SEAC or V12 AC Cobra.???
SEAC or V12 AC Cobra.???
Author
Discussion

ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
I'm thinking of exchanging my 400SE for either a SEAC or a V12 AC Cobra. They are both the same sort of money but have more power. I'm beginning to get the itch for a change but which would be the better choice. I like the SEAC a lot but should I keep to a Wedge or go for a total change away from Wedgedom to the V12 Cobra. They are both in immaculate condition but the Cobra has extra four cylinders, extra cc, but it's carburation as opposed to the FI SEAC. Both 5 speed manual, both very loud. Mmmmmmmm It's difficult decision.

Tony. TCB.

TVRleigh_BBWR

6,553 posts

235 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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depends if long term or short.
AC with a V12 sounds non standard, so will hinder vaues, but I doubt a real one is in your budget.
SEAC seem to be the best investment on the wedges, due to there high level and low volume.

I doubt your notice much difference from a well sorted 400SE to a SEAC though. depends how sorted the SEAC is.

Number 7

4,111 posts

284 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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Depends what you want to use it for? I suspect that a SEAC will handle much better on road or track. It would definitely be a more practical proposition for continental touring in terms of comfort, luggage space, decent and easy to use roof etc. Assuming you mean a replica Cobra rather than a "real" one if it has a V12, it's still a replica, albeit of a very iconic car. SEAC, well arguably it should really be Kevlar bodied. I know which I'd go for.

voltage_maxx

368 posts

231 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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Much as I love the Jaguar V12, it's NOT a sportscar engine.
It's very, very heavy and doesn't make an awful lot of power for its capacity or weight.
A cobra needs an american V8 really - they're worth much more with a period correct engine, like a 289 ford.

I'd take the SEAC every time.
It's the 'real deal' and a properly rare car.
I'd wager it'll handle much better too.

Narcisus

8,797 posts

302 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Don't go for a V12 Cobra. Engine doesn't suit it unless you just want to use it as a straight line cruiser.

adam quantrill

11,626 posts

264 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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I think everyone has been very polite, especially given this is the Wedge forum.

For me, you can "do it" in a Wedge, but I don't think it's possible in a Cobra. So the Wedge wins.

ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Yes, I know this is a Wedge forum and of course the preferred machine. I too like the Wedge a lot otherwise I wouldn't have bought one. This is my fifth Wedge though, so if it's going to be another Wedge it has to be the SEAC for me. However, when I came across this V12 Cobra it's made me think. It is of course a copy and not the original as that would cost a fortune, but the extra power from the Jaguar engine with a manual gearbox is appealing. I'm thinking of trading my car in for one of these and was just asking for advice as to how Wedge owners would compare the two.

Tony. TCB.

mrzigazaga

18,752 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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Would prefer either a Ford 302..Windsor V8 or even a 5.0ltr Griff in there rather than a big old heavy Jag lump...Expensive to repair as well...Drive one and if you like it then buy it...

ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
mrzigazaga said:
Would prefer either a Ford 302..Windsor V8 or even a 5.0ltr Griff in there rather than a big old heavy Jag lump...Expensive to repair as well...Drive one and if you like it then buy it...
Zig, a Cobra fitted with the engines you mention are even more money. Somehow, the V12 is cheaper and strikes me as a bit of a bargain for that kind of power. I know what you are saying though, from the practicability point of view both for maintenance and long term value.

The SEAC is definitely quicker than the 400SE but the choice out there is a bit limited. I like the Tuscan too, and it's quick, but it's not a V8 or a V12 and can give engine problems. I feel like I want to move on to something else, but the question is what??? Whatever I get though, I have to make sure my 25 year old can get on the insurance, otherwise, it's a no go.

Tony. TCB.

Narcisus

8,797 posts

302 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
ElvisWedgely said:
Zig, a Cobra fitted with the engines you mention are even more money. Somehow, the V12 is cheaper and strikes me as a bit of a bargain for that kind of power. I know what you are saying though, from the practicability point of view both for maintenance and long term value.

The SEAC is definitely quicker than the 400SE but the choice out there is a bit limited. I like the Tuscan too, and it's quick, but it's not a V8 or a V12 and can give engine problems. I feel like I want to move on to something else, but the question is what??? Whatever I get though, I have to make sure my 25 year old can get on the insurance, otherwise, it's a no go.

Tony. TCB.
Tony I've driven a V12 Cobra and owned a Ford 289 powered Dax. Believe me the V12 doesn't suit the car.

wedgeman

1,326 posts

265 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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I would wait to see if Mr Tank's SEAC comes on the market when the rebuild is finished... yes


gmw9666

2,739 posts

222 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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I'd not spend 20-25k ish on a V12 Cobra, it's like having a V6 cobra......ie no one really wants one hence cheaper

Seac is a great motor but it's also a lot of dosh for a shorter 400SE with a bit more power. You've got to really really want a seac in my mind

Don't get me wrong id have a seac if I had that amount of dosh spare lol

PHJayV8

612 posts

182 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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How about a V8 Cerbera?

KKson

3,466 posts

147 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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SEAC, SEAC, SEAC.bow

ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
PHJayV8 said:
How about a V8 Cerbera?
Nice, but not convertable. I need the air through the hair biggrin

Tony. TCB.

Narcisus

8,797 posts

302 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Bit off topic ... Anyone know where my old 400 resides nowadays ?


ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Narcisus said:
Bit off topic ... Anyone know where my old 400 resides nowadays ?

I owned it for a while then sold it on to a trader. You must have owned it before me???
No idea where it is now.

Tony. TCB.

Narcisus

8,797 posts

302 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Interesting ! I had it from 2000 to 2005... Purchased from Team Central. It had just been sprayed yellow. I really miss it... Best sounding Wedge I had ever heard ... Only sold because the little un came on the scene..

Tasmin200

1,364 posts

209 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
F385YAB passed its MOT last week so someone is enjoying it.

Re the Cobra, when my brother was looking for one we went to look at a black one with a V12 in it. It was in really good nick but you know the engine just didn't go with the car. Too smooth. He ended up buying one with a 350 Chevy V8. It makes the right noise!

ElvisWedgely

Original Poster:

2,715 posts

187 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
Narcisus said:
Interesting ! I had it from 2000 to 2005... Purchased from Team Central. It had just been sprayed yellow. I really miss it... Best sounding Wedge I had ever heard ... Only sold because the little un came on the scene..
I owned it for a couple of years, around 2011 to 2013. Very nice Wedge. Certainly a good looker.

Tony. TCB