Considering a TVR - is there a definitive buyer's guide?

[Andy Meads]

Yex 450 said:

Andy, if you are free on September 10th we have a PH meet in Bicknacre for breakfast and a chat. There are usually a few TVR's present - my 450 Chimaera and a Griff 500 almost certainly will be on site and we have had a couple of Tuscans and a Wedge turn up recently as well. All of us will be happy to chat about the cars and at least myself and Matt (Griff 500) would take you out for a quick demo drive

If Dave is there with his Griff 500 best not eat before you sit in his passenger seat

Yex, if the Bicanacre meet is still going ahead I would like to try to get there. I have to juggle a couple of things but I am hopeful! Are there any further details of the time and place yet?

My continued TVR lurking has caused me to gravitate towards the two seat convertibles (not least as that is the kind of car I would most like generally): I am interested in learning more about the relative merits of the Griff/Chim and the Tamora. It's interesting to see some of the wide variations in prices for the latter in particular. The Griffs and Chims seem to be more consistent and the interesting comments made above have got me thinking. I have never owned a V8 - a glaring omission!

Andy

[AMDBSTony]

Andy

Have you not considered a V8S - they are really nice cars but like any TVR, make sure you buybthe best you can.

[LeeHodges]

Andy Meads said:

Yex, if the Bicanacre meet is still going ahead I would like to try to get there. I have to juggle a couple of things but I am hopeful! Are there any further details of the time and place yet?

My continued TVR lurking has caused me to gravitate towards the two seat convertibles (not least as that is the kind of car I would most like generally): I am interested in learning more about the relative merits of the Griff/Chim and the Tamora. It's interesting to see some of the wide variations in prices for the latter in particular. The Griffs and Chims seem to be more consistent and the interesting comments made above have got me thinking. I have never owned a V8 - a glaring omission!

Andy

Hi Andy

I currently own a Griff 500 and a Tamora; I bought the Tamora in May with the intention of selling the Griff but am now selling the Tamora instead - it's the '06 Chameleon green in the classifieds. The Tamora is a glorious beast but for me it came down to engine preference. I think that the tamora prices reflect age, build phase and overall condition. I know, I've seen two of the advertised tamora's (which were in the same place - you work that out) and well, I didn't buy either of them... It's like all TVR purchases regardless of model, make sure you like the driving experience of the type you're interested in and then go for one in great condition (first), good history and one that's been 'loved'. Unless you're looking for a shed to rebuild that is and so ignore my last.

I've heard that often people that have a S6 as their first TVR love it and would't change where as people that go from V8 to S6 can tend (not always, obviously) to go back.

I have submitted a bit of an article for Sprint on the subject, if it gets through scrutinearing!

Lee

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

AMDBSTony said:

At first glance I thought that was a non standard hard top!

[PGNSagaris]

QBee said:

Chatsworth is 2nd October (Sunday). Derbyshire run out on 1st. You are welcome to start the runout as my passenger and jump ship at every stop - anyone with a spare seat will I am sure be happy to give you a ride. Or just turn up for the main event the following day

Here's the Faceache link

https://www.facebook.com/TVR-Chatsworth-Gathering-...

Andy, I'll also be heading to Chatsworth on the Sunday if you want a lift up there. Leaving early Sunday am from North London.

I've been in your shoes and 3 TVR's later I'm still as demented as I was all those years ago.

In the meantime I would recommend heading over to Str8six and have a chat to Chas and Jason. Brilliant guys and amazing cars.

[QBee]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

At first glance I thought that was a non standard hard top!

[AMDBSTony]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

AMDBSTony said:

At first glance I thought that was a non standard hard top!

Think it was TVRs attempt at a Gurney bubble

[Andy Meads]

LeeHodges said:

Hi Andy

I currently own a Griff 500 and a Tamora; I bought the Tamora in May with the intention of selling the Griff but am now selling the Tamora instead - it's the '06 Chameleon green in the classifieds. The Tamora is a glorious beast but for me it came down to engine preference. I think that the tamora prices reflect age, build phase and overall condition. I know, I've seen two of the advertised tamora's (which were in the same place - you work that out) and well, I didn't buy either of them... It's like all TVR purchases regardless of model, make sure you like the driving experience of the type you're interested in and then go for one in great condition (first), good history and one that's been 'loved'. Unless you're looking for a shed to rebuild that is and so ignore my last.

I've heard that often people that have a S6 as their first TVR love it and would't change where as people that go from V8 to S6 can tend (not always, obviously) to go back.

I have submitted a bit of an article for Sprint on the subject, if it gets through scrutinearing!

Lee

Hi Lee

I have been looking at your green Tamora quite a bit, I must admit. It is a lovely car and I don't suppose it'll be on the market for long! I have always gone for cars in quite conventional colours, but if buying a TVR I can see myself in something a bit more interesting. OK, a lot more interesting!

I have time to do my research. We are moving house soon and so I plan to apply myself to the car later in the year, once we are ensconced. Per the advice on here, my aim is to identify the model that suits my wants and needs and then to find one that has been well maintained. The more I think about it, the more the idea appeals - I know that a TVR won't be as usable as a new MX5, but it will feel more unique, the performance is in another league and it should do better at retaining some value. More importantly, it'll offer more of an ownership experience on many levels.

Andy

[Andy Meads]

PGNSagaris said:

Andy, I'll also be heading to Chatsworth on the Sunday if you want a lift up there. Leaving early Sunday am from North London.

I've been in your shoes and 3 TVR's later I'm still as demented as I was all those years ago.

In the meantime I would recommend heading over to Str8six and have a chat to Chas and Jason. Brilliant guys and amazing cars.

That's really kind - thanks very much for the offer. I am hoping to get up there, but might bring a kid or two with me. So I'll probably drive up in the BMW and hide it in a corner somewhere! It's bright tarmac grey, so that shouldn't be hard. If that changes though, I'll let you know. Never underestimate the power of kids to pester Mum for a new toy along with Dad!

I like the look of Str8six - they seem to have an excellent reputation. It's another thing that appeals to me - lots of genuine specialists to buy from and learn from. A far cry from some of the dealers I have experienced, where I often find I know more about the product than the person selling it (I don't mean to sound arrogant, but it is a problem sometimes).

Andy

[LeeHodges]

Andy Meads said:

We are moving house soon

Me too, Andy, and that's the main reason I'm not keeping both!

[Andy Meads]

LeeHodges said:

Me too, Andy, and that's the main reason I'm not keeping both!

Good luck with the move.

[Milky400]

V8 to Speed Six and do not have the need to go back, a good Speed Six on full song is heavenly.

[PGNSagaris]

Agreed. Much prefer the S6 personally.

[Yex 450]

Andy Meads said:

Yex 450 said:

Andy, if you are free on September 10th we have a PH meet in Bicknacre for breakfast and a chat. There are usually a few TVR's present - my 450 Chimaera and a Griff 500 almost certainly will be on site and we have had a couple of Tuscans and a Wedge turn up recently as well. All of us will be happy to chat about the cars and at least myself and Matt (Griff 500) would take you out for a quick demo drive

If Dave is there with his Griff 500 best not eat before you sit in his passenger seat

Yex, if the Bicanacre meet is still going ahead I would like to try to get there. I have to juggle a couple of things but I am hopeful! Are there any further details of the time and place yet?

My continued TVR lurking has caused me to gravitate towards the two seat convertibles (not least as that is the kind of car I would most like generally): I am interested in learning more about the relative merits of the Griff/Chim and the Tamora. It's interesting to see some of the wide variations in prices for the latter in particular. The Griffs and Chims seem to be more consistent and the interesting comments made above have got me thinking. I have never owned a V8 - a glaring omission!

Andy

Hello Andy, meet certainly happening at White Elm Garden centre; 1418, White Elm Rd, Danbury, Chelmsford CM3 4LR. Aim to arrive just about 9am and the car park should be busy enough for you to see a few nice TVR's and other associated metal

Those of us with the V8 TVR's usually congregate in one place so feel free to find us and start chatting, or if we're not obvious just ask anyone to point out a V8 owner and wander over

Only thing that will stop me going is if it is raining...........new chassis and like to keep it dry

[Andy Meads]

Yex 450 said:

Hello Andy, meet certainly happening at White Elm Garden centre; 1418, White Elm Rd, Danbury, Chelmsford CM3 4LR. Aim to arrive just about 9am and the car park should be busy enough for you to see a few nice TVR's and other associated metal

Those of us with the V8 TVR's usually congregate in one place so feel free to find us and start chatting, or if we're not obvious just ask anyone to point out a V8 owner and wander over

Only thing that will stop me going is if it is raining...........new chassis and like to keep it dry

Thanks Yex. I hope to get there and will look for the TVRs.

Andy

[Just Trouble]

[Andy Meads]

Andy Meads said:

Yex 450 said:

Hello Andy, meet certainly happening at White Elm Garden centre; 1418, White Elm Rd, Danbury, Chelmsford CM3 4LR. Aim to arrive just about 9am and the car park should be busy enough for you to see a few nice TVR's and other associated metal

Those of us with the V8 TVR's usually congregate in one place so feel free to find us and start chatting, or if we're not obvious just ask anyone to point out a V8 owner and wander over

Only thing that will stop me going is if it is raining...........new chassis and like to keep it dry

Thanks Yex. I hope to get there and will look for the TVRs.

Andy

Just a note to thank Matt for his time and insight yesterday - it was very much appreciated, as was the noise from that V8!

[Yex 450]

Andy Meads said:

Andy Meads said:

Yex 450 said:

Hello Andy, meet certainly happening at White Elm Garden centre; 1418, White Elm Rd, Danbury, Chelmsford CM3 4LR. Aim to arrive just about 9am and the car park should be busy enough for you to see a few nice TVR's and other associated metal

Those of us with the V8 TVR's usually congregate in one place so feel free to find us and start chatting, or if we're not obvious just ask anyone to point out a V8 owner and wander over

Only thing that will stop me going is if it is raining...........new chassis and like to keep it dry

Thanks Yex. I hope to get there and will look for the TVRs.

Andy

Just a note to thank Matt for his time and insight yesterday - it was very much appreciated, as was the noise from that V8!

Andy, apologies for not getting to the meet but work got in the way rather unexpectedly

If you spent some time with Matt and his Griff 500 you were in very good hands

[Matthew Poxon]

Andy Meads said:

Just a note to thank Matt for his time and insight yesterday - it was very much appreciated, as was the noise from that V8!

You are more than welcome Andy, good to meet you. Just send me a PM if I can be of any help or if you fancy a closer look / passenger ride in mine.