Buying a TVR 400 SE

[looooni]

Hi

I am ater a TVR 400 SE, and I have seen one that I like the look of (well going by the advert).

However, I do not know what I am looking for when inspecting these cars - are there specialists you can use/ hire who will go and give these cars a good inspection?

I have waited ages to be in this position and I don't want to ruin it by buying a nail!

Any comments much appreciated

David

[JamieG]

Have a look on the TVRwedgepages and get yourself a copy of Steve Heaths wedge "Bible".
Good luck with your quest + try to look at a few before spending your hard-earned cash!

[350zwelgje]

You could try to find someone that owns and does some work himself on a wedge, and ask if he could have a look. By starting here, think that you made a first right step.
Next could be to ask on here if the 400SE is known. Perhaps a current/previous owner posts on here......

There is also a search function on this forum and with this you can find many posts with the same type of question and what the answers/tips were.

Rob

[jmorgan]

Hide the TVR goggles. Also as said above.

[looooni]

Thanks, it seems that finding somebody who has lots of experience working on these cars is the way forward (and give them some cash for their services!)

The one I saw on the internet was at

http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...

I know its yellow but I guess its personal choice.

ps If anybody knows of any sweet 400 SE up for sale do let me know.

Thanks

David

[Gandalf]

What area of the country are you in? As very often there will be a current, knowledgeable owner who is willing to lend a hand or advise as to what/who to look out for.
But look hard and spend cautiously - as its often the bits you cant see that will cost you dearly!

[grahamw48]

I like Yellow !

Loud and brash, just like a Wedge should be.

Looks very smart, but no interior shots...non-standard spoiler.

Good price if in decent nick.

Low mileage can be good or bad ( must have been stood around a lot, or short runs only ).

Chassis Chassis Chassis.

[looooni]

I'm from the UK (Birmingham). Yeah people keep mentioning about the chassis!

[BadRedWedge]

Gets to Chatsworth this Sunday lots of Wedges to look at and lots of Wedgers to talk to.

[Gandalf]

looooni said:

I'm from the UK (Birmingham). Yeah people keep mentioning about the chassis!

Shame you did`nt post yesterday as you missed myself and a few other Wedges at Meriden this lunchtime after a quick trip thru the Queensway Tunnels about 1100 hrs!
But we have 30 odd wedge owners in the local TVRCC group so theres plenty of local help to hand - also as Badred said Chatsworth next Sunday lots of em there too. Or if you can wait until July BBWF at Ettington near Stratford for annual Wedgefest meet.

[jmorgan]

Often wondered about them tunnels. Always in a van to date.....

Edited to add, get them in third, maybe fourth coming from the Aston end. Get some load on the engine on the slopes all legal speed etc..

Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 20th April 20:09

[Gandalf]

jmorgan said:

Often wondered about them tunnels. Always in a van to date.....

Edited to add, get them in third, maybe fourth coming from the Aston end. Get some load on the engine on the slopes all legal speed etc..

Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 20th April 20:09

Jeff the tunnels are aurally great but grip is an issue - probably due to all those vans slopping diesel about - but hit about 4500 - 5000 in second and the 450 sounded awesome but it sure scares the natives!

[AJP4.2]

Gandalf said:

jmorgan said:

Often wondered about them tunnels. Always in a van to date.....

Edited to add, get them in third, maybe fourth coming from the Aston end. Get some load on the engine on the slopes all legal speed etc..

Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 20th April 20:09

Jeff the tunnels are aurally great but grip is an issue - probably due to all those vans slopping diesel about - but hit about 4500 - 5000 in second and the 450 sounded awesome but it sure scares the natives!

It sounded Good to me !!
Even though it was like rush hour, wet & slippy my ears were still hurting.

[Boosted LS1]

Has Andymadmak sold his blue 400se? It was in the classifieds somewhere.

ETA, yep, it's been sold. Somebody got a good car

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Sunday 20th April 21:40

[jmorgan]

Gandalf said:

jmorgan said:

Often wondered about them tunnels. Always in a van to date.....

Edited to add, get them in third, maybe fourth coming from the Aston end. Get some load on the engine on the slopes all legal speed etc..

Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 20th April 20:09

Jeff the tunnels are aurally great but grip is an issue - probably due to all those vans slopping diesel about - but hit about 4500 - 5000 in second and the 450 sounded awesome but it sure scares the natives!

Not my van..........

[looooni]

Cheers guys will go and have a look next Sunday and try and get some info from some owners!

The underpasses are good although the police sometimes hang out around there due to the boy racers!

[Gandalf]

looooni said:

Cheers guys will go and have a look next Sunday and try and get some info from some owners!

The underpasses are good although the police sometimes hang out around there due to the boy racers!

The organisers have promised a seperate Wedge Corral (probably to stop us upsetting the Chims) which is where I and Badred will be - just look for the white wedge with flags and pop over to say hello.

PS I do know of a very very good (but not cheap) 400SE that could be available to the right buyer, but it is not advertised.

[dickieandjulie]

A 350 SE is, other than styling, the same so dont write them off!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/254749.htm

photos are not much but it is BRIGHT red

[looooni]

Gandalf - Really? What price range and colour are we talking about? It sounds like it may be out of my budget but then again like anything - buy cheap buy twice!

Yes will definately keep an eye out for the flags.