Dilemma over buying a TVR!
Discussion
Sorry for the long post but I'm stuck and need a push.
For some months previous I have considered buying a Sylva Phoenix (motorcycle powered). I could handle no windscreen and stripped out raw feel to it. The intention was to use for short journeys to work in place of my bicycle then have some track day fun the following year. Anyway the idea took a dive as the cars are expensive which ever way I look at them, 12-14k built by Stuart Taylor Motorsport, 8500k minimum if I build myself and I would anticipate 18months build time.
The ideas for a kit was: fast, cheap insurance, cheap to maintain and could be used for track days.
Last week I visited H&H car auctions at Buxton. They had 2 TVR's, one at 4000-5000 estimate and one at 35-40k estimate. Essentially one was a Vixen with a race engine, the other a 3000M. After some investigation of the 3000M, I understood the kit car evolution, the accessible parts bin with the 3.0l ford. However the one downside I see is that of chassis corrosion and the limited production numbers.
So after looking at the wedges, I'm now considering the S series. One obvious plus is the pedigree of TVR and the high residuals.
I have a some questions and am really looking for some inspiration:
1. What can I expect of the general bodywork condition on S types? - Chris Neil wanted 16000 for a rather sad looking Chimaera with the golf club marking on the boot and interior. At the moment I can only think that the S, being an older car and cheaper asking price would be in poorer condition again.
2. How prone are the cars to leaks and is it easily remedied?
3. Are they highly susceptible to chassis corrosion?
4. Are there any independent TVR specialists in the Gt. Manchester area?
Again apologies for the long post.
For some months previous I have considered buying a Sylva Phoenix (motorcycle powered). I could handle no windscreen and stripped out raw feel to it. The intention was to use for short journeys to work in place of my bicycle then have some track day fun the following year. Anyway the idea took a dive as the cars are expensive which ever way I look at them, 12-14k built by Stuart Taylor Motorsport, 8500k minimum if I build myself and I would anticipate 18months build time.
The ideas for a kit was: fast, cheap insurance, cheap to maintain and could be used for track days.
Last week I visited H&H car auctions at Buxton. They had 2 TVR's, one at 4000-5000 estimate and one at 35-40k estimate. Essentially one was a Vixen with a race engine, the other a 3000M. After some investigation of the 3000M, I understood the kit car evolution, the accessible parts bin with the 3.0l ford. However the one downside I see is that of chassis corrosion and the limited production numbers.
So after looking at the wedges, I'm now considering the S series. One obvious plus is the pedigree of TVR and the high residuals.
I have a some questions and am really looking for some inspiration:
1. What can I expect of the general bodywork condition on S types? - Chris Neil wanted 16000 for a rather sad looking Chimaera with the golf club marking on the boot and interior. At the moment I can only think that the S, being an older car and cheaper asking price would be in poorer condition again.
2. How prone are the cars to leaks and is it easily remedied?
3. Are they highly susceptible to chassis corrosion?
4. Are there any independent TVR specialists in the Gt. Manchester area?
Again apologies for the long post.
1. What can I expect of the general bodywork condition on S types? - Chris Neil wanted 16000 for a rather sad looking Chimaera with the golf club marking on the boot and interior. At the moment I can only think that the S, being an older car and cheaper asking price would be in poorer condition again.
2. How prone are the cars to leaks and is it easily remedied?
3. Are they highly susceptible to chassis corrosion?
4. Are there any independent TVR specialists in the Gt. Manchester area?
Again apologies for the long post.
No worries.. Excuse the slightly odd typing; despite swearing I'd never drink again, I fine myself slightly squiffy..
1. - Bodywork generally ok. Couple of things to watch out for; doors droppig on hinges, bonnets not opening as the springs have sagged, but personally have found both of them to be rare.. You will find paint may have suffered from stone chips, but unless there has been an accident, the body ought ot be fine..
2. - Generally easy to fix leaks; Thomson's water seal on mine 6 months ago and not a drop through. Depenbds on the condition of the roof but mine lives outside and is absolutely fine. You may find one with a leak or two, but if looked after I thgink you will be ok..
3. - Not highly, but that is what does for these cars if anything.. Metal rots after a while; the body won't so the chassis is the thing to watch. There are known points to look for; some expensive to fix, others less so. If its been looked after, (take off the surface rust, treat properly, paint and waxoil), you ought to be ok. Best to find one thats been looked after properly if you can and you ought to have no worries..
4. - No idea.. Not my area I'm afraid.. Think there is someone in Stockport..
Expect some teething problems, (its not a mass production car and they can be temperamental), but if you take the time to find a good one you'll have a blast.. Mine is an everyday car and I don't regret it for a second..
4. - No idea.. Not my area I'm afraid.. Think there is someone in Stockport..
Certainly is, SFR Engineering. Based on an industrial estate closer to South Reddish than Stockport (pedant I am).
S F R Engineering
Unit 14, Vauxhall Ind Est Reddish
Stockport Cheshire
SK5 7BR
Tel: 0161 480 0101
Never had dealings with him personally (but my car has in the past). Have heard nothing but good reports thou'. He was just starting up, as of a couple of months back.
Hmmmm, chassis rust, yes, just a touch susecptible. When you go to buy one take a sharp screwdriver along and have a good prod. It's amazing what you can find under flaking powder coat!
>> Edited by pete_w on Tuesday 25th February 13:24
Not trying to put you off the 'S' (I want one, but don't have the cash), but you can pick up sylva/ssc/fisher cars 2nd hand for as little as 5000. It may be a car rather than bike engine, but you can get the full screen, to be a bit more civilised, and it will still be a very fine trackday car.
Really it depends on whether you like the TVR image, and take it on track once in a while, or prefer a more track oriented car.
Sparks
PS see below for some second hand cars
www.findit.co.uk/cars/kitcar/cars/555928.htm
www.fishersportscars.co.uk/furys_for_sale.html
www.clubstylus.org.uk/index_high.html
Really it depends on whether you like the TVR image, and take it on track once in a while, or prefer a more track oriented car.
Sparks
PS see below for some second hand cars
www.findit.co.uk/cars/kitcar/cars/555928.htm
www.fishersportscars.co.uk/furys_for_sale.html
www.clubstylus.org.uk/index_high.html
Certainly is, SFR Engineering. Based on an industrial estate closer to South Reddish than Stockport (pedant I am).
S F R Engineering
Unit 14, Vauxhall Ind Est Reddish
Stockport Cheshire
SK5 7BR
Tel: 0161 480 0101
Never had dealings with him personally (but my car has in the past). Have heard nothing but good reports thou'. He was just starting up, as of a couple of months back.
Great news...thanks for the info
Psychobert said:
Expect some teething problems, (its not a mass production car and they can be temperamental), but if you take the time to find a good one you'll have a blast.. Mine is an everyday car and I don't regret it for a second..
I can accept this. Some of my coyness comes with owning several Alfa Romeo's in the past.
I became a best friend of an independent specialist. I don't know whether it was just my happy outgoing perosonality or the many thousands of pounds(I'm not exaggerating) I put his way over a 4 year period for servicing and repairs. Fortunately this love affair (with Alfa's) ended but the scars are still deep.
I think a lot comes down to type and frequency of use and how much you are prepared to do yourself.
As an everyday car, they are not cheap, but for me, the fun more than makes up for it..
I would imagine given a good one thats garaged and limited miles its going to cost comparatively little to run..
In the near future I'll replace brake pads and shoes, do an oil change and a few other odds and ends that would add up to a a few hours of my paying someone else.. Big things I wil end up having to pay for, but I reckon I'll be able to keep the car without it breaking the bank. And if it does; time for me to find a better paid job
As an everyday car, they are not cheap, but for me, the fun more than makes up for it..
I would imagine given a good one thats garaged and limited miles its going to cost comparatively little to run.. In the near future I'll replace brake pads and shoes, do an oil change and a few other odds and ends that would add up to a a few hours of my paying someone else.. Big things I wil end up having to pay for, but I reckon I'll be able to keep the car without it breaking the bank. And if it does; time for me to find a better paid job
M@H said:
sparks said: Not trying to put you off the 'S' (I want one, but don't have the cash), but you can pick up sylva/ssc/fisher cars 2nd hand for as little as 5000.
Or an S for the same/less money
Matt.
I know, I was 'exploring the options', and it's what I'd do if I had the cash, but I don't
Sparks
Papacroft, I think if you do a little more research you may find the "Vixen with a race engine" was in fact the ex Gerry Marshall 4.7 Griffith which has since been owned by some quite well known TVR officanados over the years. Also if you had looked under the 3000M your fears about chassis corrosion may have been put to rest. The chassis on that particular car was absolutely mint.I know because I restored it about 6 years ago for a telecom engineer from the ground up on a superbly refurbished powder coated. chassis.
I think you will find Sean at SFR is more into AJP engined servicing and race prep. I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
I think you will find Sean at SFR is more into AJP engined servicing and race prep. I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
Papacroft, I think if you do a little more research you may find the "Vixen with a race engine" was in fact the ex Gerry Marshall 4.7 Griffith which has since been owned by some quite well known TVR officanados over the years. Also if you had looked under the 3000M your fears about chassis corrosion may have been put to rest. The chassis on that particular car was absolutely mint.I know because I restored it about 6 years ago for a telecom engineer from the ground up on a superbly refurbished powder coated. chassis.
I think you will find Sean at SFR is more into AJP engined servicing and race prep. I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
I think you will find Sean at SFR is more into AJP engined servicing and race prep. I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
thegamekeeper said: Papacroft, I think if you do a little more research you may find the "Vixen with a race engine" was in fact the ex Gerry Marshall 4.7 Griffith
www.classic-auctions.co.uk/report/57C/8568.htm
unsold, looked expensive for not THE Gerry
thegamekeeper said:
I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
see www.tvrcc-bristol.co.uk/Links.html to avoid embarrasing Steve!
thegamekeeper said: Papacroft, I think if you do a little more research you may find the "Vixen with a race engine" was in fact the ex Gerry Marshall 4.7 Griffith which has since been owned by some quite well known TVR officanados over the years. Also if you had looked under the 3000M your fears about chassis corrosion may have been put to rest. The chassis on that particular car was absolutely mint.I know because I restored it about 6 years ago for a telecom engineer from the ground up on a superbly refurbished powder coated. chassis.
I think you will find Sean at SFR is more into AJP engined servicing and race prep. I know of a TVR specialist in your area but I am not supposed to say in these discussion groups.
For the 3000M, it was the shape that appealed and drew me towards the idea of considering a TVR. To see a car that had 9-10 times the value that looked similar to the 3000M (with an untrained eye for TVR) fascinated me. This was indeed the ex Gerry Marshall 4.7 Griffith.... I stand corrected.
It was only after I scouted around the internet that I understood the construction and the potential chassis problems. My main concern at the time with the 3000M at H&H was the seating. It only seemed to fit people of 5'8" and below (my friend found it comfortable), I was a little cramped and there seemed to be no further travel in the seat. However the 4.7 Griffith gave was comfortable, so my friend and I discussed the possibility of fitting a different seat that would give me the extra couple of inches.
It would be interesting to know of local servicing for TVR. I will email separately....thanks.
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