Anybody know this car?

Anybody know this car?

Author
Discussion

Jhcolling

Original Poster:

72 posts

133 months

Thursday 26th January 2017
quotequote all
TJC46 said:
I know you are looking in the Chimaera section, but i have just spotted this on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Griffith-Very-Rare-P...

Full chassis rebuild, nitron suspension and an early pre-cat griff.

A fantastic car all round,especially to drive, and a surefire investment.
Ive tried to like the Griff but I can't, I really don't like the look of the rear end. boxedin

l6rth

452 posts

163 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
The chimaera in the first post is a beauty if a but pricey. Mine is now available
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

l6rth

452 posts

163 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
Just noticed the red on the door pillars pointed out by someone else, that not good for a car with that price tag.

Jhcolling

Original Poster:

72 posts

133 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
Well i have had a very educational weekend, Ian was a great help and extremely knowledgeable. I am looking at another tomorrow, its bloody miles away so i hope it is worth the trip.
Anybody know it?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C800670

ClassicChimaera

12,424 posts

149 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
I don't know the car but from the pictures it looks a good solid example. Nice clean chassis
If that checks out I think I'd be very please at that price. thumbup

TR4man

5,227 posts

174 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
Jhcolling said:
Well i have had a very educational weekend, Ian was a great help and extremely knowledgeable. I am looking at another tomorrow, its bloody miles away so i hope it is worth the trip.
Anybody know it?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C800670
It does look a very nice example and very keenly priced too!

If you do buy it, please promise that one of the first things you'll do is to remove that ridiculous TVR badge on the rear?

TV8

3,122 posts

175 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
OP, the first car you linked was priced around £25k.

There is someone posting on here who has one of the finest cars you will see, for sale or otherwise, and who maybe thinking about selling.

It has been suggested, by some of the regulars, that the car is worth £30k+ and the owner of the car is suggesting a value in the high £20s for a quick sale.

If I was in the market for a car at that sort of value, I would be in touch with the OP from this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

andy43

9,722 posts

254 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
This one's tidy. Very roughly in my head I've counted up about 9k in upgrades - the interior and engine look lovely.

Jhcolling

Original Poster:

72 posts

133 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
TV8 said:
OP, the first car you linked was priced around £25k.

There is someone posting on here who has one of the finest cars you will see, for sale or otherwise, and who maybe thinking about selling.

It has been suggested, by some of the regulars, that the car is worth £30k+ and the owner of the car is suggesting a value in the high £20s for a quick sale.

If I was in the market for a car at that sort of value, I would be in touch with the OP from this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've seen the thread, with my limited insight it is clear to see the car is owned by a real enthusiast and IMO should remain that way. I am still learning and that is not a beginners car. Here to be corrected.

TV8

3,122 posts

175 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
Jhcolling said:
I've seen the thread, with my limited insight it is clear to see the car is owned by a real enthusiast and IMO should remain that way. I am still learning and that is not a beginners car. Here to be corrected.
We are all beginners once!

Special cars are few and far between. Its a lot easier (and cheaper!) to drive a fast one slower than it is to make a slow one faster! I think I have seen the car but dont know it or the owner but if I was in the market for a top end car, I would definitely have a chat with the owner

TJC46

2,148 posts

206 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
Jhcolling said:
I've seen the thread, with my limited insight it is clear to see the car is owned by a real enthusiast and IMO should remain that way. I am still learning and that is not a beginners car. Here to be corrected.
John i see in your profile you are from "up north" If you need any pointers as to what is a good un or a dog then get in touch.

I know you probably cannot wait to own a Chimaera but take your time and view plenty. As you have said you are still learning, but with your budget i would be looking for a car that has had a full body of chassis restoration.

Replacing the outriggers is good, but with the body off......usually everything gets replaced. Fuel lines , brake lines, wishbones front and rear, suspension bushes etc, etc. engine, gearbox and diff usually also get sorted.

I know i have been there and done that. What started as outrigger replacement ended up as a total restoration.

Is my car for sale........no it is not.....its a keeper but is exactly the sort of car you should look for.

What was your opinion on the car in Cheshire ?

Jhcolling

Original Poster:

72 posts

133 months

Monday 30th January 2017
quotequote all
TJC46 said:
John i see in your profile you are from "up north" If you need any pointers as to what is a good un or a dog then get in touch.

I know you probably cannot wait to own a Chimaera but take your time and view plenty. As you have said you are still learning, but with your budget i would be looking for a car that has had a full body of chassis restoration.

Replacing the outriggers is good, but with the body off......usually everything gets replaced. Fuel lines , brake lines, wishbones front and rear, suspension bushes etc, etc. engine, gearbox and diff usually also get sorted.

I know i have been there and done that. What started as outrigger replacement ended up as a total restoration.

Is my car for sale........no it is not.....its a keeper but is exactly the sort of car you should look for.

What was your opinion on the car in Cheshire ?
The car in cheshire was better than expected, i just think it is over priced but i have not ruled it out. Ive decided not to proceed with the car I looked at today so the search continues
To what extent should i be concerned about mileage? If two cars are of identical condition, one has 100k on the clock but had a full rebuild the other is a 30k car that has just been serviced regularly, which should i be leaning towards?

If anybody is thinking of selling then please do get in touch.

TJC46

2,148 posts

206 months

Monday 30th January 2017
quotequote all
Jhcolling said:
The car in cheshire was better than expected, i just think it is over priced but i have not ruled it out. Ive decided not to proceed with the car I looked at today so the search continues
To what extent should i be concerned about mileage? If two cars are of identical condition, one has 100k on the clock but had a full rebuild the other is a 30k car that has just been serviced regularly, which should i be leaning towards?

If anybody is thinking of selling then please do get in touch.
I think its best to keep in mind that the last of the model from 2003 is now 14 years old and the oldest from 1992 is 25 years old. They will ALL have some history.

A car with low mileage means not much use.

A car with high mileage is not a major issue but the engine will need a rebuild at some time.

Consensus on this forum is these cars need to be used, so its trying to find a happy medium somewhere in between.

A car with a full engine rebuild from a reputable source can only be a good thing, and its one less job to do in the future.

All this is relevant if you intend to keep the car for a while.

If you fancy a bit of fun for a few years and then sell on,then a low mileage with service history would be fine.

N7GTX

7,870 posts

143 months

Tuesday 31st January 2017
quotequote all
Just a small pointer re mileage. Many cars have or had faulty speedometers where the main fault is that the odometer stops working. Some stop at 49999 and need a whack to get them moving. Others die. The speedo will be fine on the road test but not many will bother to check if the mileometer is recording the journey as they are too busy enjoying themselves to notice scratchchin
They are repairable, early or late cars, so all is not lost.

mart 63

2,070 posts

244 months

Tuesday 31st January 2017
quotequote all
The Fernhurst 500 in blue looks a bargain.

TJC46

2,148 posts

206 months

Tuesday 31st January 2017
quotequote all
mart 63 said:
The Fernhurst 500 in blue looks a bargain.
This one yes

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

TR4man

5,227 posts

174 months

Tuesday 31st January 2017
quotequote all
TJC46 said:
mart 63 said:
The Fernhurst 500 in blue looks a bargain.
This one yes

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Oh yes, that's a beaut.

John - get yourself on a train to Surrey pdq!

N7GTX

7,870 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
quotequote all
Is that rust on the front chassis rail in picture 10? Rocker cover could do with a clean? Heater pipes could do with a polish/paint?

Phone the company first as they may be selling this car without warranty. They will provide you with a list of all work required if this is the case. They did this with a Cerbera I wanted and were very upfront and truthful when describing the car. Don't let this put you off though.

Edited by N7GTX on Wednesday 1st February 14:16

ianwayne

6,295 posts

268 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
quotequote all
I have a 2000 year Chimaera. That section of the chassis rail is often untreated because the chassis number is stamped there.

Earlier models I've noticed have a plate welded on there with the VIN number on. I don't know if it was a change in practice or a bit random!

Jhcolling

Original Poster:

72 posts

133 months

Thursday 2nd February 2017
quotequote all
Well, I've agreed in principle to buy the car I viewed last weekend. I hope to be the owner in the next weeks or sobounce. I would like to say a massive thanks to everybody who has helped me in the search and to the (many) people who contacted me via email with all their insight too.

I started out looking for a finished car and have end up buying an original one that needs a bit of TLC, this decision was primarily made as i have learnt that a restored car is not the be all and end all and there is no guarantee that corners have been cut along the way. I now get to be in control of what gets done and when, the car will also feel more mine.

I have already started my shopping list, Initially i will start with the AP Racing 4-Pot Caliper And 2-Piece 315x28mm Disc Kit and the Gaz Gold Pro shocks. The car has a bit of road rash on the front so i will probably get the font end sprayed and the rear screen needs replacing.

I am also looking for a set of wheels, what you all think of this?