First TVR. Chim, Cerb or Griff?
Discussion
As above. I'm looking to get one next summer, long way off I know but it's not like any car is have bought before. I'd probably do no more than 5000 miles a year, I have a van for work and my mrs has her little hatchback.
£12000 is the realistic budget but I'd borrow money/save longer if necessary.
I'm leaning towards a Cerb 4.5 at the moment, probably because it's the fastest and I don't want to buy a "lesser" model and spend my time driving it wondering "what if".
What are going to be the running costs of each, and which is the least savage?
£12000 is the realistic budget but I'd borrow money/save longer if necessary.
I'm leaning towards a Cerb 4.5 at the moment, probably because it's the fastest and I don't want to buy a "lesser" model and spend my time driving it wondering "what if".
What are going to be the running costs of each, and which is the least savage?
ADM06 said:
If £12k will get a naff Cerb what will a good one cost?
Have a look at James Agger's website for the answer to that. Cerberas are well known as money pits. Condition/history is crucial.
I have a Chim, and if I could afford two TVRs would have a Cerb as well, but not instead. The Chim is my first ever convertible, after 42 years driving, i never wanted a convertible, and now I would hate not to be able to take the roof off. Went out three times in it today, roof off, loving the fresh air and the sound.
If it was my £12k, I would buy in the winter for better prices, take someone with me who knows what to look for, and buy a really good 450 or 500 Chim that has had the chassis restored and has a good service history.
12 months ago I didn't do any of that, and have in one year just paid as much again as I paid forthr car to upgrade the power and fix all the problems.
Watching with interest. It's a debate that has been had many times before, but it doesn't get any less interesting. I'll be finding myself in a similar situation later in the year. Head says Chim, but I do love the look of the Cerb. I think if I do get a Cerb I'll save a few thousand and go for a Speed Six that has benefitted from a rebuild from one of the well known specialists. It would seem that ten grand bags a nice Chim but you need fifteen for a really nice Speed Six Cerb. Or I could save myself some money and indulge my schoolboy fantasy with a lovely Wedge! 
FreeLitres said:
Chimaera 500!!!!!!!
Griff performance at a reduced cost!
This one might be available at Hexham Horseless Carriages with LOADS of money spent on it recently to get all those little jobs done...
That's fantastic, love the colour and the gen. 2 lights. It's a bit early though, I'm talking about next summer.Griff performance at a reduced cost!
This one might be available at Hexham Horseless Carriages with LOADS of money spent on it recently to get all those little jobs done...
What's the servicing like on a Chim? I assume it's a simpler routine but does it still involve checking/shimming the tappets? I've never done this but it doesn't scare me. I'm quite happy changing oil and filters.
ADM06 said:
That's fantastic, love the colour and the gen. 2 lights. It's a bit early though, I'm talking about next summer.
What's the servicing like on a Chim? I assume it's a simpler routine but does it still involve checking/shimming the tappets? I've never done this but it doesn't scare me. I'm quite happy changing oil and filters.
The Rover V8 tend to be a lotless hassle than the S6 or Cerb V8s. Overall, the RV8 cars (Wedge, Chim, Griff) are cheaper to run in general. All TVRs are great though, so which ever you get you will be chuffed. It was a close call between a Chim500 and a Tamora for me. I've always loved the Cerb V8 most of all, but I wasn't in the position to manage the higher running costs at the time of buying. I like the Chim as it looks a bit like a Cerb plus I wanted a soft top.What's the servicing like on a Chim? I assume it's a simpler routine but does it still involve checking/shimming the tappets? I've never done this but it doesn't scare me. I'm quite happy changing oil and filters.
Good look with your decision!
The engines drive very differently. The V8s have massive low down torque and a great rumble but only rev to about 6k, whereas the Speed Six engine note has all the charisma of a concrete drill and the power comes higher up the rev range, and at full chat it sounds epic.
Also the pedals are floor hinged on the speed sixes, which personally puts me off the otherwise excellent speed sixes.
Drive nth thoroughly before you choose.
Also the pedals are floor hinged on the speed sixes, which personally puts me off the otherwise excellent speed sixes.
Drive nth thoroughly before you choose.
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff