How to put a smile back on my face?
Discussion
So here I am in my late 60's, still a bit of a petrol-head nutter, with previous... (sorry..no, yer Honour...not that kind of previous!)... and still lamenting the sale of my Ultima Avalanche (self-named GTR) 2 years ago, after building it over 7 years.
Why did I sell it?
I keep asking that very question! ...but a pending house-move/ repurchase + knee problems + Wife hated it + someone quite rich waving wads of cash in-front of me, persuaded me in a moment of weakness!
...and OoooH, do I miss that V8 power (650 horses actually)... but needs must...
So, here I am , still feeling pretty fed up, with something missing in my life!
Funds are not what they were, and I have spent many an hour perusing all the (non)-options.... you know.. classics...noble.. etc etc, flights of fancy, etc
Even took out a brand new V8 Mustang for a test drive... must be something wrong with me... I was expect the 'buzz', or some semblance of the same feelings I got when starting up the Ultima and 'gunning' it down the road.... but...Naaaaah! - Too heavy, too under-tuned... too boring, nothing to tinker with or improve (without massive wads of cash!)
TVR came up into the frame when my Brother popped over after many yonks not seeing him, in a....... chimera.... with a grin from ear-to-ear!
Indeed, I then remembered the trip to and from Le Mans classic in my Ultima in convoy with all sorts, including a Chimera, and a rather nice 'one-off' Sagaris with a Carbon shell if I remember rightly... still got the pictures & vids!
..and so, I have around 25k budget, would prefer a V8, or able to do a v8 conversion..... a TVR is on the cards..... any ideas chaps?
Why did I sell it?
I keep asking that very question! ...but a pending house-move/ repurchase + knee problems + Wife hated it + someone quite rich waving wads of cash in-front of me, persuaded me in a moment of weakness!
...and OoooH, do I miss that V8 power (650 horses actually)... but needs must...
So, here I am , still feeling pretty fed up, with something missing in my life!
Funds are not what they were, and I have spent many an hour perusing all the (non)-options.... you know.. classics...noble.. etc etc, flights of fancy, etc
Even took out a brand new V8 Mustang for a test drive... must be something wrong with me... I was expect the 'buzz', or some semblance of the same feelings I got when starting up the Ultima and 'gunning' it down the road.... but...Naaaaah! - Too heavy, too under-tuned... too boring, nothing to tinker with or improve (without massive wads of cash!)
TVR came up into the frame when my Brother popped over after many yonks not seeing him, in a....... chimera.... with a grin from ear-to-ear!
Indeed, I then remembered the trip to and from Le Mans classic in my Ultima in convoy with all sorts, including a Chimera, and a rather nice 'one-off' Sagaris with a Carbon shell if I remember rightly... still got the pictures & vids!
..and so, I have around 25k budget, would prefer a V8, or able to do a v8 conversion..... a TVR is on the cards..... any ideas chaps?
My recommendation would be a late well sorted Griffith 500 (all the Noise and Exhilleration that you may desire). You should be able to get one within your budget - Buy Privately!
Go to a Dealers and test drive a few models that may be of interest to you, but the Rover V8 is the cheapest to Engine maintain and quite open to modifications.
Go to a Dealers and test drive a few models that may be of interest to you, but the Rover V8 is the cheapest to Engine maintain and quite open to modifications.
A later, more sorted one isnt what you need if you enjoy the tinkering/fettling/refining process of using your skills & time to get it to what you're happy with?
You'll be able to take your pic from the rougher Chimera/Griffs out there (but make sure the chassis is ok, or budget for repair/replacement, but at least you'll know you're starting from a solid frame).
Perhaps a late 60's/early 70's one that needs work (a lot), & which when done up, should make you money to, as well as saving some British motoring heritage? You can see in their curves where the Chimera came from. No car tax either? This generation a bit more difficult to get in/out of though if that's an issue.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Have fun with whatever you choose.
You'll be able to take your pic from the rougher Chimera/Griffs out there (but make sure the chassis is ok, or budget for repair/replacement, but at least you'll know you're starting from a solid frame).
Perhaps a late 60's/early 70's one that needs work (a lot), & which when done up, should make you money to, as well as saving some British motoring heritage? You can see in their curves where the Chimera came from. No car tax either? This generation a bit more difficult to get in/out of though if that's an issue.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Have fun with whatever you choose.
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