Looking for my perfect TVR T350

[AdvocatusD]

Getting into a T350 was something I was days away from achieving 2.5 years ago. That was put on hold when I fell very ill just before I bought the car. However, today marks a year in remission and I am well again. This is a present to myself! You live only once!

I now have the necessary in place and I am actively looking for the right T350c or T350t. The current crop in the classified (I missed out on a gem being out of town!) I have discounted for one reason or another.

Basically, what I am looking for is a car that has been obsessed over. There are such fantastic owners on PH and I am sure almost every single one of you fall into that category.

The most important things I am looking for:

1. Recent engine rebuild by TVR power with the warranty, or failing that a recent rebuild by the top guys: RG, STR8SIX, etc. Obviously, immaculate service history is a no brainer.
2. Open to most colours, but not anything too "look at me".
3. Air con.
4. Preferably, post 2004, but then rebuilds seem to decrease with those cars. I am prioritising the peace of mind I would like about the engine over some of the other improvements made after 2004, so a 2003 car is fine too.
5. Preferably a T350c but I would be stupid to say no to a superb T350T.

This maybe a tall order I know, but I have seen four such car over the last few months before I was in the position I am in now. I am patient and happy to wait for as long as it takes to find the correct car.

I do not want to annoy the forum with a boring thread on this search, so feel free to PM me if you'd like to.

This forum has been a treasure trove of knowledge and helpful information. So many of you have answered so many of my questions! I hope you can all put up with this one more time so that I can finally enjoy the experience first hand and full fat!

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 15th May 10:35

[stimshady]

sounds like you know what you're looking for... good luck and happy hunting!

[Targarama]

Biggest question is: How much do you want to spend?

You should buy on condition, history and how it has been treated by its owner(s) - IMO less owners = good.

Rebuilds are nice, but what if you find a car with 6,000 miles and impeccable history for the right money? A rebuild is not everything in life.

[Zippee]

AdvocatusD said:

5. Preferably a T350c but I would be stupid to say no to a superb T350T.

Firstly - glad you're on the mend. Can't have been a nice time for you and I know from friends how much it makes you sit back and want to appreciate/live life.

I originally said I'd look only for a 350c due to the cleaner lines but am so glad I purchased a t in the end. The panels are a bit of a faff but when out really do open the car up. Ignore anyone who says they're just an oversized sunroof as they feel nothing of the sort.
When I was looking I found it very hard to find a 350 with a recent rebuild for some reason. I took this to be a good sign (though mine has had a bottom end rebuild after purchase by Power, the top end being given a full clean bill of health.), so don't put aside good late, low mileage cars just because the engine is standard. Especially so if you can get one for a good price and leave some cash aside should the worst happen. There are plenty of 350s on over 30k now without any rebuild so they're not all bad.

Good luck on your purchase anyway!

[AdvocatusD]

Targarama said:

Biggest question is: How much do you want to spend?

I have been told by the experts I have been speaking to, that my budget should get me into almost any competitively priced, privately sold T350.

In any event, I have avoided putting down a price, because it is something that I might revise if I see the perfect machine.

[M3stann]

I to am about to start the hunt for a t350
Any reason you have over looked the cars that are in the classifieds?
I like the look of two of the cars at sscc (they have been there a bit long though) anyone been and had a look? A long way from me so don't want a wasted trip if I can help it..

Luke

Edited by M3stann on Friday 15th May 11:26

[Zippee]

M3stann said:

I like the look of two of the cars at sscc (they have been there a bit long though) anyone been and had a look? A long way from me so don't want a wasted trip if I can help it..

Luke

Do you mean the white one? If so I was warned to steer well clear when I was looking back in October. Ex-demo thats had a very hard life IIRC.

[admoss]

Good luck with your search.

Does anyone have any opinions of the Mystic Black in classifieds? Am quite interested in that car myself.

Edited by admoss on Friday 15th May 12:10

[M3stann]

Zippee said:

M3stann said:

I like the look of two of the cars at sscc (they have been there a bit long though) anyone been and had a look? A long way from me so don't want a wasted trip if I can help it..

Luke

Do you mean the white one? If so I was warned to steer well clear when I was looking back in October. Ex-demo thats had a very hard life IIRC.

No the other two.. Didn't like the interior of the white one! Thanx for the heads up though!
Anyone else seen the blue and grey ones or any info?
Should I be staying clear of cars that have been sitting for a long time? how long is to long? Think they have been over priced that's why they may not have sold..

[Zippee]

M3stann said:

Anyone else seen the blue and grey ones or any info?
Should I be staying clear of cars that have been sitting for a long time? how long is to long? Think they have been over priced that's why they may not have sold..

Not always! TVRs are hard to sell at the best of times, being quite a niche market.
Mine had been for sale about 6 months with Castle when I bought it. Admittedly it had been up for around 25k before coming down to 22. I got it for 21 and this was in October, 54 plate with full leather, air con and 8500 miles at the time.

The 06 in laser blue looks very nice and would certainly tempt me as does the 05 zircon blue one at SSCC (not keen on the dark pearl blue colour). The other I like is the red glow pearl at David Gerald, one of the nicest colours for a 350 IMHO.

[M3stann]

Yeah the zircon blue and laser blue really do interest me,
Just need to find the time to get out there traveling the country looking!
Don't want to miss this summer (all one day of it )

[RubyRed]

Hi Guys,

Just picked this thread up. Hate to hijack but coudn't miss this shameless opportunity to plug my car! Just put it on the market yesterday. If anyone wants any further info please contact me.

http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1039511.htm

[S1mon.]

Just sold mine to a guy from Germany this morning. Sad to see it go really
Another one leaves the country

[Barry Ashcroft]

S1mon. said:

Just sold mine to a guy from Germany this morning. Sad to see it go really
Another one leaves the country

He bought a very nice car mate.
Whats next?

[S1mon.]

Really not sure what you replace a TVR with???
Finding myself looking in the Porsche classifieds at the moment. Think I will just sit on my healthy looking bank balance until something catches my eye.

[TVR Dan]

Ruby Red - Did you get this car from TrackVRoad?

I've seen it before. Looks a nice finished car by the way i think i was going to take a look at it when i was buying.

Dan

[malman]

Not in PH classifieds but a shameless plug non the less

clicky

[M3stann]

When i do find the right one (soon i hope) what are the 'absolute musts' in terms of mods outside of the springs & exhaust, is the 125amp fuse upgrade a good place to start? when i get the car i want to do as much as i can for prevetion rather than wait for silly little thing to go wrong. I will still get the odd problem im sure but hopefuly less
cheers

[RubyRed]

TVR Dan said:

Ruby Red - Did you get this car from TrackVRoad?

I've seen it before. Looks a nice finished car by the way i think i was going to take a look at it when i was buying.

Dan

Hi Dan, Yes bought it from Richard and Craig at Track V Road. Lovely motor just needed something more practical and cheaper. Bought a Boxster S this week, no where near as pretty or as quick but still a hoot on a B road.

[Targarama]

M3stann said:

When i do find the right one (soon i hope) what are the 'absolute musts' in terms of mods outside of the springs & exhaust, is the 125amp fuse upgrade a good place to start? when i get the car i want to do as much as i can for prevetion rather than wait for silly little thing to go wrong. I will still get the odd problem im sure but hopefuly less
cheers

Only if it has a habit of going. Mine never blew any fuses in 4.5 years and 18,000 miles of ownership.