Cerbera registration

[phythian]

I bought an R reg Cerbera 4.5 from Henley H in October 2001. FTVRSH etc etc. On receiving the new Vehicle Registration Document, I was worried to see that it is registered as a 4,185 cc. The car is definitely a 4.5, but on checking the engine number with Blackpool, they have it down as a 4.2. Henley tell me that this was common with the early 4.5's and was similar to the early Griff 500's which were registered as 4.3's. Anyone know anything about this?

[thom]

Doesn't the fact it's registered as a 4.2 give you tax advantages over a 4.5?


Thom

[plotloss]

I thought all the early Griff's were 4.3's?

Could be completely wrong though.

Matt.

[phythian]

thom, no tax advantages for me.....I'm self employed.
plotloss, sorry, I meant (or was told) early 500's.

[roger]

Yep that is the case quite a number of the early 4.5,s were registered as 4.2. Something to do with type approvals I think

[phythian]

Thanks Roger. I wonder if it's worth trying to get confirmation from Blackpool. I don't want a future potential purchaser wondering whether I've done a dodgy back yard conversion or something

[pocty]

That is true, I also rang the factory and they told me that the early 4.5 were registered as 4.2s and that they would send me a new service book.

Phil

[rthierry]

The DVLA must be using some software where all the car are loaded up. I suppose there must be a delay before their reference data can be updated - specially for such a specialist car. In this case, I assume the operator would just select the closest thing in the drop down - hence a 4.2. Or may be I am just talking boll*cks.. but then may be not.
Mind you my DVLA slip says my Chimaera is registered as a 5 passengers car

Roms
Antigua Blue Chimaera 450
MCC Smart Passion Grey with Bungee Red interior ;o)

[bennno]

quote:I bought an R reg Cerbera 4.5 from Henley H in October 2001. FTVRSH etc etc. On receiving the new Vehicle Registration Document, I was worried to see that it is registered as a 4,185 cc. The car is definitely a 4.5, but on checking the engine number with Blackpool, they have it down as a 4.2. Henley tell me that this was common with the early 4.5's and was similar to the early Griff 500's which were registered as 4.3's. Anyone know anything about this?

This sounds very dodgy, first off there is no way a manufacturer should be reportina 4.5L as a 4185cc car - secondly how do you prove its a 4.5??

Ben

[aovcerb]

Phythian Similar thing happened to me, purchased a Cerb (Spooky Oct 2001) from main dealer R reg told by dealer it is a 4.5 all the 4.5 bits on, wheels, larger brakes etc, then dealer calls me and tells me it is actually a 4.2 as the registration doc calls it a 4.2 (told insurance company 4.5 then 4.2) and this maybe a 4.2 upgraded at the factory with the 4.5 bits.

Errrrr I may have a 4.5 after all, this is scary and we must be weary particularly if making an insurance claim, no disrespect to insurance companies but they have been known to look closely at the car and info given, any discrepancies and no claim.

[andymadmak]

Is it not possible to tell the difference from the design of the fuel rail/intake system? I thought the 4.5s were the only ones to get the squidgy purple hoses as opposed to the solid type of the 4.2.
I could be wrong of course.
Andy

[phythian]

Yes, having spoken to the factory, Henley and Castle, I don't think there is any doubt that its a 4.5. I think the purple trumpet intakes are an obvious giveaway, but the service history shows countless mechanics signing it off as a 4.5. I can't believe that no one noticed. Spoke to the factory again today and they are going to get someone on it.

[phythian]

Just had confirmation from Blackpool that the vehicle was wrongly registered and they will organize the change with DVLA to 4.5. Still no full explanation though. On the phone originally something about the same engine blocks, batches, engine numbers etc, but with the latest news, just explained as a typo! They were very keen to get my original log book though...hmmm

aovcerb.....you may have a 4.5 after all. Gemma Kinsella at the factory was very helpful.
Thanks all for comments
David

[aovcerb]

Thanks Phythian will give them a call.
All the best

[johnmckenzie]

My 4.5 Cerbera (very early at March 1998) is also registered as a 4.2. I can confirm as fact that all early 4.5's were registered as 4.2's. This does appear indeed to be a type approval issue as TVR being keen to sell the car and type approval taking so long get round the issue (illegally??) by calling them 4.2's.
I had exactly the same issue with my 450SE Tasmin (yes I was a lucky bugger). Only about 30 were built and they were all type approved as 400SE's
Hope this put your mind at rest. No potential purchaser should be put off or think it's converted as
1) the factory and the dealers will all confirm it and
2) the feasibility of converting a 4.2 to 4.5 just isn't on. The cost (engine, ancilliaries, ECU's, diff, brakes, radiator, wheels and tyres etc.)would be astronomical - about £12,000+ if my sums are right.

[phythian]

Thanks John
Hopefully a non-issue for me, as my new reg doc should be winging its way to me. The type-approval is interesting. It may explain the lack of/change of explanations.
Cheers
David

[andrewt]

Just to confirm everyone's comments. I too found my V5 recording my 98R 4.5 Cerbie as 4185cc. I wrote to DVLA who promptly changed it without any further checks !!!!!!