1985 350i

[sparkypete]

I have looked at a 1985 "B" reg 350i, can anybody advise if it will have trailing arm or A frame chassis. Is it better to try to source a later model or does it not really matter so long as the condition is good.

Your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Ta

Pete

[pwd95]

Hi Pete, welcome. The A frame appeared in 86/7 I think. As with any TVR Chassis condition is very important, and also the basic health of the engine, box and other major components. Anything else can be sorted relatively cheaply as long as you either know a good garage or are a competent DIYer
As far as A Frame or not is concerned, yes the A Frame is better but the Tasmin racers are not doing a bad job with the old trailing arm chassis.

Edited by pwd95 on Sunday 10th June 21:31

[ed_crouch]

If youre going to buy a trailing arm chassis, it would be as well to replace the trailing arm pivot pins regardless of their apparent condition: they seem to take a *LOT* of stick...

Theres a cracking picture of a bent one in Steve Heath's book.

Ed.

[eesbad]

I have an '84 350i with trailing arms and it does feel a lot less 'planted' at the back than the '87 390SE (A frame) that I have also driven. However, I feel in reality that you are only going to notice the difference on the track. If all the bushes etc are top notch, then most drivers probably wouldn't notice the difference on the road.

[sparkypete]

Thanks all

The car will never see a track, what sort of value do you put on a series one motor.

Thanks

Pete

[eesbad]

I only bought mine last month ('84 Series 1 350i). It was from a classic car dealer and it's got all new leather trim, new roof and targa panel, new paint and all the correct decals, mechanical overhaul (only 58k on the clock though), new Eagle NCTs and all the history back to purchase. I paid £5900 - which is pretty high, but it is a beaut! Seen some very nice one's for £4.5k to £5k though.

[eesbad]

Hooray!! Just got my agreed valuation of £6000 through today