Can This Be a 450SE
Discussion
fiveoclockhero1 said:
Alomst decided to buy a 400SE but I've seen a 1986 car advertised as a 450i SE (it looks very nice so very tempted). I thought the 450 didnt come out until a few years later. Can an '86 car be a 450SE?
The 450SE did not arrive until '89. Crossover year for the 400SE was '88. Prior to that there were 390SE and 420SE.Sounds like it's a modified 350i. It wasn't just a case of throwing in a bigger lump. The entire body was different, plus different brakes, dash, wheels etc. If it was a 390/420 I'm sure they would have called it that, since they are rarer than the 350i. Link to ad for further info?
7.
Edited by Number 7 on Friday 17th September 09:45
Thank you for the replies so far. Its at auction here: http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/dealersites/64...
It could well be a 350 as the 35 in the chassis number SA9DH35P7GBO19224. But this is not a guarantee either.
Also I am not aware of a 450SE with the earlier dash.
An option is to contact the registrar at the TVRCC. They appear to have the definitive answer.
Also I am not aware of a 450SE with the earlier dash.
An option is to contact the registrar at the TVRCC. They appear to have the definitive answer.
Edited by Henry Harris on Friday 17th September 13:09
Definitely a 350i - separate bumpers, sills, front spoiler, no vented bonnet etc - totally different to a 400/450 body (check my profie pic). Wrong wheels for either a 350 or a 400/450 (not that they don't suit the car). Assuming that it is indeed a big engine conversion (and there's no easy way to tell without some stripping down) and if that is a flapper AFM (I can't really tell from the picture), then it would be difficult to get the fuelling correct all the way through the rev range. Finally, it doesn't say whether it's an A frame rear suspension car. This update came in during 1986, so it may or may not have it. I would suggest that the guide price is a touch optimistic.
And what's going on over each front arch? There's something I can't make out.
7.
And what's going on over each front arch? There's something I can't make out.
7.
Edited by Number 7 on Friday 17th September 13:47
Number 7 said:
Definitely a 350i - separate bumpers, sills, front spoiler, no vented bonnet etc - totally different to a 400/450 body (check my profie pic). Wrong wheels for either a 350 or a 400/450 (not that they don't suit the car). Assuming that it is indeed a big engine conversion (and there's no easy way to tell without some stripping down) and if that is a flapper AFM (I can't really tell from the picture), then it would be difficult to get the fuelling correct all the way through the rev range. Finally, it doesn't say whether it's an A frame rear suspension car. This update came in during 1986, so it may or may not have it. I would suggest that the guide price is a touch optimistic.
If it really is a 4441cc engine then the price may be not too far off. Also a very slight chance that it could be a modified 390 SE.Unless someone chirps up and says its theirs or knows whose it was etc, lots of provenance required then for the engine change. I have loads on my change but MY purchase said 4.3 and it turned out to be a 4.2. Not a great deal I know but that was only found out when the supposedly new 4.3 went silicone implants up. I had no real info on the earlier claimed 4.3 motor but shed loads on the motor now it has been done correctly even the oil changes during the run in.
Don't let that put you off mind, just things to check.
Edit. Should the owner or garage look in, I am not casting aspersions.
Don't let that put you off mind, just things to check.
Edit. Should the owner or garage look in, I am not casting aspersions.
Edited by jmorgan on Friday 17th September 14:09
JR said:
Also a very slight chance that it could be a modified 390 SE.
Can't quite see why someone would change the curved rear under spoiler (assuming an early 390SE detachable one) for the 350i version though. Plus it doesn't have the slightly flared arches that even the S1 390SE had, nor the air intakes next to the driving lamps.7.
Edited by Number 7 on Friday 17th September 14:19
Number 7 said:
JR said:
Also a very slight chance that it could be a modified 390 SE.
Can't quite see why someone would change the curved rear under spoiler (assuming an early 390SE detachable one) for the 350i version though. Plus it doesn't have the slightly flared arches that even the S1 390SE had, nor the air intakes next to the driving lamps. 
JR said:
fiveoclockhero1 said:
Alomst decided to buy a 400SE but I've seen a 1986 car advertised as a 450i SE (it looks very nice so very tempted). I thought the 450 didnt come out until a few years later. Can an '86 car be a 450SE?
So do you fancy having a bid?
firefox1712 said:
Perhaps someone could let the auction house know - possible misdescription and so on. Maybe someone can check the chassis number with the model registrar?
JJ
I let them know yesterday however when I made an enquiry regarding bidding on the car they emailed me back in minutes but, so far, nothing in reply. JJ
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