I was on the TVR list. The volume was so low (one per month) that it may
have disappeared.
Most U.S. TVR's of that era came with the TR6 engine. Are you sure they
changed the engine? because the one you describe was also original equipment
at the time.
The cars are essentially hand built and suffer from durability related
problems. They are high maintenance and "fall apart" very fast if you don't
stay on top of things. The mechanicals are "borrowed" from popular cars of
the period so they don't pose any more or any less problems than the cars
they were borrowed from. It is the little things like electricals,
switchgear, trim, paint etc that will drive you nuts.
Some other unique problems are: cramped (particularly if over 6' or 200
pounds), no foot or leg room, shifter is in your armpit, fiberglass
cracking. I looked at one for sale locally that looked like a perfect
driver. I figured I did not have to check underneath because fiberglass cars
don't rust, right? Wrong! The space frame is made up of a lot of fragile
little tubes welded together by hand. On this car the little tubes had just
about rusted away. Check for accident damage too. Space frames are not easy
to repair.
Since they are so rare and no one stocks parts or has knowledge you will
have a hard time repairing the car. For instance, the front hub, disc,
brakes, bearings, steering arms etc. all come from different Brit cars of
the era. But which bit comes form which car? These were by far the most
common questions on the list.
As for your candidate: they always need "TLC", the price is high by about
$3000 and consider the fact that you will have a hard time selling if you
regret your decision later.
Only buy it if you intend on becoming a TVR "nutball" and check the full
history first.
Daniel T.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jason Urban [SMTP:jurban@p3.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 4:14 PM
> To: spridgets@autox.team.net
> Subject: Need TVR info
>
> Hi all!!
>
> Well, the Sprite should be back on the road in about 2 weeks. Tranny and
> engine are almost done, new Sprite sneakers next week, and a few body
> cleanups is all that's left.
>
> But in the meantime, I've found something else.....
> Is anyone familiar with TVR?? I found a '73 or '74 TVR at a local shop.
> It's either a Vixen IV or 2500M, but looks like a Taimar coupe. The
> original TR6 engine has been replaced by a GM even fire 2.8 V6 with
> headers
> and so on. Body and everything seems to be in good shape. Needs a little
> TLC, but is not a project car(nor do I need another one). They are asking
> $9500 for it.
>
> 1) This price seems high especially since the engine has been changed.
> Does this seem to be about the right price??
> 2) Can this be used as a good weather car?? I'd be replacing the Z/28
> with the TVR and I have a Jeep for bad weather(or Holly's Disco!).
> Probably would drive the TVR 2 or 3 times a week to work.
> 3) What would insurance be like if it's registered normally in PA??
>
> I'm hoping someone can offer suggestions. Can't find a whole lot of info
> and can't get on the TVR list for some reason. The serial number is at
> home and that might be of some use in determining the model.
>
> TIA!!
> Jason.
>
>
>
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