Newbie looking for some advice
Discussion
Dear All,
I have been a regular visitor of PH for many a year now though this is my first post. I am currently deciding on a new car for 2010 and i have a real itch for a muscle car, but a british one. I have looked at the American variants and have an idea that if I went down that road something like a 69 Camaro or a 69 Chevelle would do the trick. But i can't pull myself away from the WOW factor that TVR brings...
I have been driving a 2004 Civic Type R for the last 5 years, mostly due to the fact I have 9 points and insurance is just about do-able. I really enjoy the fun factor of the car, the modifications i have done, the track days, and that it is different to the everyday VW, Audi. I have been fortunate enough that the old man is a bit of a car nut and so i have had the privilage to drive Ferrari's and Porsches in the past and present. Ferrari's are special but i cannot afford the car AND the service when/if the thing goes wrong. Porsches (modern day ones) just seem all to plain. I can only speak of the Carrera S which i drive from time to time...it is very capable, just not as much fun as it should be.Which is why I want to go into the league of TVR, because of the indiviuality I suppose, I can't put a finger on it but i hope you understand what i mean...
However there is a small problem. I have constantly read up on this site about the faults of a TVR straight from the box and how people have themselves gone about sorting the problems themselves and in 99% of the cases i have read improved them. My knowledge of cars is not bad, but under the hood i am positively useless. Which has left me with a few questions...
Will i be able to experience the adrenaline factors of a TVR without having to meticulously know all the components of the chassis/engine from scratch?
Is it a better solution to step into the TVR world at the 350T/Tamora level rather than the Tuscan/Sagaris level?...If there is even a level
Sorry for the long and boring first post, but i really look forward to reading any input you may have...
Thanks again,
Raff
I have been a regular visitor of PH for many a year now though this is my first post. I am currently deciding on a new car for 2010 and i have a real itch for a muscle car, but a british one. I have looked at the American variants and have an idea that if I went down that road something like a 69 Camaro or a 69 Chevelle would do the trick. But i can't pull myself away from the WOW factor that TVR brings...
I have been driving a 2004 Civic Type R for the last 5 years, mostly due to the fact I have 9 points and insurance is just about do-able. I really enjoy the fun factor of the car, the modifications i have done, the track days, and that it is different to the everyday VW, Audi. I have been fortunate enough that the old man is a bit of a car nut and so i have had the privilage to drive Ferrari's and Porsches in the past and present. Ferrari's are special but i cannot afford the car AND the service when/if the thing goes wrong. Porsches (modern day ones) just seem all to plain. I can only speak of the Carrera S which i drive from time to time...it is very capable, just not as much fun as it should be.Which is why I want to go into the league of TVR, because of the indiviuality I suppose, I can't put a finger on it but i hope you understand what i mean...
However there is a small problem. I have constantly read up on this site about the faults of a TVR straight from the box and how people have themselves gone about sorting the problems themselves and in 99% of the cases i have read improved them. My knowledge of cars is not bad, but under the hood i am positively useless. Which has left me with a few questions...
Will i be able to experience the adrenaline factors of a TVR without having to meticulously know all the components of the chassis/engine from scratch?
Is it a better solution to step into the TVR world at the 350T/Tamora level rather than the Tuscan/Sagaris level?...If there is even a level
Sorry for the long and boring first post, but i really look forward to reading any input you may have...
Thanks again,
Raff
Raff
I, like you, am not gifted in the car maintenance skill set, I know a socket set from a wrench but not a great deal more than that. However, that hasnt stopped me from owning a TVR for the last 11 years (I think). Originally had a Chim, but 4 years ago bought a Tamora. Other than a couple of fairly small tasks, I have not needed to get very dirty. I have not had too much go wrong with either of my cars, but when something more complex needs doing, there are a fair few ex-dealers or indies who will be able to take it on. I am guessing that the tweaks you have done to the Type R have been done by a 'specialist' so a TVR should be no different.
Having a 'fix fund' would be recomended so that you can dip into it should the worst happen.
Saying that, I would suggest the T350/Tam/Sag type cars are not what I would call a muscle car, not in the American car sense. They are way more nimble around the lanes than that. Perhaps an older V8 engined car is closer to that genre, but still better!
I, like you, am not gifted in the car maintenance skill set, I know a socket set from a wrench but not a great deal more than that. However, that hasnt stopped me from owning a TVR for the last 11 years (I think). Originally had a Chim, but 4 years ago bought a Tamora. Other than a couple of fairly small tasks, I have not needed to get very dirty. I have not had too much go wrong with either of my cars, but when something more complex needs doing, there are a fair few ex-dealers or indies who will be able to take it on. I am guessing that the tweaks you have done to the Type R have been done by a 'specialist' so a TVR should be no different.
Having a 'fix fund' would be recomended so that you can dip into it should the worst happen.
Saying that, I would suggest the T350/Tam/Sag type cars are not what I would call a muscle car, not in the American car sense. They are way more nimble around the lanes than that. Perhaps an older V8 engined car is closer to that genre, but still better!
snorky said:
yeah what about the Chim/Griff level
Nah, better off sticking to the lower level cars, and working up to a Griff later on 
eta, on a more serious note, I like you OP was/am totally clueless under the bonnet. Having owned the car for nearly two years, having bought it with my eyes wide open as to what I was getting into, I can honestly say that I have learned a few things along the way and have found a very reliable specialist to carry out the bigger jobs if and when they occur. (and so far, touch wood, the car has behaved perfectly and my emergency budget is larger than I expected it to be at this point, and thats after quite a bit of non-essential bits that tempted me along the way !! ).
Certainly with the superior RV8 engined cars
, they are quite simple but effective beasts, and if you do get stuck there are plenty of people on here willing to give advice when needed.HTH
Edited by Mr MoJo on Friday 15th January 16:10
snorky said:
yeah what about the Chim/Griff level
they are also easier and cheaper when they go wrong.With regards to reliability, please remeber that most people only post comments on the problems they have, not how good and reliable there car is. I as well as many others have had relatively hassle free motoring from there TVR, with only service costs to pay.
Good luck, you wont regret it
Milky400 said:
snorky said:
yeah what about the Chim/Griff level
they are also easier and cheaper when they go wrong.With regards to reliability, please remeber that most people only post comments on the problems they have, not how good and reliable there car is. I as well as many others have had relatively hassle free motoring from there TVR, with only service costs to pay.
Good luck, you wont regret it
I think the search/testing will start very soon...
Hi,
I current own a Griff and Accord Type-r (previously an integra and a 400SE). The experiences of
both these cars are at opposite end of the scale in terms of costs , reliable and performance and handling, but they are united by a thread of being totally unique. I think both cars are great value for money and way you learn to drive them will provide you with lots of fun.
I current own a Griff and Accord Type-r (previously an integra and a 400SE). The experiences of
both these cars are at opposite end of the scale in terms of costs , reliable and performance and handling, but they are united by a thread of being totally unique. I think both cars are great value for money and way you learn to drive them will provide you with lots of fun.
Big Raff - ask yourself what do you want from the car?
If I understand your OP - you like big V8 muscle (presumably the soundtrack that comes with a large capacity naturally aspirated "traditional" crank off-beat rumble of a V8, and you like stunning looks?
Or do you want to explore the more track-day performance side of the sports car ownership, and look to develop good handling characteristics?
Or do you want a mix of the two - and are drawn to TVRs because fo their stunning / gorgeous looks, AND their mind-blowing performance?
If you are looking for massive V8 rumble as a higher priority - then you need to be looking at the "rover" V8 engined cars:
The Wedge is the original bad boy - but these are getting fairly old now, and I suppose that some home spanner weilding skills helps owners keep the overall costs down. And the looks are very "period" - I think that they are visually aresting, loved them when they came out - but I prefer the newer models. You would get a lower purchase cost - but high maintenance costs due to it's age. I think they came in 2.8 and 3.5 engined versions - but there are a few rare 4.2 litre models. I was fortunate enough to have a passenger ride in a track focused 350 - good fun, great noise, the driver slide it round Cadwell very impressively - but if it is out and out track / performance you are after - time has moved on and the later TVRs will eat it for breakfast (with HP sauce, I assume )
Next would be the Chimera - again with the rover V8, good looking car, and I've driven one on road and track (thanks Roly) and they're a lot of fun! Nowhere near as precise as the Civic, but a lot of "old skool" brute horepower rear wheel drive fun. These have a large boot, can be considered pretty reliable if looked after (mate uses his pretty much as daily driver over 6 years), and have reasonable purchase costs (in the region of £8k - £12k). Plenty of Chimera owners track or sprint or hill climb with them - handling can be sorted well.
The Griffith is arguably considered to be better looking (there is a FIERCE but light hearted debate between Griff and Chim owners on this ) and for many is the TVR that lifted TVR into the performance car elite - this is one car that has "future classic" written all over it. I've never driven one, but spoke to other owners and they can be made to handle with new shocks and a bit of tweaking. These are usualy prices a couple of grand higher than an equivilient Chimera (year for year, engine size etc) - probabaly due to supply and demand - there were more Chim's than Griff's made.
Then you move to the later models.
I own a Cerbera - therefore am totaly biased but know I own the best TVR model - but you need to consider whether you really want a drop top? The Cerb is a 2+2 coupe - therefore if you have any kids - this is really the only choice for you. A Cerbera will typically cost between £10-20K (I'd personally recommend that you buy on condition rather than price, and maybe if you can afford it to go for the later models perhaps £15-20K but this should get you a mint one) - but it is acknowledged that they can have higher running costs than the Rover engined cars. You also have a choice of 2 TVR manufactured engines - the AJP V8 or straight 6.
The AJP V8 has a flat plane crank - therefore you don't get the trad V8 "burble" - but by God it's a characterful engine and the sound on full chat will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Imagine two superbike engines joined together - and then overlaid with a racecar howl / scream and you are getting close.... I think that the Cerb is stunningly beautiful, a real classic design that is aging very well, and a truely fantastic car to drive.
If you are interested in trackdays - then the Cerb can well and truely hold it's own.
The Cerbera is also available with the straight 6 TVR designed and built engine, as are all the later cars (Tuscan, T350, Sagaris, Tamora). Early S6 engines did have a reputation for unreliability - there is a specific section on PH to go into that debate - but basically you should either look for a car that has had the all important rebuild (then you know it's up to later spec); buy an earlier cheaper car on condition, leaving a "rainy day" pot just in case, or go for a (more expensive purchase price) later model - where it is generally acknowledged that the earlier issues were pretty much solved.... I'm aware that this subject is a right can 'o worms - look for multiple threads on this issue on PH. (worth noting that Cerbs with AJP engine are typically valued a couple of grand more than equivilent S6 engined cars).
I've had a short drive in a Tuscan I and also a Cerbera with the S6 (Speed 6) engine - it's a great engine to drive, pulls like billy-o, sounds great, and has a great snap crackle and pop on the overun (an AJP V8 will also deliver stunning artillary sounds too
).
I personally love the looks of the Tuscan, both I and II - although I think the front headlight treatment of the Tuscan I looks more agressive. These cars have the advantage of the targa top and removable rear screen - therefore can be used as a coupe or open top. Tuscan I has a bit of a reputation for being a bit twitchy handling - but can easily be sorted (mainly suspension and set up I beleive). The Tuscan came with 3.6 or 4.0 Speed 6 engines. Why wouldn't you want the 4.0???? If you want to be noticed - the Tuscan will deliver that for you!
The Tamora's looks weren't everyone cuppa tea - but is is reputed to be a sweet handling car. I think these came with the 3.6 S6 - but you may find that when owners have had the rebuild they have upgraded to the 4.0 (or even the bigger bore aftermarket 4.3)...
The Sagaris is the ultimate track TVR - stunning looking, fast as fooooook (thanks Graham for my passanger ride round Cadwell - that orange Sag is PROPER QUICK), but you are probably looking at £35 - 40K + for one of those.
Then there is the T350 - the looks really grow on you and they definitely look better in the "flesh" - but it's a strictly two seater coupe (some have targa panels) - so it depends again whether you want the versatility of the Tuscan roof.......
Sorry this has been a bit long - but I supose what I'm trying to say it - the more modern TVRs handling got progressively better and better - and pretty much all of them would be good fun on the track. If you are after precise handling - then a bit of money spent on shocks and set up (this is easily done for under a grand, or you could spend twice this and get proper Ohlins or Nitron) will transform the car - particularly if it's on original shocks.
If you are well and truely hooked on old skool US muscle car sounds - then go for a Rover V8
If you want performance, handling, sound - then don't discount the AJPV8 or Speed 6 engined cars.
As for maintenance - well, TVRs are known for providing serious performance for the purchase price (both new and 2nd hand) - and you don't want to skimp on maintaining a car that it easily capable of 160 - 180 mph.......
My advice - buy on condition, get inspected, go to TVR meetings to get a look and feel and also chat to owners, look at a few first, then ENJOY
Buy one - you will not regret it!
If I understand your OP - you like big V8 muscle (presumably the soundtrack that comes with a large capacity naturally aspirated "traditional" crank off-beat rumble of a V8, and you like stunning looks?
Or do you want to explore the more track-day performance side of the sports car ownership, and look to develop good handling characteristics?
Or do you want a mix of the two - and are drawn to TVRs because fo their stunning / gorgeous looks, AND their mind-blowing performance?
If you are looking for massive V8 rumble as a higher priority - then you need to be looking at the "rover" V8 engined cars:
The Wedge is the original bad boy - but these are getting fairly old now, and I suppose that some home spanner weilding skills helps owners keep the overall costs down. And the looks are very "period" - I think that they are visually aresting, loved them when they came out - but I prefer the newer models. You would get a lower purchase cost - but high maintenance costs due to it's age. I think they came in 2.8 and 3.5 engined versions - but there are a few rare 4.2 litre models. I was fortunate enough to have a passenger ride in a track focused 350 - good fun, great noise, the driver slide it round Cadwell very impressively - but if it is out and out track / performance you are after - time has moved on and the later TVRs will eat it for breakfast (with HP sauce, I assume
)Next would be the Chimera - again with the rover V8, good looking car, and I've driven one on road and track (thanks Roly) and they're a lot of fun! Nowhere near as precise as the Civic, but a lot of "old skool" brute horepower rear wheel drive fun. These have a large boot, can be considered pretty reliable if looked after (mate uses his pretty much as daily driver over 6 years), and have reasonable purchase costs (in the region of £8k - £12k). Plenty of Chimera owners track or sprint or hill climb with them - handling can be sorted well.
The Griffith is arguably considered to be better looking (there is a FIERCE but light hearted debate between Griff and Chim owners on this
) and for many is the TVR that lifted TVR into the performance car elite - this is one car that has "future classic" written all over it. I've never driven one, but spoke to other owners and they can be made to handle with new shocks and a bit of tweaking. These are usualy prices a couple of grand higher than an equivilient Chimera (year for year, engine size etc) - probabaly due to supply and demand - there were more Chim's than Griff's made.Then you move to the later models.
I own a Cerbera - therefore am totaly biased but know I own the best TVR model
- but you need to consider whether you really want a drop top? The Cerb is a 2+2 coupe - therefore if you have any kids - this is really the only choice for you. A Cerbera will typically cost between £10-20K (I'd personally recommend that you buy on condition rather than price, and maybe if you can afford it to go for the later models perhaps £15-20K but this should get you a mint one) - but it is acknowledged that they can have higher running costs than the Rover engined cars. You also have a choice of 2 TVR manufactured engines - the AJP V8 or straight 6.The AJP V8 has a flat plane crank - therefore you don't get the trad V8 "burble" - but by God it's a characterful engine and the sound on full chat will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Imagine two superbike engines joined together - and then overlaid with a racecar howl / scream and you are getting close....
I think that the Cerb is stunningly beautiful, a real classic design that is aging very well, and a truely fantastic car to drive.If you are interested in trackdays - then the Cerb can well and truely hold it's own.
The Cerbera is also available with the straight 6 TVR designed and built engine, as are all the later cars (Tuscan, T350, Sagaris, Tamora). Early S6 engines did have a reputation for unreliability - there is a specific section on PH to go into that debate - but basically you should either look for a car that has had the all important rebuild (then you know it's up to later spec); buy an earlier cheaper car on condition, leaving a "rainy day" pot just in case, or go for a (more expensive purchase price) later model - where it is generally acknowledged that the earlier issues were pretty much solved.... I'm aware that this subject is a right can 'o worms - look for multiple threads on this issue on PH. (worth noting that Cerbs with AJP engine are typically valued a couple of grand more than equivilent S6 engined cars).
I've had a short drive in a Tuscan I and also a Cerbera with the S6 (Speed 6) engine - it's a great engine to drive, pulls like billy-o, sounds great, and has a great snap crackle and pop on the overun (an AJP V8 will also deliver stunning artillary sounds too
).I personally love the looks of the Tuscan, both I and II - although I think the front headlight treatment of the Tuscan I looks more agressive. These cars have the advantage of the targa top and removable rear screen - therefore can be used as a coupe or open top. Tuscan I has a bit of a reputation for being a bit twitchy handling - but can easily be sorted (mainly suspension and set up I beleive). The Tuscan came with 3.6 or 4.0 Speed 6 engines. Why wouldn't you want the 4.0???? If you want to be noticed - the Tuscan will deliver that for you!
The Tamora's looks weren't everyone cuppa tea - but is is reputed to be a sweet handling car. I think these came with the 3.6 S6 - but you may find that when owners have had the rebuild they have upgraded to the 4.0 (or even the bigger bore aftermarket 4.3)...
The Sagaris is the ultimate track TVR - stunning looking, fast as fooooook (thanks Graham for my passanger ride round Cadwell - that orange Sag is PROPER QUICK), but you are probably looking at £35 - 40K + for one of those.
Then there is the T350 - the looks really grow on you and they definitely look better in the "flesh" - but it's a strictly two seater coupe (some have targa panels) - so it depends again whether you want the versatility of the Tuscan roof.......
Sorry this has been a bit long - but I supose what I'm trying to say it - the more modern TVRs handling got progressively better and better - and pretty much all of them would be good fun on the track. If you are after precise handling - then a bit of money spent on shocks and set up (this is easily done for under a grand, or you could spend twice this and get proper Ohlins or Nitron) will transform the car - particularly if it's on original shocks.
If you are well and truely hooked on old skool US muscle car sounds - then go for a Rover V8
If you want performance, handling, sound - then don't discount the AJPV8 or Speed 6 engined cars.
As for maintenance - well, TVRs are known for providing serious performance for the purchase price (both new and 2nd hand) - and you don't want to skimp on maintaining a car that it easily capable of 160 - 180 mph.......
My advice - buy on condition, get inspected, go to TVR meetings to get a look and feel and also chat to owners, look at a few first, then ENJOY
Buy one - you will not regret it!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for that really thorough post, it has definately given me a lot of food for thought.
I suppose i am a little torn between the V8 thunder and the poise of atrack day car, but as you and others suggested tweeks can be made to ge tthe best of both worlds.
I would like to explore the idea of an open top, and i don't have kids so i am all clear on that side of things. So it is looking like it will be either the Tuscan/Griff/Tamora...The Sagaris would be awesome but i think what i am willing to spend and what is available wont add up (and to keep spare some rainy day funds)
I think i need to make my way down to a few meets like you said, get a feel for the obviouse close community TVR owners have...
Thanks again for all the advice, i will keep you updated on progress
Raff
Thanks for that really thorough post, it has definately given me a lot of food for thought.
I suppose i am a little torn between the V8 thunder and the poise of atrack day car, but as you and others suggested tweeks can be made to ge tthe best of both worlds.
I would like to explore the idea of an open top, and i don't have kids so i am all clear on that side of things. So it is looking like it will be either the Tuscan/Griff/Tamora...The Sagaris would be awesome but i think what i am willing to spend and what is available wont add up (and to keep spare some rainy day funds)
I think i need to make my way down to a few meets like you said, get a feel for the obviouse close community TVR owners have...
Thanks again for all the advice, i will keep you updated on progress
Raff
We had a TVR drag race day at York last year, and this vid shows a variety of models all gunning it down the strip, if you want to compare sounds and looks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-OKmHy3mg4
(the rocket-like fastest car is dbv8's nitroused Chimaera 450...blue with white bonnet stripe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-OKmHy3mg4
(the rocket-like fastest car is dbv8's nitroused Chimaera 450...blue with white bonnet stripe)
Edited by grahamw48 on Saturday 16th January 23:39
mikeinsheffield said:
Big Raff - ask yourself what do you want from the car?
If I understand your OP - you like big V8 muscle (presumably the soundtrack that comes with a large capacity naturally aspirated "traditional" crank off-beat rumble of a V8, and you like stunning looks?
Or do you want to explore the more track-day performance side of the sports car ownership, and look to develop good handling characteristics?
Or do you want a mix of the two - and are drawn to TVRs because fo their stunning / gorgeous looks, AND their mind-blowing performance?
If you are looking for massive V8 rumble as a higher priority - then you need to be looking at the "rover" V8 engined cars:
The Wedge is the original bad boy - but these are getting fairly old now, and I suppose that some home spanner weilding skills helps owners keep the overall costs down. And the looks are very "period" - I think that they are visually aresting, loved them when they came out - but I prefer the newer models. You would get a lower purchase cost - but high maintenance costs due to it's age. I think they came in 2.8 and 3.5 engined versions - but there are a few rare 4.2 litre models. I was fortunate enough to have a passenger ride in a track focused 350 - good fun, great noise, the driver slide it round Cadwell very impressively - but if it is out and out track / performance you are after - time has moved on and the later TVRs will eat it for breakfast (with HP sauce, I assume )
Next would be the Chimera - again with the rover V8, good looking car, and I've driven one on road and track (thanks Roly) and they're a lot of fun! Nowhere near as precise as the Civic, but a lot of "old skool" brute horepower rear wheel drive fun. These have a large boot, can be considered pretty reliable if looked after (mate uses his pretty much as daily driver over 6 years), and have reasonable purchase costs (in the region of £8k - £12k). Plenty of Chimera owners track or sprint or hill climb with them - handling can be sorted well.
The Griffith is arguably considered to be better looking (there is a FIERCE but light hearted debate between Griff and Chim owners on this ) and for many is the TVR that lifted TVR into the performance car elite - this is one car that has "future classic" written all over it. I've never driven one, but spoke to other owners and they can be made to handle with new shocks and a bit of tweaking. These are usualy prices a couple of grand higher than an equivilient Chimera (year for year, engine size etc) - probabaly due to supply and demand - there were more Chim's than Griff's made.
Then you move to the later models.
I own a Cerbera - therefore am totaly biased but know I own the best TVR model - but you need to consider whether you really want a drop top? The Cerb is a 2+2 coupe - therefore if you have any kids - this is really the only choice for you. A Cerbera will typically cost between £10-20K (I'd personally recommend that you buy on condition rather than price, and maybe if you can afford it to go for the later models perhaps £15-20K but this should get you a mint one) - but it is acknowledged that they can have higher running costs than the Rover engined cars. You also have a choice of 2 TVR manufactured engines - the AJP V8 or straight 6.
The AJP V8 has a flat plane crank - therefore you don't get the trad V8 "burble" - but by God it's a characterful engine and the sound on full chat will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Imagine two superbike engines joined together - and then overlaid with a racecar howl / scream and you are getting close.... I think that the Cerb is stunningly beautiful, a real classic design that is aging very well, and a truely fantastic car to drive.
If you are interested in trackdays - then the Cerb can well and truely hold it's own.
The Cerbera is also available with the straight 6 TVR designed and built engine, as are all the later cars (Tuscan, T350, Sagaris, Tamora). Early S6 engines did have a reputation for unreliability - there is a specific section on PH to go into that debate - but basically you should either look for a car that has had the all important rebuild (then you know it's up to later spec); buy an earlier cheaper car on condition, leaving a "rainy day" pot just in case, or go for a (more expensive purchase price) later model - where it is generally acknowledged that the earlier issues were pretty much solved.... I'm aware that this subject is a right can 'o worms - look for multiple threads on this issue on PH. (worth noting that Cerbs with AJP engine are typically valued a couple of grand more than equivilent S6 engined cars).
I've had a short drive in a Tuscan I and also a Cerbera with the S6 (Speed 6) engine - it's a great engine to drive, pulls like billy-o, sounds great, and has a great snap crackle and pop on the overun (an AJP V8 will also deliver stunning artillary sounds too ).
I personally love the looks of the Tuscan, both I and II - although I think the front headlight treatment of the Tuscan I looks more agressive. These cars have the advantage of the targa top and removable rear screen - therefore can be used as a coupe or open top. Tuscan I has a bit of a reputation for being a bit twitchy handling - but can easily be sorted (mainly suspension and set up I beleive). The Tuscan came with 3.6 or 4.0 Speed 6 engines. Why wouldn't you want the 4.0???? If you want to be noticed - the Tuscan will deliver that for you!
The Tamora's looks weren't everyone cuppa tea - but is is reputed to be a sweet handling car. I think these came with the 3.6 S6 - but you may find that when owners have had the rebuild they have upgraded to the 4.0 (or even the bigger bore aftermarket 4.3)...
The Sagaris is the ultimate track TVR - stunning looking, fast as fooooook (thanks Graham for my passanger ride round Cadwell - that orange Sag is PROPER QUICK), but you are probably looking at £35 - 40K + for one of those.
Then there is the T350 - the looks really grow on you and they definitely look better in the "flesh" - but it's a strictly two seater coupe (some have targa panels) - so it depends again whether you want the versatility of the Tuscan roof.......
Sorry this has been a bit long - but I supose what I'm trying to say it - the more modern TVRs handling got progressively better and better - and pretty much all of them would be good fun on the track. If you are after precise handling - then a bit of money spent on shocks and set up (this is easily done for under a grand, or you could spend twice this and get proper Ohlins or Nitron) will transform the car - particularly if it's on original shocks.
If you are well and truely hooked on old skool US muscle car sounds - then go for a Rover V8
If you want performance, handling, sound - then don't discount the AJPV8 or Speed 6 engined cars.
As for maintenance - well, TVRs are known for providing serious performance for the purchase price (both new and 2nd hand) - and you don't want to skimp on maintaining a car that it easily capable of 160 - 180 mph.......
My advice - buy on condition, get inspected, go to TVR meetings to get a look and feel and also chat to owners, look at a few first, then ENJOY
Buy one - you will not regret it!
Nice post!If I understand your OP - you like big V8 muscle (presumably the soundtrack that comes with a large capacity naturally aspirated "traditional" crank off-beat rumble of a V8, and you like stunning looks?
Or do you want to explore the more track-day performance side of the sports car ownership, and look to develop good handling characteristics?
Or do you want a mix of the two - and are drawn to TVRs because fo their stunning / gorgeous looks, AND their mind-blowing performance?
If you are looking for massive V8 rumble as a higher priority - then you need to be looking at the "rover" V8 engined cars:
The Wedge is the original bad boy - but these are getting fairly old now, and I suppose that some home spanner weilding skills helps owners keep the overall costs down. And the looks are very "period" - I think that they are visually aresting, loved them when they came out - but I prefer the newer models. You would get a lower purchase cost - but high maintenance costs due to it's age. I think they came in 2.8 and 3.5 engined versions - but there are a few rare 4.2 litre models. I was fortunate enough to have a passenger ride in a track focused 350 - good fun, great noise, the driver slide it round Cadwell very impressively - but if it is out and out track / performance you are after - time has moved on and the later TVRs will eat it for breakfast (with HP sauce, I assume
)Next would be the Chimera - again with the rover V8, good looking car, and I've driven one on road and track (thanks Roly) and they're a lot of fun! Nowhere near as precise as the Civic, but a lot of "old skool" brute horepower rear wheel drive fun. These have a large boot, can be considered pretty reliable if looked after (mate uses his pretty much as daily driver over 6 years), and have reasonable purchase costs (in the region of £8k - £12k). Plenty of Chimera owners track or sprint or hill climb with them - handling can be sorted well.
The Griffith is arguably considered to be better looking (there is a FIERCE but light hearted debate between Griff and Chim owners on this
) and for many is the TVR that lifted TVR into the performance car elite - this is one car that has "future classic" written all over it. I've never driven one, but spoke to other owners and they can be made to handle with new shocks and a bit of tweaking. These are usualy prices a couple of grand higher than an equivilient Chimera (year for year, engine size etc) - probabaly due to supply and demand - there were more Chim's than Griff's made.Then you move to the later models.
I own a Cerbera - therefore am totaly biased but know I own the best TVR model
- but you need to consider whether you really want a drop top? The Cerb is a 2+2 coupe - therefore if you have any kids - this is really the only choice for you. A Cerbera will typically cost between £10-20K (I'd personally recommend that you buy on condition rather than price, and maybe if you can afford it to go for the later models perhaps £15-20K but this should get you a mint one) - but it is acknowledged that they can have higher running costs than the Rover engined cars. You also have a choice of 2 TVR manufactured engines - the AJP V8 or straight 6.The AJP V8 has a flat plane crank - therefore you don't get the trad V8 "burble" - but by God it's a characterful engine and the sound on full chat will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Imagine two superbike engines joined together - and then overlaid with a racecar howl / scream and you are getting close....
I think that the Cerb is stunningly beautiful, a real classic design that is aging very well, and a truely fantastic car to drive.If you are interested in trackdays - then the Cerb can well and truely hold it's own.
The Cerbera is also available with the straight 6 TVR designed and built engine, as are all the later cars (Tuscan, T350, Sagaris, Tamora). Early S6 engines did have a reputation for unreliability - there is a specific section on PH to go into that debate - but basically you should either look for a car that has had the all important rebuild (then you know it's up to later spec); buy an earlier cheaper car on condition, leaving a "rainy day" pot just in case, or go for a (more expensive purchase price) later model - where it is generally acknowledged that the earlier issues were pretty much solved.... I'm aware that this subject is a right can 'o worms - look for multiple threads on this issue on PH. (worth noting that Cerbs with AJP engine are typically valued a couple of grand more than equivilent S6 engined cars).
I've had a short drive in a Tuscan I and also a Cerbera with the S6 (Speed 6) engine - it's a great engine to drive, pulls like billy-o, sounds great, and has a great snap crackle and pop on the overun (an AJP V8 will also deliver stunning artillary sounds too
).I personally love the looks of the Tuscan, both I and II - although I think the front headlight treatment of the Tuscan I looks more agressive. These cars have the advantage of the targa top and removable rear screen - therefore can be used as a coupe or open top. Tuscan I has a bit of a reputation for being a bit twitchy handling - but can easily be sorted (mainly suspension and set up I beleive). The Tuscan came with 3.6 or 4.0 Speed 6 engines. Why wouldn't you want the 4.0???? If you want to be noticed - the Tuscan will deliver that for you!
The Tamora's looks weren't everyone cuppa tea - but is is reputed to be a sweet handling car. I think these came with the 3.6 S6 - but you may find that when owners have had the rebuild they have upgraded to the 4.0 (or even the bigger bore aftermarket 4.3)...
The Sagaris is the ultimate track TVR - stunning looking, fast as fooooook (thanks Graham for my passanger ride round Cadwell - that orange Sag is PROPER QUICK), but you are probably looking at £35 - 40K + for one of those.
Then there is the T350 - the looks really grow on you and they definitely look better in the "flesh" - but it's a strictly two seater coupe (some have targa panels) - so it depends again whether you want the versatility of the Tuscan roof.......
Sorry this has been a bit long - but I supose what I'm trying to say it - the more modern TVRs handling got progressively better and better - and pretty much all of them would be good fun on the track. If you are after precise handling - then a bit of money spent on shocks and set up (this is easily done for under a grand, or you could spend twice this and get proper Ohlins or Nitron) will transform the car - particularly if it's on original shocks.
If you are well and truely hooked on old skool US muscle car sounds - then go for a Rover V8
If you want performance, handling, sound - then don't discount the AJPV8 or Speed 6 engined cars.
As for maintenance - well, TVRs are known for providing serious performance for the purchase price (both new and 2nd hand) - and you don't want to skimp on maintaining a car that it easily capable of 160 - 180 mph.......
My advice - buy on condition, get inspected, go to TVR meetings to get a look and feel and also chat to owners, look at a few first, then ENJOY
Buy one - you will not regret it!
Mike has pretty much laid out the model advice for you. (good one Mike). Just check out some Youtube clips and go to a local club meet to get face to face opinions from the owners with their cars. I'm sure some of them would take you out for a couple of miles to give you an idea of the feel of whichever car.
grahamw48 said:
We had a TVR drag race day at York last year, and this vid shows a variety of models all gunning it down the strip, if you want to compare sounds and looks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-OKmHy3mg4
(the rocket-like fastest car is dbv8's nitroused Chimaera 450...blue with white bonnet stripe)
What happened to the Tuscan at 3.35 ? Lots of smoke or dust it looks like.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-OKmHy3mg4
(the rocket-like fastest car is dbv8's nitroused Chimaera 450...blue with white bonnet stripe)
Edited by grahamw48 on Saturday 16th January 23:39
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