Wedge/Chimaera/Griffith
Discussion
TVR wannabe here. Always wanted a TVR, feel I'm going to get one within the next six months.
I've always set my heart on a Wedge but, many thanks to PH, I have been wondering about other models.
Now, here the question:
If a Wedge can be bought for £6,000, a Chimaera for £12,000 and a Griffith for £18,000 (yes, I know, very rough prices), is a Chimp twice the fun* as a Wedge, or indeed, is a Griffith three times as much?
I've always set my heart on a Wedge but, many thanks to PH, I have been wondering about other models.
Now, here the question:
If a Wedge can be bought for £6,000, a Chimaera for £12,000 and a Griffith for £18,000 (yes, I know, very rough prices), is a Chimp twice the fun* as a Wedge, or indeed, is a Griffith three times as much?
- fun, also includes general driving experience and lack of breakdowns!
I'm a relative TVR newbie having purchased my chimaera this year.
I don't think the money/value thing stacks up at all as they will just be selling themselves to your heart.
I went out planning on getting a Wedge as it was a boyhood dream but when I looked at a few, it just wasn't for me but I'm sure it would have been just as much fun as my Chimaera.
The Chim and Griff are basically the same car underneath, both have engine sizes from 4 to 5 litres, so they 'should' be equal fun.
You'll pay more for a Griff but it 'should' be worth more when you sell it. The Chimaera has a bigger boot if you intend to go travelling in it.
Go and see a few, I'm sure your heart will tell you what to buy.
Best of luck.
I don't think the money/value thing stacks up at all as they will just be selling themselves to your heart.
I went out planning on getting a Wedge as it was a boyhood dream but when I looked at a few, it just wasn't for me but I'm sure it would have been just as much fun as my Chimaera.
The Chim and Griff are basically the same car underneath, both have engine sizes from 4 to 5 litres, so they 'should' be equal fun.
You'll pay more for a Griff but it 'should' be worth more when you sell it. The Chimaera has a bigger boot if you intend to go travelling in it.
Go and see a few, I'm sure your heart will tell you what to buy.
Best of luck.
Edited by A900ss on Friday 29th November 17:29
Yes, generally there is something a bit special about the sound from the pre-cat cars. You should include a pre-cat Griffith in that group as well. While I'll never ever part from my Griff, if I was looking around across such a wide price range, then I'd also take a Tamora for a test drive.
A Chim/ Griff really shouldn't be 2-3 times the price of a Wedge. Yes they are dynamically better, handle better out of the box etc, but as a fun car to own the Wedges are just awesome....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvte-aGX4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvte-aGX4U
I love the outside of the wedges, loath the slab dashboard.
It's personal. I prefer the Chimaera to the Griff, but on a smaller budget I think you would be amazed how fast an S is. There are a couple of versions, and some nice ones on Classifieds. I love the S1 interior......one of these days I might just buy one.
It's personal. I prefer the Chimaera to the Griff, but on a smaller budget I think you would be amazed how fast an S is. There are a couple of versions, and some nice ones on Classifieds. I love the S1 interior......one of these days I might just buy one.
Owned a chimaera and driven a couple of wedges.
Chimaera is better to live day to day with, feels much more refined, bigger boot and is more recognised by passers by "as a TVR". I used it as an every day car and done 10k in 6 months with it.
Wedges are much louder, I think they look excellent, especially the SE versions with the flared wheel arches and massive scoop on the rear bumper. I don't know if I could use it as an everyday car.
The decision to buy a TVR is never a rational one.
Chimaera is better to live day to day with, feels much more refined, bigger boot and is more recognised by passers by "as a TVR". I used it as an every day car and done 10k in 6 months with it.
Wedges are much louder, I think they look excellent, especially the SE versions with the flared wheel arches and massive scoop on the rear bumper. I don't know if I could use it as an everyday car.
The decision to buy a TVR is never a rational one.
Having personally owned an 'S', 2 Wedges, Chimaera and a Griff this year I think your decision will be based on budget and personal preference - generally speaking an S/Wedge will feel more old school in terms of handling/refinement but will give you as much smiles per £ than anything on the planet.
I say generally as so many cars will have been changed from original so shocks/brakes/cam/ECU etc will influence any decision... equally later cars can be 'decatted' or sleeved to suit your personal taste.
Buy with your heart and on condition reflected in the price but be wary of paying over the odds as it is a very rare car that will not nned money spending on it in some way....
Good luck in your decision and search.
Paul.
I say generally as so many cars will have been changed from original so shocks/brakes/cam/ECU etc will influence any decision... equally later cars can be 'decatted' or sleeved to suit your personal taste.
Buy with your heart and on condition reflected in the price but be wary of paying over the odds as it is a very rare car that will not nned money spending on it in some way....
Good luck in your decision and search.
Paul.
I currently have a Griffith 500 but my 1st TVR was a 350i wedge. Both great so as said, follow the style which you like. I must say a £5000 wedge + £1000 fettling would be great value. Great thing about TVRs is all parts are available & most have been kept by enthusiasts. Have fun searching !
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