Talk me into a Chimaera!

[Telsa]

When life gives you lemons.. fk it and buy a new car - right? (long boring personal story involving a relationship breakdown of nuclear-war proportions that's more suited to the Lounge )

I've hung between wanting a Chimaera and an S2000 for ages. However, I've done the high-revving jap thing (Civic Type-R and now a Mk1 MX5), so now need pushing over the edge and convincing into the hand-built V8 glory-machine..

I guess this comes with a cheeky quaver - I've never actually been in one Do any marvellous PHers fancy showing off their P&J to an Internet random? I'm based in Cheltenham, and will happily drive somewhere to check one out! Failing that, if there are any meets, I'd be happy to come along and join one :-)

-Telsa

[LordGrover]

Maybe worth your while contacting TVRCC C3C - friendly, knowledgeable bunch. Mostly.

[MPoxon]

I have owned a Civic Type R and an S2000, I now own a Griff 500.

I loved the CTR, an absolutely fantastic car. The S2000 was a great car but I didn't think it was massively better than the CTR and it certainly wasn't any faster. To be honest I wasn't that impressed going from the CTR to the S2000. The huge additional running cost and lack of practicality was not worth it IMO it just didn't feel like much of an upgrade.

What I should have done at this point was sell the s2k and buy another CTR but no in the quest for power I thought fk it in for a penny in for a pound so I chopped in the S2000 against a Griff. In all honestly one of the best decisions I have made. I love my Griff and I know it is no where near as reliable, safe economical blah, blah, blah. Non of that matters A when you turn it on and B when you put your foot down.

I have also met a number of good friends both through PH and TVRCC at various meets.

Do it... you wont regret it!

[TJC46]

Drive it and you YOU WILL buy it

[Nosh]

TJC46 said:

Drive it and you YOU WILL buy it

errrr....hear it and you will buy it.

[Filos Hippos]

A) Put a s2000 and a civic r in one corner

B) Start both 4 pots up

C) Rev the living hell out of them

D) Put one Tif RV8 of your own choice in other corner

E) Start the TVR up and let it idle

F) Make your choice

When in doubt, go to D)

D) Rev the living hell out of the TVR RV8 and make your choice

When still in doubt commit suicide...

[portzi]

Just dont buy the first one you fall in love with, as I did, but I was buying from X-works service so I had nothing to worry about, just be careful there are some right bad uns out there, great advice about the TVRCC, as our cars are usually looked after

Good luck

Mark

[Jonny cobra]

Do it you owe to your self >>>>> you cannot beat the sound of the V8 Burble...


JC........

[pinchmeimdreamin]

I think I will just leave this here not sure it will help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bihSymx1tQU&fea...

[citizen smith]

Well TELSA,

It,s quite simple really!, if you like boring open top 2 seater cars then, buy anything other than a TVR.
But!!!!!!!!!!!!! if your after excitement and thrills plus plenty of smiles per miles then, splash out on your favourite TVR.

[5.0ltr]

Talk you into a Chimp you ask, well you open the door and get in, errr not very exciting to be in the softer mass produced golf cart is it? However you can compare at the Beckford Inn A46 Nr Evesham this Weds evening from 1930 where there will be loads of hard toppers there and maybe a convertible Griff or two.

[nickb134]

Well.. you could try the dark side but, and don't tell anyone this a grief is just a chim without a boot

[5.0ltr]

nickb134 said:

Well.. you could try the dark side but, and don't tell anyone this a grief is just a chim without a boot

And then I can explain how incorrect this chimper is..

[citizen smith]

Well 5.0ltr,

Whats wrong with a chimp!, perhaps thay don,t do "u" turns @ traffic lights like some others do, but they are still good entry TVR,s.

I,ve had quite a few different models of the brand and they are all special in there own way. Some fast some slow but who cares, there individual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[V8 GRF]

citizen smith said:

Well 5.0ltr,

Whats wrong with a chimp!, perhaps thay don,t do "u" turns @ traffic lights like some others do, but they are still good entry TVRs.

Can't disagree with that a 'good entry TVR' before you decide to 'upgrade' to a Griff

[Telsa]

Wow.

Thanks for the awesome replies guys. I will chuck that TVR OC an e-mail, but are there no common PH meets?

I'm aware there is some slight ah, 'contest' between the Griff and Chim owners. I'm afraid I prefer the Chim. We can all live in nice V8 harmony, right?

My budget is 9k absolute max, and I don't mind having to travel for the right vehicle. I would prefer to spend less, and have some money in the bank for any unexpected problems / the first time I stuff it into a tree. 7-8k would make me more comfortable, but I'm happy to be flexable for the right vehicle.

Any PHers selling? I would love to find a well looked after example with forum history, specifically one with the outriggers done. I'm not shy working on cars myself, and will give anything a go, but I don't want to have to worry about underside corrosion :-)

Does that sound achievable on that budget?

[P400PLS]

Telsa,

There is a monthly PH Breakfast meeting at Kemble AV8 Cafe on the last Sunday of each month,
http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
(skip the first few pages, start at page 6 for photos)

Looks like being Sunday 26th this month but check the thread updates for confirmation of this.

There has been 2 / 3 Chimaeras when I have been there, unfortunately I won't be there this month or I would be pleased to show you round my car.

Edited by P400PLS on Tuesday 7th August 08:03

[scotty_d]

This is a very tidy one with lots or recent work owned by a PHer as well.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4073348.htm

[Hot1]

Well I have had an s2000 sold it and brought a chim! Just Do it! The sense of occasasion and the sound alone is worthwhile! Sadly I sold mine about four months ago due to it being my only car and being to expensive as a daily run! Do I regret it........ Yes every day! Many on here say once you have a TVR it is in your blood and you will get another if you sell! They are right i will be buying again in the future with intentions of a life time keeper! There is just nothing that matches them for the money! Good luck with your search, this is a fantastic forum with some great members who will be able to give you some fantastic advise!

[citizen smith]

Telsa,

If you have a look at the TVRCC website in the For Sale section, there is a nice low mileage "N"reg (1996) Blue one for sale (WOKINHAM area).

I looked at it with a view to buy, all it really needs is a set of carpets. The owner has spent a lot of money on it and owned it for many years.

Good luck with the hunt