Does anyone know of this Cerb S777TVR

[harty]

It's currently being sold by an unknown indy dealer called Great Shefford Auto Centre near jct 14 of M4. It seems a a bit too cheap to be that good. I've been doing my homework and I reckon it's worth atleast £19.5k. I'm viewing it on Saturday morning, so any tips would be greatly appreciated (Cerb tips that is!)

TVR Cerbera 4.5 1998
2 Doors, Manual, Coupe, Petrol, 33,000 miles, Metallic Silver, 2 Owners. Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Head restraints, Lumbar support, Immobiliser, Power assisted steering, Radio/Cassette, Rear headrests, Air conditioning, CD Multichanger, Leather upholstery. Insurance Group:20, HEADLIGHT CONVERSION, SPORTS EXHAUST, MOT 12 MONTHS, JUST BEEN SERVICED, LOOKS AND DRIVES VERY WELL, SOUNDS FANTASTIC, SILVER METT, WITH FULL BLACK LEATHER TRIM £17,495.

Many thanks

Harty

[gazzab]

17.5k for a 98 with normal suspension , a light conversion without 18s (doesnt look right) etc is fine/good for private ASSUMING immaculate (or near) PLUS FSH (with paperwork), PLUS well cared for, no. of owners reasonable etc...
For a garage the price is 'cheap' BUT they arent a known dealer so they wont add a premium.

[speed8]

Check what they mean by 'just been serviced'. If it's their version of the meaning then it probably means they wiped the dipstick and put air in the tyres.

I'm always wary of dealers who sell repmobiles suddenly selling a cerb as they most likely have no idea what they have.
See how they treat the car from cold. Ask some questions about the engine. See the service history. It all gives you an idea of what they know about the car. See what sort of warranty they offer.
If you can, get the previous owners number or ask to see the V5 and jot down his name and address for directory enquiries. If there are any problems then he probably wouldn't mind telling you as it's not his car any more.

[gazzab]

It isnt a 4.5 !!! Look at the photos!

It has 4.2 wheels.

It has a light conversion at the back as well. so I woudl ask myself - has it had a front n back crunch. It is a cat c / d ?

But for a 4.2 the price is high for private. About right for a pefect car from a KNOWN indie.

[blue 4.5]

If that's the ball park you are looking at send me an email. I need to sell mine before May for the new little one and mine had a full service at Fernies less that 1000 miles ago. Email if you are interested as mine is a very good example with less miles, and in the right colour

[harty]

Have emailed you blue 4.5. Many thanks for the tips, I've emailed them all the queries you all mentioned, so should get some response soon hopefully.

[robertjp]

Get in touch with James Agger if your after one...believe me he will sort you a good one for that money

And, he has the best reputation and is good to deal with...

Rob

[gazzab]

Buy a car from a good source eg Blue4.5, check it out with an indie eg Andy at APM can check it out (he checks out cars for Adrian Blyth) for a reasonable fee.......
Why risk a car where the past and treatment of the car is a gamble and it already has some questions that cannot be answered positively (eg oh yes it is a 4.2 ooops ....).

[Prof Higgins]

Assume this is the one :



Have to say the picture made me laugh, do you think someone in the garage has a sense of humour?

[purpleheadedcerb]

Very clever! Except it takes it rather than gives it out!

[harty]

Sales guy just confirmed it's a 4.5 as read off the V5. Has full TVR history and was recently serviced at a TVR dealership, plus he said it was HPI clear??

[gazzab]

then it has the wrong wheels OR (as is often the case) it has the wrong details in the documents.
Just ask them for details of what is under the bonnet ie purple hoses or not. If not then 4.2. Also the rear badge is either 'cerbera' or 'cerbera 450' (generally). Also the front brake discs will be smaller and less effective if a standard 4.2
Doesnt bode well so far!

[gazzab]

Looked at it again - you can see it has a non-4.5 badge on the back. So deffo a 4.2 IMO.

[speed8]

Ask about the purple pipes under the bonnet that will confirm one way or another.

Added: Just had a look... 4.2 wheels, and the badge looks like it just says Cerbera. Looking less like a 4.5 now.

dvla said:

The enquiry is complete The vehicle details for S777 TVR are: Date of Liability 01 04 2006 Date of First Registration 05 08 1998 Date of Last V5 Issue 13 02 2004 Year of Manufacture 1998 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 4475CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not Applicable Vehicle Status Licence Not Due Vehicle Colour SILVER

[gazzab]

loads of TVRs have the wrong DVLA details. I am sure it is a 4.2 from the photos ?!?! So the scenarios are:-
1) Some purely innocent situation.
2) Car misrepresented by the garage as a 4.2 just cos they hide behind the DVLA recs - of course this isnt the situation!
3) They dont know their TVRs at all and so they are selling what they think is a 4.5 but what does that say about their purchasing skills for a TVR or how they have treated it re warm up process etc..
4) It is a 4.5 but has the wrong wheels on which doesnt bode well for the vehicles history or integrity!

Hmmmm - still worth looking at the car if near to home and if it stacks up condition wise etc then great. But blue4.5's deal sounds much more appealing.

[speed8]

gazzab said:

It is a 4.5 but has the wrong wheels on which doesnt bode well for the vehicles history or integrity!

If it has the wrong wheels then it most likely has the wrong brakes as I don't believe 4.5 brakes fit under 16" wheels otherwise 4.2 owners would have an easy upgrade.

It does seem fishy but maybe you will get a bargain when you knock 4k off when you convince them it is 'only' a 4.2. Could be an honest mistake and they gave trade in value based on V5 but then, as mentioned, it questions their knowledge of TVR's.

Let us know, I'm curious now.

[davetherave1970]

My Cerbs V5 says 4.2 but it's a 4.5.
I was told it started life on the order form as 4.2 but the buyer changed the spec mid build to the 4.5 and the factory forgot to change the paper work!
I keep meaning to send it off to have it changed but it would seem I'm forgetful like the factory

[markys]

If your looking for a decent one come and have a look at mine, 4.2 but in the best colour and condition and close to home you wont be disappointed. www.pistonheads.com/sales/44756.htm

[harty]

Thanks for all the advice, I think I'll give the viewing a miss, am viewing blue 4.5's cerb instead.

[apprentice]

gazzab said:

loads of TVRs have the wrong DVLA details....

Very true... not so long ago we handled a Cerbera Van! (according to the V5)

Blythy came unstuck with Customs and Excise when he tried to levy VAT on it!!