supposedly has had a full rebuild by David Gerald approx. 10 years ago. New frame, bolted body, refreshed interior and electrics.
Now I'm more used to MGBs so not all clued up on classic TVRs.
I understand the car should have a Triumph GT6/Spitfire diff, but the car is said to have a Salisbury LSD diff. Does this make sense?
Are the front uprights Herald ones? If so what big brake kits will fit? The car has knock off wheels, but I take it it would be fairly simple to convert to lugs if I wanted?
And what am I looking for that ight be expensive to fix later on?
The car has seen very minimal use after the rebuild, and from pictures looks very good. What would be the price range for a car in very nice usable condition, but not concours?
I'm looking at a Vixen s1 which supposedly has had a full rebuild by David Gerald approx. 10 years ago. New frame, bolted body, refreshed interior and electrics.
Now I'm more used to MGBs so not all clued up on classic TVRs.
I understand the car should have a Triumph GT6/Spitfire diff, but the car is said to have a Salisbury LSD diff. Does this make sense?
Are the front uprights Herald ones? If so what big brake kits will fit? The car has knock off wheels, but I take it it would be fairly simple to convert to lugs if I wanted?
And what am I looking for that ight be expensive to fix later on?
The car has seen very minimal use after the rebuild, and from pictures looks very good. What would be the price range for a car in very nice usable condition, but not concours?
Edited by Sonus on Tuesday 11th February 19:47
welcome to the classics section Sonus.
There are about 5 or 6 of us on here with S1s in various states of assembly. It would be nice to see another that was actually on the road! Price is pretty difficult to determine, but I think they have been offered for sale around 15K plus in good condition,. Whether they went for that is anyones guess though.
Obviously there are not many around and even fewer available, s you have to factor in how much you want this particular car. S1s are a particular breed, in that they are shorter wheelbase than the later cars, so entry and exit can be more difficult.
Uprights are triumph as you say. Re brakes, I think the concensus is that road going Vixens are pretty OK as far as stopping goes, due to their low weight.
As far as the hubs are concerned, i think you can get hold of or have made pretty much anything you want.
It sounds like most of the expensive stuff has been done (chassis bodywork). Mechanicals are simple, bt of course you can still spend a lot fixing them!!
Most expensive thing other than drive train and chassis is probably the rear window. Yours should be plastic, but glass are available (if you can find one) at a price.
As standard they come with an MGB banjo diff in a TVR special casting, but many have been modded.
There are about 5 or 6 of us on here with S1s in various states of assembly. It would be nice to see another that was actually on the road! Price is pretty difficult to determine, but I think they have been offered for sale around 15K plus in good condition,. Whether they went for that is anyones guess though.
Obviously there are not many around and even fewer available, s you have to factor in how much you want this particular car. S1s are a particular breed, in that they are shorter wheelbase than the later cars, so entry and exit can be more difficult.
Uprights are triumph as you say. Re brakes, I think the concensus is that road going Vixens are pretty OK as far as stopping goes, due to their low weight.
As far as the hubs are concerned, i think you can get hold of or have made pretty much anything you want.
It sounds like most of the expensive stuff has been done (chassis bodywork). Mechanicals are simple, bt of course you can still spend a lot fixing them!!
Most expensive thing other than drive train and chassis is probably the rear window. Yours should be plastic, but glass are available (if you can find one) at a price.
As standard they come with an MGB banjo diff in a TVR special casting, but many have been modded.
Edited by Astacus on Tuesday 11th February 19:51
Thanks Astacus, i'm only 5'9" so I hope i will fit fine 
Does any one know what preparation would have been done to a frame done by David Gerald 10 years ago? Would it be galvanized or just primered and painted?
Edit: rear window is plastic with small vents either side.
Does any one know what preparation would have been done to a frame done by David Gerald 10 years ago? Would it be galvanized or just primered and painted?
Edit: rear window is plastic with small vents either side.
Edited by Sonus on Tuesday 11th February 19:57
http://www.zen11896.zen.co.uk/vixen/parts/index.ht...
Sonus, if you haven't come across this before, it makes for some interesting reading.
Sonus, if you haven't come across this before, it makes for some interesting reading.
vixen1700 said:
http://www.zen11896.zen.co.uk/vixen/parts/index.ht...
Sonus, if you haven't come across this before, it makes for some interesting reading.
Thanks Vixen1700, I'll bookmark it for future referenceSonus, if you haven't come across this before, it makes for some interesting reading.
prideaux said:
Great to Talk Niels
Just go with your feelings and anything can be sorted its a great car and i really think you will enjoy her
warning when you have one you will want another and another
Good Luck
A
Thanks Andrew, really appreciate you taking the time.Just go with your feelings and anything can be sorted its a great car and i really think you will enjoy her
warning when you have one you will want another and another
Good Luck
A
I'll keep you posted as the situation progress.
looking forward to any update ?Niels
Well done that man I was beginning to wonder if the deal would come through what a great car for your first TVR you do realise your now not the owner but the Custodian of a great piece of TVR History.
Updates are obligatory pictures even more so and a permanent grin on your face every time you drive her.
Safe Driving on those Norwegian Roads and keep looking in the rear view mirror to make sure she is still there thanks for the call
The car is the S1 V8 Daimler car the sister of the Old Dame which I hope will also find a new home soon
Not really the best picture but I am sure you will spoil us all with lots more start a new thread and watch us all drool
Well done that man I was beginning to wonder if the deal would come through what a great car for your first TVR you do realise your now not the owner but the Custodian of a great piece of TVR History.
Updates are obligatory pictures even more so and a permanent grin on your face every time you drive her.
Safe Driving on those Norwegian Roads and keep looking in the rear view mirror to make sure she is still there thanks for the call
The car is the S1 V8 Daimler car the sister of the Old Dame which I hope will also find a new home soon
Not really the best picture but I am sure you will spoil us all with lots more start a new thread and watch us all drool
Got home at 9pm and have been out doing tunnel runs since 
The 300 mile return trip from picking up the car I stopped 4 times to check the lashings and was constantly telling people what is is.
I'll take some better pictures and start a thread on the car.
As found:
The 300 mile return trip from picking up the car I stopped 4 times to check the lashings and was constantly telling people what is is.
I'll take some better pictures and start a thread on the car.
As found:
Edited by Sonus on Sunday 2nd March 21:59
It's the Old Dames sister as Andrew wrote above so has 2.5 liter Daimler V8 that came in the Daimler SP250/Dart and Daimler 250 Saloon.
Couldn't resist so drove it to work today, four tunnels later and I am starting to loose my hearing. I just can't stop myself from down shifting to third from fourth
Couldn't resist so drove it to work today, four tunnels later and I am starting to loose my hearing. I just can't stop myself from down shifting to third from fourth
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