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

[Andy Meads]

Hello all.

TVR as a marque has always interested me, but I feel I lack knowledge as to the best place to enter the fray. I have had a range of cars in the past and I am thinking of a change later this year or early next. I miss the MX5 I used to have and have been considering a Mk IV, perhaps with some enhancement from BBR. But costing that up made me realise that there might be a more interesting path to follow, albeit one that I suspect might have some pitfalls for the unwary. Like me.

I do tend to play it safe when choosing cars: I currently have a M135i; the MX5 I already mentioned. Probably the more interesting end of my spectrum - a matter of debate, I know - has been a 996 C4 or, perhaps, the Mk IV R32 I had when they were newly released.

Even allowing for discounts, by the time I buy a new MX 5 Sport Nav (which is the one I would get) and have it sorted at BBR, it will be around £25k, I suspect. I know I don't have to have anything done to it, but my research, when allied to my experience of a Mk III, tells me that the suspension will probably need some improvement. And it would be rude not to have the Super 190 upgrade, or whatever its equivalent will be by then.

All of which made me wonder when I saw some very nice TVRs on the Str8six website for not much more. And I would wager they will hold their value better than a modified new MX5.

So, with apologies for the long lead-in, is there a definitive place I can go to educate myself in a general sense (aside from reading the many threads here!)? A search shows that there is nothing recent, although that might be my poor forum searching skills. I am interested in learnings about the relative merits of the later TVRs, although frankly I doubt I'd run to a Sagaris. At the moment, I like the look of the Tuscan, but that is an uninformed decision. Whilst I have a basic understanding, I get the strong impression that there is a huge amount of enthusiast knowledge based on ownership experience over many years. Surely there is a repository for it!

Thanks for reading and indulging what is, I must accept, a bit of a "what car?" thread.

Andy

Edited by Andy Meads on Sunday 21st August 11:58

[Andy Meads]

jimed said:

As far as I know there isn't a general guide. One idea might be to have a chat with the local TVRCC region RO (can get his/her details from TVRCC website) and go along to one of their meets and have a chat to some of the members. That way you will get some ideas of the experience of owners and also maybe a good look at some of the cars. It all helps. Good luck with the search - it will be worth it!
Jim

Thanks Jim. That's good advice.

Andy

[Andy Meads]

Big Al. said:

I have a Chim buyer Guide I could send you, drop me a mail if you are interested.

Thanks very much - done!

Andy

[Andy Meads]

Thanks for all the replies - apart from anything else, there is a great community around these cars and that will only add to the experience.

I will follow up on the comments you have all made and the information you have given.

Thanks again,

Andy

[Andy Meads]

Thanks again for the input.

As to usage, the reality is that I doubt I'd be tracking it. So it'll be a bit of a weekend toy. I wouldn't propose to use it as a regular daily, but on occasion I might, if the conditions allow.

I would certainly have the sense to treat it with a healthy level of respect: I don't arrogate Driving God status to mysel, but I believe I have a good understanding of car control and a strong sense of responsibility when I am on the road.

I would be selling the BMW. We have a family bus and as we are getting a dog soon I am intending to buy an old V70 that I could also commute in when not cycling to the station.

I suppose I like the idea of something different; more mechanical with an interesting back story. The mechanical characteristics really appeal. By constrast, as competent as my M135 is, I would like more connection.

I also like the community around these cars. The friendly replies on here are an example. That October show looks like a great idea!

Thanks again,

Andy

[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

[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

[Andy Meads]

LeeHodges said:

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

Good luck with the move.

[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

[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!