Dire decision to make!

[ASM]

Financial situation has led me to a dire decision on what to change my Griff 500 for? I cannot bring myself to owning anything other than TVR but I must downgrade to realise some cash. I figure a Chimp or early Griff may provide the answer but I would consider an S3? I don't need as an everyday car but condition is more important than age right now.
Any thoughts and please go easy as it's hurting like hell?

[hut49]

You don't say what year you're migrating from but if I had to do the same I think I would be looking to go for something completely different (within the TVR brand) rather than trading down to an older Griff. You'll always be making the comparison and resenting any outlay on things that weren't problems on your first-love.

As it sounds like you're looking for an occasional run-about, rather than a daily drive, I'd have a look around for a well-restored and cherished classic, perhaps an S3/S4 as you suggested, or perhaps a wedge? Did you already check the Classifieds?

[ASM]

Yeah sorry it's a 1999 with 14,000 miles and your right to move to a lesser Griff will just make things worse. I've had thoughts around a Chimp but would be very keen on a wedge or S (late derivative).

Of course I wouldn't expect either to have comparable performance but of the models suggested do you have a recommendation as I haven't driven either?

[RAW-SEWedge]

I had a wedge before my Griff and I'd have another one any day. Would have to be a 390 or 400 thou'

[jam1et]

Depending on how much cash you have left for the car I'd stump up for a V8S. Still got that nice V8 engine and the drop top but different enough that you wont be comparing it to your Griff all the time.

[thegamekeeper]

450SE perhaps

[ASM]

I've always loved the wedge cars anyway so it will not be considered by me as a come down.
Apart from the TVR club mag do you know of anywhere else where a good car could be found or more information gained?

[RAW-SEWedge]

ASM said:

..do you know of anywhere else where a good car could be found or more information gained?

This is the problem, good ones don't come up very often and they are all going to be getting on a bit now. Mine came from DavidGeralds in Inkberrow and it was a very nice car.

Try PH, Autotrader and ask on the Wedge forum.

[Pies]

V8S are going fairly cheaply now,but buy what you fancy as you will be driving it etc

Whatever you get will be fun and better than any eurobox

[simpo two]

I'd have a V8S. Not only pretty and rare but an uncatted 4.0 as well - sounds just like a precat Griff. Now selling at under £10K.

S3s are nice too (I had one) but you will feel very down on grunt. Cheaper to run though.

[ASM]

Guys,
Thanks for your suggestions you have been very helpful and although this is the first time I have used the forum I have been impressed by the help and comment available.
Cheers

[Edt]

A V8S would get my vote too... was very close to making the same decsision as you but the Motoring Gods smiled on me & some work came my way.

Ed

[lazyitus]

RAW-SEWedge said:

I had a wedge before my Griff and I'd have another one any day. Would have to be a 390 or 400 thou'

Ditto - I still miss the Wedge but I know one day I WILL own another.

[ASM]

Yep your right I think a big wedge or V8S will fit the bill.

As my scuffer will have to drive on occasion (yes I know and I'm likley to be drunk or probably need to be). Did either model come with pas as standard or was it optional?

[shpub]

No PAS on V8S... optional on big wedges but only retrofittable if the chassis is PAS compatible and has the kinked strut that provides the clearance.

[rick.e]

One point nobody here mentione. Having owned an S2, and S3 (each 10 years old when I sold them) and now a year 2000 Griff, I can say if you really are hard up an S will cost a fraction of the running costs of a V8 as they are so easy to do everything on. An S will also get far more admiring glances than a Chimp due to rarity.