Why are Wedges and Wedgies so different?
Discussion
My Wedge is the third different TVR that I have owned over a period of forty years. Taking an interest in the Wedge and its community (Wedgies) from the outset I have been taken aback by some of the more extreme comments that have bordered on the vindictive. Specifically, throughout the past three years at least, there has been continual sniping against the TVRCC and I cannot condone any of it.
Which came first the TVR or the Wedge? The TVRCC and that includes Sprint, performs a vital role to promote the brand and all its models without exception. If we continue in the same ilk, we in the Wedge community will isolate ourselves. The one model approach, especially of the older ones, may lead to the death of events like BBWF.
A recent quote "... Each has their place, Pistonheads in the garage and Sprint on the coffee table ...". I labelled this as being very apt. On reflection, this is also isolationism.
Yes debate is democratic, but we must change to survive. Based on history, it is economically and socially proven.
Let’s change our attitude. Let’s change the way we promote the Wedge and ourselves. Let’s start now!
Which came first the TVR or the Wedge? The TVRCC and that includes Sprint, performs a vital role to promote the brand and all its models without exception. If we continue in the same ilk, we in the Wedge community will isolate ourselves. The one model approach, especially of the older ones, may lead to the death of events like BBWF.
A recent quote "... Each has their place, Pistonheads in the garage and Sprint on the coffee table ...". I labelled this as being very apt. On reflection, this is also isolationism.
Yes debate is democratic, but we must change to survive. Based on history, it is economically and socially proven.
Let’s change our attitude. Let’s change the way we promote the Wedge and ourselves. Let’s start now!
This is an age old debate. Sorry to say that I've only been a club member for about 25 years, and have had 7 Tiv's of various models, but during that time I've seen the new v. old debate wage on. I even wrote a letter to sprint once about it.
The divide seems to be between the Classic/Wedge/griffith & chimera/Tuscan etc brigades trying to split from everyone else, and the "we're all in it together" folk. Each branch of the family tree has its own virtues and vices, but they all share the same basic DNA and history.
My fear, as ever, is that the force to split will be greater than the force for keepig together. I look at ANY TVR and think that's cool from a Grantura to a Speed 12.
The divide seems to be between the Classic/Wedge/griffith & chimera/Tuscan etc brigades trying to split from everyone else, and the "we're all in it together" folk. Each branch of the family tree has its own virtues and vices, but they all share the same basic DNA and history.
My fear, as ever, is that the force to split will be greater than the force for keepig together. I look at ANY TVR and think that's cool from a Grantura to a Speed 12.
As a relative junior with only 22 years of TVR ownership and TVRCC membership, I can certainly remember the Wedges vs. Curvys debates in the late '80's - and I don't mean Griffameras, I mean the M series cars.
Maybe it's partly down to economics: I would guess that a large proportion of Wedge owners prefer to work on their cars themselves, as it is not always cost effective to take the car to a former main agent or indie, particularly in view of the relative value of these cars. Owners therefore tend to be enthusiasts, whereas someone owning a later car worth several multiples of a Wedge may see the garage option as more justifiable, or even necessary. You have a divide right there. In addition, how many Wedges survive? I'm guessing that there must be at least four times as many Griff / Chimps as Wedges, so we are in something of a minority again.
I am reminded of the famous class sketch with Messrs. Barker, Cleese and Corbett. To paraphrase, perhaps we "know our place"!
Maybe it's partly down to economics: I would guess that a large proportion of Wedge owners prefer to work on their cars themselves, as it is not always cost effective to take the car to a former main agent or indie, particularly in view of the relative value of these cars. Owners therefore tend to be enthusiasts, whereas someone owning a later car worth several multiples of a Wedge may see the garage option as more justifiable, or even necessary. You have a divide right there. In addition, how many Wedges survive? I'm guessing that there must be at least four times as many Griff / Chimps as Wedges, so we are in something of a minority again.
I am reminded of the famous class sketch with Messrs. Barker, Cleese and Corbett. To paraphrase, perhaps we "know our place"!
Basically a good explanation to what I was getting at in my comment about wedges in Sprint. We all benefit by the tvrcc being in existance after all they do arrange some good events but its the fact it is there as a ground base for old and young alike which some of the tunnel vision comments don't seem to be able to grasp! As for old and new model and owners we are a complete cross section in our neck of the woods but we respect each other for the fact its TVR not cos the next bloke is loaded with dosh or otherwise.John
Mass respect to you guys..I know iam new to TVR but iam not that far away from 50 and ive always shown appreciation for classics and think that without these clubs which are full of passionate,Knowledgable and willing to share kinda people that these cars and others like it would not of stood the test of time...Whenever i hear that rumble i know its a TVR and it always makes me smile,I dont care what model,Its a TVR..I know i made a sarky comment yesterday as regards to membership but in all honesty iam considering joining as there are benefits and it is always nice to feel part of a community (something i miss in modern society).
Forced segregation is catasthrophic yet when people are bundled together they segregate themselves through choice as they communicate better in their own groups but come together when needed..Recently i recieved a very welcoming email from pauline frost when i contacted her over trying to arrange a meet for summer 2011, She offered help straight away no questions asked..she even invited me to the next mid essex meet to discuss possibilities..You cannot knock warmth and hospitality especially in this day and age...Many thanks..Ziga
Forced segregation is catasthrophic yet when people are bundled together they segregate themselves through choice as they communicate better in their own groups but come together when needed..Recently i recieved a very welcoming email from pauline frost when i contacted her over trying to arrange a meet for summer 2011, She offered help straight away no questions asked..she even invited me to the next mid essex meet to discuss possibilities..You cannot knock warmth and hospitality especially in this day and age...Many thanks..Ziga
It's an interesting point but I don't think that we are any different from anyone else. I love TVRs full stop. As a youngster I used to cycle from Fleetwood to the factory just to look through the fence to see what was going on. The Wedge was the only car they made at the time and you can see what effect that had on me!! I would love to have a Griffith 400 (old style),Sagaris, Cerbera and Tuscan in my garage and there's only two things stopping me....I've only got a single garage and I ain't got the money to buy them!! That does not stop me from lusting after them at local, regional and national events which I like to attend (and also because not many wedges turn up in comparison to the other models there). Apart from BBWF the chances of parking next to another 450SE is pretty remote and that's why BBWF was started so that like minded folk with the same Ilk of car could get together, chew the fat, put the world to rights and support each other in keeping our steeds on the road as they currently fall in the category of modern classic. Also if you look at the majority of Wedge owners (and let me generalise here) we love out cars, we love the cars that influenced us in our developing years, (afterall most of us grew up in the 70's and 80's), we are hard working people who aren't financially loaded but have been successful and savvy enough to get by with one major treat to ourselves and we put alot of effort back into tinkering, improving and restoring the cars which are basically the TVR version of Marmite. We stand out in the crowd because we are not in curvey cars, we don't do catalytic converters, we don't do quiet and there are so many different versions. For example in the mid 90's TVR produced 2000 ish Chimaeras per annum and you could have a 4.0, 4.3, 4.5 or 5.0 litre V8. Just over 2000 Wedges were produced in twelve years and you could have 2.0. 2.8, 3.5, 3.9, 4.0, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5 not to mention the Turbo 2.8's, the SX's and a 660 SEAC. The Wedge effectively was the development mule for the modern era of TVR and I for one am very happy with that.
I'm very happy to get together with all TVR owners, and like a family, you may only all get together once a year for something special, and that's what BBWF is about, it's not about being separatist, it's about getting together for a special occasion and also allowing others to join in so that they can share the wedge experience. The Pre 80's cars have their own event, S's have S-club heaven, Chimaera's have ROAR, and Griffs have the GROWL, Cerbera's have CREAM and all these came on the back of BBWF no 1 and I'm sure those TVR owners get together for the same reasons we do.
End of crap rant!!
I'm very happy to get together with all TVR owners, and like a family, you may only all get together once a year for something special, and that's what BBWF is about, it's not about being separatist, it's about getting together for a special occasion and also allowing others to join in so that they can share the wedge experience. The Pre 80's cars have their own event, S's have S-club heaven, Chimaera's have ROAR, and Griffs have the GROWL, Cerbera's have CREAM and all these came on the back of BBWF no 1 and I'm sure those TVR owners get together for the same reasons we do.
End of crap rant!!
All you naturally aspirated boys can get stuffed! SX's rule!!
Nah only kidding of course. Yes there are splits and different interests between TVR owners but if you go on a shared drive like the London Tunnel run everyone is in it together, there's a load of camaraderie, interest in the other models, chats between V8 owners be they in Wedges, Griffs or Chimps, and it's obvious that the badge TVR unites us rather than divides us.
I think the club has a very important role to play but like all clubs you have to put something into it to make the most of it. I must admit to being a consumer rather than a player where the TVRCC is concerned, maybe it's time I put something back?
Nah only kidding of course. Yes there are splits and different interests between TVR owners but if you go on a shared drive like the London Tunnel run everyone is in it together, there's a load of camaraderie, interest in the other models, chats between V8 owners be they in Wedges, Griffs or Chimps, and it's obvious that the badge TVR unites us rather than divides us.
I think the club has a very important role to play but like all clubs you have to put something into it to make the most of it. I must admit to being a consumer rather than a player where the TVRCC is concerned, maybe it's time I put something back?
What Is a Wedgie?
I owned a Tamair for a year, Tasmin 2+2 for a year, 350i S2 for 2 years, 390SE for 2 years, 450SE for 5 years, first Griff for 4 years, second for 2 years (so far) and Sag for 5 years (so far).... Been looking for a really good SEAC or 450SE for a while too again too.
So in terms of numbers of Wedgies I recon I must be one! Frustrating to own and live with at times, but utterly addictive (as are all TVR's).
I owned a Tamair for a year, Tasmin 2+2 for a year, 350i S2 for 2 years, 390SE for 2 years, 450SE for 5 years, first Griff for 4 years, second for 2 years (so far) and Sag for 5 years (so far).... Been looking for a really good SEAC or 450SE for a while too again too.
So in terms of numbers of Wedgies I recon I must be one! Frustrating to own and live with at times, but utterly addictive (as are all TVR's).
Maybe I've missed something, but I think you'll find 'anti-TVRCC' spread throughout the various model owners, and I don't think it's particularly prevalent amongst Wedgers. 
Some people are 'clubbies' and some aren't.
I let my membership lapse after I sold my last car, but will happily re-join again, and I still post my drivel over on their forums.
As far as running costs etc, although the initial cost of a Wedge maybe quite low, many, if not most Wedge owners will discover that they've spent the same amount on maintaining and re-building their cars as say a Cerbera owner.
I know I certainly have !
Being sniffy here, but anyone can go out and borrow a few grand for a more expensive model.
All my vehicles are bought and paid for in cash.
I like ALL TVRs, but we all have different tastes and financial priorities.
Some people are 'clubbies' and some aren't.
I let my membership lapse after I sold my last car, but will happily re-join again, and I still post my drivel over on their forums.
As far as running costs etc, although the initial cost of a Wedge maybe quite low, many, if not most Wedge owners will discover that they've spent the same amount on maintaining and re-building their cars as say a Cerbera owner.
I know I certainly have !
Being sniffy here, but anyone can go out and borrow a few grand for a more expensive model.
All my vehicles are bought and paid for in cash.
I like ALL TVRs, but we all have different tastes and financial priorities.
pistolar said:
I have a Vixen, 3000m and 400se and i snipe at everyone as iam a miserable old Git!!
I've got an 1800s and a 390 - I hate people who divide marques up into competing model segments, I also hate any car that isn't white, I think that all dutchies that own Wedges are totally daft. Anybody rich enough to own a recent TVR must have too much money and anybody who works on their own car is an oily loon. People who modify their motors are not true to the marque and concourse fanatics are totally anal.I apologise if there is anybody who I haven't offended - better luck next time - BTW I hate prejudice.
My two-ha'penny worth (for those of you in black and white) is that I think TVR enthusiasts need somebody "official" to represent them where officialdom matters, the TVRCC does this well, try organising a cost-effective track day in the UK without the track-record (sic.) of the established club and all its insurance credibility or talk to DVLA to preserve the identity of a barn find. Pistonheads is a much looser community that is better suited to low-key and completely social interaction, BBWF is a great example of this.
TVRCC needs a regular income to be able to preserve its infrastructure and the quality of Sprint, if you think that your own section of the marque is not covered well enough then write something to go into Sprint and submit it. Every owner should look upon TVRCC membership as a small extra annual cost in addition to tax, insurance and servicing.
Russ
Thats very true graham..I do not own or ever want to own a credit card again or borrow money at extorsionate rates..I sold my complete collection of kinder egg toys..a box of chocolates from the titanic..an E string from jimmy hendricks guitar..a black chifon and off nightie from miss whiplash..and a letter from jesus to pay for my baby..which i sold to get the car..Initially i wanted a V8 but ended up with a 2.8 but has cost more than i paid for it to get it fixed but im still happy and will buy another once i find where the devil is..I know he had the hump with me..something to do with the guitar string and miss whiplash..Anyway my neighbour ended up paying £11,000 for a L reg 2.0 BMW on the strap hahahahahaha....He ended up scrapping it...What a waste of money..There is something special about TVR owners that is unsurpassed 
mrzigazaga said:
Thats very true graham..I do not own or ever want to own a credit card again or borrow money at extorsionate rates..I sold my complete collection of kinder egg toys..a box of chocolates from the titanic..an E string from jimmy hendricks guitar..a black chifon and off nightie from miss whiplash..and a letter from jesus to pay for my baby..which i sold to get the car..Initially i wanted a V8 but ended up with a 2.8 but has cost more than i paid for it to get it fixed but im still happy and will buy another once i find where the devil is..I know he had the hump with me..something to do with the guitar string and miss whiplash..Anyway my neighbour ended up paying £11,000 for a L reg 2.0 BMW on the strap hahahahahaha....He ended up scrapping it...What a waste of money..There is something special about TVR owners that is unsurpassed
... 
Brilliant, & spot on. 
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