Which TVR to buy?
Discussion
What nobody has said is that you make so many friends when you own a TVR. Doesn't matter which one you buy. Loads of stuff to do, meetings to attend. I have met many of the contributors to this thread in the last 4 years and count some as my closest friends (despite their aversion to water, taking the roof off and getting under the car on a damp December day).
And I don't make friends easily.
And I don't make friends easily.
Thanks for the additional replies all. All good info.
I am happy to deal with some aspects of maintenance and improvement myself, having tinkered with Triumphs for 25 years. Always had a Dolly Sprint (still have) so I am used to fragile engines!
The choice will be restricted by budget, but I think a reasonable Chimaera with a solid chassis should be just within reach.
I can take my time, view as many models of TVR as possible, and make a decision accordingly.
I can't wait.
Cheers all.
I am happy to deal with some aspects of maintenance and improvement myself, having tinkered with Triumphs for 25 years. Always had a Dolly Sprint (still have) so I am used to fragile engines!
The choice will be restricted by budget, but I think a reasonable Chimaera with a solid chassis should be just within reach.
I can take my time, view as many models of TVR as possible, and make a decision accordingly.
I can't wait.
Cheers all.
ChimpOnGas said:
Yeah Chilly what was I thinking, no one has ever had a issue with the AJP6, it's a well proven bullet proof lump mate.
I should have explained this to the OP who after all is looking for facts based on broad cross section of thousand of engines built, I should have know a flood of two lucky guys would pop up to prove the whole AJP6 reliability thing was actually a conspiracy theory all along
Few, I'm glad we got that one cleared up
Just quoting my experience. Luck as you say may well have something to do with it. Certainly catching the market at the right time does. I lost about 5k in depreciation on both my Chimaera and Griffith over the 2 years I owned each so pound for pound they have been a lot more expensive to run than my Cerbera or Sagaris. Certainly the Speed6 has had issues of that there cannot be a doubt, not so sure the Cerbera is the super expensive to run beast these forums make it up to be though.I should have explained this to the OP who after all is looking for facts based on broad cross section of thousand of engines built, I should have know a flood of two lucky guys would pop up to prove the whole AJP6 reliability thing was actually a conspiracy theory all along
Few, I'm glad we got that one cleared up
To the OP. As long as your handy with a set off spanners (which it seems you are) most TVR's can be run cheaply, none more so than a Chimaera with a good chassis you mention, so that would be a great place to start (I started with a Chimaera 400 in 2004 - now on my 4th TVR - so be warned, they are addictive!) I have had no problem changing stuff like Alternators and Shocks/Springs etc and I am a complete monkey.
Virtually every problem you will come across the solution to can be found on these forums or as QBee says attend a few TVR Club meetings. Lots of help will be available to keep you on the road.
Edited by PuffsBack on Thursday 8th December 08:20
Edited by PuffsBack on Thursday 8th December 08:22
I'm in the minority on PH. I tried to change the diff on my Midget in the snow, roadside in Nottingham in 1984. I vowed from that day forward that somebody else will always work on my cars. 
Since then I've checked the oil & water & kicked my tyres every six months or so. If you find a decent garage to maintain your car, and is was a goodun to start off with, it needn't cost the earth.
Since then I've checked the oil & water & kicked my tyres every six months or so. If you find a decent garage to maintain your car, and is was a goodun to start off with, it needn't cost the earth.
Englishman said:
ChimpOnGas said:
Englishman said:
PuffsBack said:
ChimpOnGas said:
Add to this the well known fragility of TVR's own AJP6 six cylinder engine and you've got a series of models that could easily drain your wallet faster than gold digging girlfriend.
Oh I dunno about that. My Cerb Speed6 was extremely reliable. Overall I made about 3k in 3 years even with fuel taken into account. As for my Sag, well it has cost me about 2k all in so far over the last 2 years, but seems to have appreciated by about 10k so not exactly wallet draining!
Each to their own.
I drive quite 'a lot' of different TVRs.
Best car all round for your £10k? Chimaera, without doubt. 450 is the best model, but you'll get a tidier 400 for that money. If you're considering an S, then performance isn't as crucial for you, so a 400 would be fine. They still go well enough to put a smile on your face, just don't drive any faster models and you'd never know the difference
It's all about the chassis first, then the bodywork, then the interior. That's most expensive in the top three order. I don't subscribe to this 'trying lots of cars before buying' malarky. If you go to see a car and it's the first one you see; History's good, chassis is good, good condition overall, drives well, price is fair and the seller is a decent sort, then buy it. Don't faff about, as you could drive 5 and forget what the first one was like. Most of the cars you'll end up with will need tinkering. Don't put looks over chassis - it's usually cheaper to change the colour of a car than refurbish the chassis. Lastly, beware any car that has had the 'outriggers changed'. Sure, there are a good number of decent cars out there, but in my experience there will be some right old bodge jobs too. I'd want pictures that showed the body coming off, or at the very least being lifted, but that's just my opinion.
Most fun TVR? V8S. Every time. I'm not a speed merchant, and though the S6/AJP cars are in a totally different league to the RV8 stuff, it really doesn't matter to me. It's all about how it goes fast, not how fast it goes, and for this the V8S is brilliant. Best sounding RV8 TVR to my ears, chassis only just handles the power, looks nice and has lots of character. Less capable than a Chimaera, it's an example of how a better car isn't always the one you'd pick. I'd have a V8S quite happily, and I'm not a huge RV8 fan. For your frequent use (three times a week is frequent for a TVR) then a Chimaera may be more sensible, and better value, but the V8S is definitely the one I'd want with the roof off and the sun out. Love them!
Nicest TVR to drive? Not in terms of sheer enjoyment like the V8S, but the nicest all round TVR to drive is a Cerbera. Ride, handling, comfort, character....it's brilliant. You could drive one to Scotland quite happily........well, from my house anyway. They're jaw-dropping to look it too. Downsides? It's a project in your budget, the chassis rusts like no one's business (the worst chassis for rot in my experience) and everything costs more. If you have a leaky sump, it's engine out, timing cover and gearbox off! It's not a mass-produced low-cost design, it's more exotic than a Griffith or Chimaera, and as a result costs more to run. The prices of them are very low not only given how much they can soak up to keep going, but how good they actually are and the kind of levels of engineering and detail you get from them. Again, like the V8S I love them, but unlike the V8S I personally wouldn't buy one unless I was s
tting money.
Personally, I think a Chimaera would be your ideal car. I'd have a Griffith, but you won't get one in budget. Your other options are a V6 S, which I have, or a Wedge. The V6 S isn't a fast car by any stretch, though they are still good fun. Probably 50-60% as much fun as a V8S, and the V6 does sound good both in 2.8 and 2.9 flavour. The S1 (2.8, which I have) has the worst build quality of all the S range, makes a unique almost Italian howl/rasp with lots of popping and banging on the overrun and is generally pretty raw. The S2 is that with a more refined, slightly more powerful engine (which doesn't make the same noise, but does make an equally nice noise), and the S3 is a better-built more grown up version of those two. Better all round car, but then they begin to cost more.
The Wedges, I can't grow to love. The higher-power V8 models (400/450SE etc) are genuinely lairy! The turning circle is awesome, but other than that I (on a personal choice level) can't grow to enjoy the way they drive, or even look (which is weird for me as I like old square stuff). They do sound brilliant though, and those that like them, REALLY love them, so they're probably the most Marmite of the bunch. Check them out, just in case in turns out you love them too!
If I had £10k, I'd hunt down a V8S though. You might have to wait, but one may still pop up at that money. It'll need work though.
Best car all round for your £10k? Chimaera, without doubt. 450 is the best model, but you'll get a tidier 400 for that money. If you're considering an S, then performance isn't as crucial for you, so a 400 would be fine. They still go well enough to put a smile on your face, just don't drive any faster models and you'd never know the difference
It's all about the chassis first, then the bodywork, then the interior. That's most expensive in the top three order. I don't subscribe to this 'trying lots of cars before buying' malarky. If you go to see a car and it's the first one you see; History's good, chassis is good, good condition overall, drives well, price is fair and the seller is a decent sort, then buy it. Don't faff about, as you could drive 5 and forget what the first one was like. Most of the cars you'll end up with will need tinkering. Don't put looks over chassis - it's usually cheaper to change the colour of a car than refurbish the chassis. Lastly, beware any car that has had the 'outriggers changed'. Sure, there are a good number of decent cars out there, but in my experience there will be some right old bodge jobs too. I'd want pictures that showed the body coming off, or at the very least being lifted, but that's just my opinion.Most fun TVR? V8S. Every time. I'm not a speed merchant, and though the S6/AJP cars are in a totally different league to the RV8 stuff, it really doesn't matter to me. It's all about how it goes fast, not how fast it goes, and for this the V8S is brilliant. Best sounding RV8 TVR to my ears, chassis only just handles the power, looks nice and has lots of character. Less capable than a Chimaera, it's an example of how a better car isn't always the one you'd pick. I'd have a V8S quite happily, and I'm not a huge RV8 fan. For your frequent use (three times a week is frequent for a TVR) then a Chimaera may be more sensible, and better value, but the V8S is definitely the one I'd want with the roof off and the sun out. Love them!
Nicest TVR to drive? Not in terms of sheer enjoyment like the V8S, but the nicest all round TVR to drive is a Cerbera. Ride, handling, comfort, character....it's brilliant. You could drive one to Scotland quite happily........well, from my house anyway. They're jaw-dropping to look it too. Downsides? It's a project in your budget, the chassis rusts like no one's business (the worst chassis for rot in my experience) and everything costs more. If you have a leaky sump, it's engine out, timing cover and gearbox off! It's not a mass-produced low-cost design, it's more exotic than a Griffith or Chimaera, and as a result costs more to run. The prices of them are very low not only given how much they can soak up to keep going, but how good they actually are and the kind of levels of engineering and detail you get from them. Again, like the V8S I love them, but unlike the V8S I personally wouldn't buy one unless I was s
tting money.Personally, I think a Chimaera would be your ideal car. I'd have a Griffith, but you won't get one in budget. Your other options are a V6 S, which I have, or a Wedge. The V6 S isn't a fast car by any stretch, though they are still good fun. Probably 50-60% as much fun as a V8S, and the V6 does sound good both in 2.8 and 2.9 flavour. The S1 (2.8, which I have) has the worst build quality of all the S range, makes a unique almost Italian howl/rasp with lots of popping and banging on the overrun and is generally pretty raw. The S2 is that with a more refined, slightly more powerful engine (which doesn't make the same noise, but does make an equally nice noise), and the S3 is a better-built more grown up version of those two. Better all round car, but then they begin to cost more.
The Wedges, I can't grow to love. The higher-power V8 models (400/450SE etc) are genuinely lairy! The turning circle is awesome, but other than that I (on a personal choice level) can't grow to enjoy the way they drive, or even look (which is weird for me as I like old square stuff). They do sound brilliant though, and those that like them, REALLY love them, so they're probably the most Marmite of the bunch. Check them out, just in case in turns out you love them too!
If I had £10k, I'd hunt down a V8S though. You might have to wait, but one may still pop up at that money. It'll need work though.
QBee said:
What nobody has said is that you make so many friends when you own a TVR. Doesn't matter which one you buy. Loads of stuff to do, meetings to attend. I have met many of the contributors to this thread in the last 4 years and count some as my closest friends (despite their aversion to water, taking the roof off and getting under the car on a damp December day).
And I don't make friends easily.
Whichever you get, it's not just a car, it becomes a hobby and a way of life very easily. And I don't make friends easily.
I bought it intending to enjoy it as often as possible and occasionally pop up at some TVR gatherings in the same way as I used to for my Rover 75 (The 75/ZT actually has quite a scene surrounding it, being the last of the MG Rover cars). What I didn't expect was the sheer volume of TVR activity. There's something, somewhere, pretty much all the time.
If like me you're a bitter sod and sick of a society in which everyone seems to be deliberately obstructive and unreasonable 
, you'll find the TVR scene to be comparatively utopian, full of well meaning and thoroughly nice people. It's no exaggeration to call it a kinship and many owners are more helpful than they have any reason to be. Some go to a lot of trouble, just for the sake of being nice. Good friends are formed quite easily and as evidence you need look no further than these forums. You could practically build anew whichever model of TVR you like based on the information found here, posted often simply because "I did this, which meant I got that, and it'll help others to know".
One more quick comment for the OP.
You will be buying a pre-2001 car for your budget.
Ignore all comments regarding Speed 6 cars - they are well out of your budget.
For reference, they are higher revving and have to be driven hard to get the best out of them. But they are very rewarding when you do.
You will be into either a Ford V6 car or a Rover V8.
I know nothing about the Ford V6 cars other than experience gained following the 2016 TVR Race series champion around Donington Park a couple of months ago. He was in a 2.9 V6 S with about 170 bhp. I was in 315 bhp of 5 Litre RV8 car, and couldn't catch him. He was able to carry speed through the corners in the S and drive the wheels off it. So, if you are a capable driver, don't dismiss them out of hand.
For me, the RV8 cars suit my driving style perfectly. Lower revving, bucket loads of torque, pull well in any gear - perfectly suited for Sunday fun for a guy who drives a big diesel automatic during the week and wants to re-discover driving for the fun of it. A V8 car would be my choice every time. But it's horses for courses.
You will be buying a pre-2001 car for your budget.
Ignore all comments regarding Speed 6 cars - they are well out of your budget.
For reference, they are higher revving and have to be driven hard to get the best out of them. But they are very rewarding when you do.
You will be into either a Ford V6 car or a Rover V8.
I know nothing about the Ford V6 cars other than experience gained following the 2016 TVR Race series champion around Donington Park a couple of months ago. He was in a 2.9 V6 S with about 170 bhp. I was in 315 bhp of 5 Litre RV8 car, and couldn't catch him. He was able to carry speed through the corners in the S and drive the wheels off it. So, if you are a capable driver, don't dismiss them out of hand.
For me, the RV8 cars suit my driving style perfectly. Lower revving, bucket loads of torque, pull well in any gear - perfectly suited for Sunday fun for a guy who drives a big diesel automatic during the week and wants to re-discover driving for the fun of it. A V8 car would be my choice every time. But it's horses for courses.
Qbee I don't agree with what you say about the speed 6 being high revving my speed 6 is very similar to a torque V8 as it has 420BHP and 368bl/ft of torque
Only joking as you say original espeed 6 engines need to be revved to get them going and some like like that type of engine but I knew tvr power built a speed 6 which is similar to a V8 so I bought a T350 as they are like little go karts and had powers build me an engine and I love it as it is very similar to a lazy V8 but push the loud pedal and it flies
Back to the OP with your budget get the best of any TVR you can buy and enjoy
Only joking as you say original espeed 6 engines need to be revved to get them going and some like like that type of engine but I knew tvr power built a speed 6 which is similar to a V8 so I bought a T350 as they are like little go karts and had powers build me an engine and I love it as it is very similar to a lazy V8 but push the loud pedal and it flies
Back to the OP with your budget get the best of any TVR you can buy and enjoy
All good, and great to hear so much passion for your particular TVRs.
I am no stranger to the benefits of a close knit car club. Both Triumph clubs that am a member of are full of knowledgeable and helpful people. The camaraderie is never more evident than on the Round Britain Run, that me and Mrs M do in the Dolly Sprint every two years. Local TVR club members were very welcoming, so I am glad that I joined the club, and this forum.
The wedge does seem to divide opinion. I personally love the look of them, and when I drew up a bucket list of cars I have to own in the next 10 years, the wedge was on it.
Anyway, the search continues....
I am no stranger to the benefits of a close knit car club. Both Triumph clubs that am a member of are full of knowledgeable and helpful people. The camaraderie is never more evident than on the Round Britain Run, that me and Mrs M do in the Dolly Sprint every two years. Local TVR club members were very welcoming, so I am glad that I joined the club, and this forum.
The wedge does seem to divide opinion. I personally love the look of them, and when I drew up a bucket list of cars I have to own in the next 10 years, the wedge was on it.
Anyway, the search continues....
And now for something completely different: a hardtop Chimaera or a hybrid Cerbera depending on your point of view 
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C796291
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C796291
billynobrakes said:
Qbee I don't agree with what you say about the speed 6 being high revving my speed 6 is very similar to a torque V8 as it has 420BHP and 368bl/ft of torque
Only joking as you say original espeed 6 engines need to be revved to get them going and some like like that type of engine but I knew tvr power built a speed 6 which is similar to a V8 so I bought a T350 as they are like little go karts and had powers build me an engine and I love it as it is very similar to a lazy V8 but push the loud pedal and it flies
Back to the OP with your budget get the best of any TVR you can buy and enjoy
I remember Dom mentioning yours Billy, question for you can it be driven without need for tcs easily or are you now much more on edge than before? I'm doing this 4.5 upgrade over Xmas but in 2 minds to add tcs/launch to the knock MBE update?Only joking as you say original espeed 6 engines need to be revved to get them going and some like like that type of engine but I knew tvr power built a speed 6 which is similar to a V8 so I bought a T350 as they are like little go karts and had powers build me an engine and I love it as it is very similar to a lazy V8 but push the loud pedal and it flies
Back to the OP with your budget get the best of any TVR you can buy and enjoy
To the OP drive all the models and the one for you will definitely let you know... personally it's only ever been the Cerbera
Cheers
QBee said:
Don't forget the £10k budget. Not disagreeing with you Billynobrakes, as I have seen your gorgeous T450, but that's about 4 times the budget in order to get back to a car that drives like an RV8
Which reminds me of our little spin back from Neal Garners and I only paid 11 for mine. Incognegro said:
I remember Dom mentioning yours Billy, question for you can it be driven without need for tcs easily or are you now much more on edge than before? I'm doing this 4.5 upgrade over Xmas but in 2 minds to add tcs/launch to the knock MBE update?
To the OP drive all the models and the one for you will definitely let you know... personally it's only ever been the Cerbera
Cheers
It is so easy to drive as it has so much more torque so your not constantly up and down the gearbox to get it going, stopping the wheels spinning in every gear is the trick, I won the fastest time in Zolder with the Dutch TVRCC acceleration test, I probably going to get Dons MBE just to smooth it out mind you at the moment she is running like a dream. If I had more money would put launch control on as well, better air box and exhaust manifold but your looking at another £8k maybe if work goes well I will get it done To the OP drive all the models and the one for you will definitely let you know... personally it's only ever been the Cerbera
Cheers
You will not be disappointed in the 4.5 I love it as it suits my style of driving, to if you have the money get it all done or you will be saying to yourself I wonder if only
QBee said:
Don't forget the £10k budget. Not disagreeing with you Billynobrakes, as I have seen your gorgeous T450, but that's about 4 times the budget in order to get back to a car that drives like an RV8
I know what you mean but it has raised lots of questions this topic and just throw in my pennies worth some was tonque in cheek but I totally agree about getting my T350 to drive like a V8 and I got it just how I like it Don't forget I have a Griff and now a Wedge that I am really enjoying
Back to the OP can't knock Chimeara,s as it was the first TVR I had so got a soft spot for them plus there are plenty for sale to choose from
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