390SE Prototype

[streaky]

Hi.

I'm new here and looking for some pointers in the right direction.

I'm interested in buying a 'Wedge', I just lost a deal on one - which has upset me and I need some 'retail therapy' .

I have seen a 390SE advertised as a/the prototype and would be interested to hear anything that members might want to share about the problems (please continue on the other side of the page if there is not enough room ) of owning a 390SE, things to check on the particular car and any history of the early 390SEs.

Very many thanks.

Streaky


>>> Edited by streaky on Sunday 27th July 16:08

[2 sheds]

The first 390SE was a black one 1984 IIRC, without a doubt would have a fruity engine spec , but i would suggest that you go for a later model if you can find one, in 1986 they updated the rear suspension to "A" frame , much better at putting the power down, the early cars need rear bushes replacing regularly, if you do purchase an early car get Tower View do their modification which will improve it but not as good as the later cars.
Tim

[350matt]

Use the search feature, in 'wedges' and 'buying' this has been covered a fair few times and welcome to the fold.

[jonres]

It's not this one, by any chance is it?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423760440&category=18308

[streaky]

jonres said:

It's not this one, by any chance is it? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423760440&category=18308

It is. Anything known? You can e-mail me at [e-mail] if you wish. Thx - Streaky

[streaky]

350matt said:

Use the search feature, in 'wedges' and 'buying' this has been covered a fair few times and welcome to the fold.

Thx. I found the Buyer's Guide after posting - Streaky

[jonres]

No, 'fraid I don't know anything about it except that I was drooling over it too! One note of caution though - I have been to see cars advertised as in good condition before on E-Bay only to find they were complete heaps. I'm not suggesting there is anything wrong with this one, just do some serious checking before you put any bids in!

[boltontvr]

I know it doesn't help you much, but I'm sure I saw that car at this years Back Home event. I suppose it shows it's well enough to travel the length of the country.
I also notice that it hasn't got the original engine installed. In my mind, that kind of does away with the unique prototype selling point. Therefore, you could get a newer, more original car for the same money.

[2 sheds]

Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500

[boltontvr]

2 sheds said:

Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500

Me too. It's now sitting in my garage at home.

[2 sheds]

boltontvr said:

2 sheds said: Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500 Me too. It's now sitting in my garage at home.

Green one ???

[wedg1e]

I aw the Ebay car a few days ago: wasn't that impressed. Especially as the engine's gone. Also, if it's a really early car, it'll have trailing arm suspension: not what you want on a 390!

Ian

[boltontvr]

2 sheds said:

boltontvr said: 2 sheds said: Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500 Me too. It's now sitting in my garage at home. Green one ???

Ash Green to be precise.
Where did you see it advertised? Or do you speak to Rob Ingleby?

[streaky]

wedg1e said:

I aw the Ebay car a few days ago: wasn't that impressed. Especially as the engine's gone.

When you say "gone", do you mean it's shot or that the original has been replaced? - Streaky

[streaky]

2 sheds said:

Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500

Where? And, BTW, I have never paid the asking price for a user car yet ... and I don't intend to start now! - Streaky

[2 sheds]

boltontvr said:

2 sheds said: boltontvr said: 2 sheds said: Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500 Me too. It's now sitting in my garage at home. Green one ??? Ash Green to be precise. Where did you see it advertised? Or do you speak to Rob Ingleby?

I could be the one that lived locally to me in Twickenham area,( was advertised on this site) owned by a builder, who bought it from a local pub landlord, well looked after, I supplied a full stainless exhaust.

Tim

[2 sheds]

streaky said:

2 sheds said: Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500 Where? And, BTW, I have never paid the asking price for a user car yet ... and I don't intend to start now! - Streaky

it was on this site, generally 390s are not much more than 350's, you should be able to find something for £6-7K keep an eye on Sprint as well as here, Autotrader but be cautious, TVRWedgepages.co.uk

[boltontvr]

2 sheds said:

boltontvr said: 2 sheds said: boltontvr said: 2 sheds said: Have seen "clean" F reg 390s for as little as £6500 Me too. It's now sitting in my garage at home. Green one ??? Ash Green to be precise. Where did you see it advertised? Or do you speak to Rob Ingleby? I could be the one that lived locally to me in Twickenham area,( was advertised on this site) owned by a builder, who bought it from a local pub landlord, well looked after, I supplied a full stainless exhaust. Tim

It's a different one then. Mine was bought from a bloke in Loughton. I found it advertised on an obscure website listed on Pistonheads used car links page.

Edited to say:
After having the car for five months, I've just had a look and the car is still being advertised. The advert is on Cardata.co.uk.

>> Edited by boltontvr on Friday 25th July 08:13