Longest ever owner?

Author
Discussion

NicBowman

Original Poster:

785 posts

245 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Hi, I have yet to collect, but have agreed to buy a Vixen S2, built from kit form in 1969 by Stephen Taylor. A fine chap who would like to keep it longer but unfortunately now feels it is time to move on. The car is 53 years old and unrestored, original paint, no major restoration work, so well patinated (might not be a real word..)

So two questions, a 1969 car in the hands of its first owner, is that a record? 53 years with one owner. Are there any pre 69 cars still owned by the first purchaser? I think he deserves a prize! Certainly a write up in Sprint.

Secondly, restoration is relatively easy, but 53 years of patina not easy to achieve. Does anyone subscribe to a light mechanical restoration but leave the original paint and interior? You don’t see many cars like that? Do you?

Best

Nic

dontlookdown

1,965 posts

100 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Totally agree about patina. Glossy restos are commonplace but It's a rare treat to see a car that wears it's age with dignity and has imperfect paint and a lived in interior.

Would be a great shame to go all year zero on your car given that amazing one owner history.

NicBowman

Original Poster:

785 posts

245 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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s6boy

1,667 posts

232 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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If the attached is a recent picture the bodywork and wheels look like they've been well looked after by the owner/builder as you would expect.
As the new custodian, if it was me, a thorough mechanical going over for peace of mind and a polish is all I'd want to do.
It would be interesting to hear from the past owner of his driving and the cars history, is he on here?

NicBowman

Original Poster:

785 posts

245 months

Friday 30th September 2022
quotequote all
Picture 2008. So not exactly current. But I believe it has had little use since then. Will post pictures when I collect. Owner not in here, I believe. Nic

MarkwG

5,098 posts

196 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Agree with all said, to add: it might be a photographic glitch, or you may already have it in hand, but that rear wheel looks to have a flat at the top - I'd want to check that before going too far or fast.

keynsham

310 posts

278 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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"They are only original once" so provided it is presentable, not dangerous and everything is working properly, I would leave it exactly how it is, apart from obvious recomissioning etc. Anyone can have a full restoration done but no-one else can have a car like this!!

porterpainter

766 posts

44 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Nice find Nic...sure it's going to be a good project for you smile

I believe the Saidel's still own a number of their TVRs / Jomars from the 50s... but this one is up there!

InvaderMK2

49 posts

54 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Congratulations! The Vixen is still on my bucket list - beautiful looking cars.
My Gilbern still has the original paint and interior. However, after sitting for many years it has had chassis, engine, brakes etc work, as required to return it to the road. Personally, I much prefer this over a fully restored one.
In my opinion, you should give it a good service/overhaul and then use it as much as possible on the sunny days. Make sure it is structurally/mechanically sound.
Please keep us updated, this is exciting!

cjb44

704 posts

125 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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MarkwG said:
Agree with all said, to add: it might be a photographic glitch, or you may already have it in hand, but that rear wheel looks to have a flat at the top - I'd want to check that before going too far or fast.
I would not mind betting that is a horrible balance weight.

TR4man

5,320 posts

181 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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I saw this car advertised on FB only a few days ago - you must have worked quick!

Agree with the other posts - keep it as it is, get it roadworthy and then just enjoy it. There are a couple of guys in my local TVRCC group that have had their Chimaeras from new and I think that is really cool, but I reckon your car’s ownership history must be something of a record.

Please start a thread to keep us updated about your exploits with it.

Edited by TR4man on Friday 30th September 19:24

NicBowman

Original Poster:

785 posts

245 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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Yes, worked quick! Didn’t want to miss it. Missed too many…

KKson

3,437 posts

132 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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As above, keen to see how she is, and keep as original as you can. Not jealous one bit, honest. It looks a great find. Cheers

MarkwG

5,098 posts

196 months

Friday 30th September 2022
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cjb44 said:
MarkwG said:
Agree with all said, to add: it might be a photographic glitch, or you may already have it in hand, but that rear wheel looks to have a flat at the top - I'd want to check that before going too far or fast.
I would not mind betting that is a horrible balance weight.
Good call - couldn't bear it like that, though.