I want a Cerb/Tuscan - advice needed

[Smooth Smith]

I have been a regular visitor for a while and thought it was about time I joined up.

I have been a fan of TVR's for many years and have made numerous trips to Christopher Neil in Cheshire in the past to gaze through their showroom window. Despite my love of them, I have always been put off by the lack of driver aids and the S6 horror stories. The itch is there though and it won't go away!!

I intend to do as much reading as poss with a view to taking the plunge around Spring time. My budget will be around 12k (flexible) but I'm undecided whether to go down the Cerb or Tuscan route. I have a decent daily driver and therefore don't exactly need the 2 extra seats. The idea of the removable roof also appeals. The TiV will be a weekend car but I can see it getting more use than that as I probably won't want to get out of it. So, to my questions:-

1. Am I likely to get a mk 1 Tuscan for around the 12k mark or would I be better searching for a Cerb for that money? I would want one with an engine rebuild only. I've heard stories of people buying theirs for 11/12k but I'm not sure whether they've just dropped lucky.

2. Will the Rv8 or AJP8 be less problematic and less costly to fix than the S6 if there's a problem?

3. Will I fit in one easily? I know that Peter Wheeler supposedly designed them around his frame. I'm 6' 2" and have sat in a Tuscan. It was a squeeze for my legs but the s wheel wasn't adjusted.

4. Why are Tams cheaper in comparison? I've seen 02 plates for around 13k.

5. Are there any decent books out there for the later TiVs? I have TVR: An illustrated History and a book on the Cerb, Tuscan, Tam which is basically photocopies of road test reports.

Thanks in advance. I'm sure there will be many more Q's. I need to do this but intend to go into it with my eyes open.

Edited by Smooth Smith on Thursday 19th August 22:16

Edited by Smooth Smith on Thursday 19th August 22:18

[Allandwf]

I'm looking at both as a replacement for my 4.2 Cerb which I had to sell at the start of the year. I do think that a decent Tuscan will be slightly more expensive than a decent Cerb, just going by the advert asking prices though. Still undecided , though I loved the Cerb, seriously quick car !

[darkmark07]

I'm 6'5" and find my T350 very comfortable. If you've got long legs, you can move the whole pedal box away from the driver - my guess is that the difference between fully back and fully forward is at least 6". I'm not sure but would expect the Tuscan to have a similar arrangement.

[AllezWasps]

I'm 6'5". Cerb is no problem.

[MuffDaddy]

I can't say whether it is any good, but Octane are doing a piece on all TVRs later this month.

My only advice regarding TVRs, buy the best condition you can afford, budget, treat with respect and most of all enjoy it.

[Smooth Smith]

Thanks. I'd seen the Octane article mentioned on another thread so will buy this when it's out. It all helps.

[Poledriver]

Pay a lot of attention to condition and history! They are far more relevent than age. Check the chassis out and, if you have any doubts, take someone with you who knows the cars!

[TallMark]

I'm 6'7 - you will easily fit in a Tuscan. If your head feels too high you can always remove the seat cushion which drops you down another inch. I leave mine out permanently, its perfectly comfortable.

[domV8]

MuffDaddy said:

...My only advice regarding TVRs, buy the best condition you can afford, budget, treat with respect and most of all enjoy it.

Sage advice.

Are you likely to find a reasonable quality car with rebuilt engine for £12-13k...? Unsure... but you tend to get what you pay for, and surely engine-rebuild cars are going to fetch a higher price than that if they're any good - if only because the seller wants to recoup the rebuild money..?

Regarding re-builds, RV8 probably cheaper than either S6 or AJP, simply due to the proliferation of cheap parts for the RV8, whereas S6 & AJP are specific to TVR only...


Dom

[Smooth Smith]

You may be right, Tuscans are few and far between around 12k so I would have to stretch the budget if I decided on one.

I've been reading up on Tamora's recently aswell. What's everyones verdict on these? They don't seem to be as popular. Is this purely down to the smiley face and the rear end?

Whatever I decide on, as this will be my first TVR, I intend to get an inspection carried out for peace of mind.

[Mr M]

> They don't seem to be as popular

No they're dreadful things. Poor handling. Awful performance and don't talk to me about the fuel consumption. Try one and see what you think, don't worry about the masses.

[Basil Brush]

I'd have thought ownership costs, lowest to highest, would run RV8 Speed 6 then AJP8. Especially as some of the AJP8 parts seem to be getting difficult to source. I don't regret buying my Tuscan at all, even though I've had a few ups and downs over the 7 years. Not sure that budget will get you a decent rebuilt Tusc though.

Re the Tamora, I think it comes down to your opinion on it's looks. I like it but I don't like the T350 or Tuscan 2, so obviously each to their own.

[Smooth Smith]

Interesting to note about about the AJP8. I had expected the S6 to be the most costly to fix.

I like the look of the Tamora & love the T350 but can't stretch to one. I agree that the Tuscan 1 is better looking than the 2.

Big debate in the pub last night with 1 or 2 friends attempting to talk me out of it.......that's not going to happen!! My reply "you either get it or you don't"

Another book ordered. I think I need to go along to some meets and shows

[Gazzab]

Interesting re the AJP, what parts are getting hard to get hold of? I havent heard of any probs (except for windscreens taking a couple of weeks).

[Basil Brush]

Gazzab said:

Interesting re the AJP, what parts are getting hard to get hold of? I havent heard of any probs (except for windscreens taking a couple of weeks).

I might be wrong but I thought some engine bits were no longer made, so getting scarce. Without getting into the comparative reliability, as I know I'm on thin ice as a S6 owner, what does an engine rebuild cost on an AJP8?

[Gazzab]

rebuild is 3 - 5K ? Depends what needs doing.

[Basil Brush]

Having looked at the prices on Power's website it would appear I am just spouting the usual uneducated hearsay that makes the internet what it is!

[Mr M]

> Another book ordered. I think I need to go along to some meets and shows

Good idea. It's worth buying a trickle charger as well when you get a TVR.

[davidd]

[quote=Basil Brush]I'd have thought ownership costs, lowest to highest, would run RV8 Speed 6 then AJP8. Especially as some of the AJP8 parts seem to be getting difficult to source. I don't regret buying my Tuscan at all, even though I've had a few ups and downs over the 7 years. Not sure that budget will get you a decent rebuilt Tusc though.

Re the Tamora, I think it comes down to your opinion on it's looks. I like it but I don't like the T350 or Tuscan 2, so obviously each to their own. [/quote

Not many Cerbera or tuscans with an RV8 engine!

[Basil Brush]

I know.

It was in response to DomV8's post above where I assumed he was comparing the costs of all recent engine options.