Griff or Chimaera?
Discussion
Depends depends depends...... 
I went for a Chim for two very simple reasons, that ignored asthetics or power output / performance:
1. I wanted a car I could use every single day and that my wife wouldn't be totally intimidated by on the few occasions she gets behind the wheel. It also was my first foray into TVR territory, and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew on day one.
2. I required a car that would allow us to take a week or long weekend away without having to pack a single toothbrush to share (Lotus!)
With these two thoughts in mind, every owner I spoke to, and every dealer I queried replied Chimaera with very little hesitation. It has the bigger boot, and the better range of engines for a newbie to ease himself (or herself!) in gently.
This enabled me to rule out the Griffo early, and concentrate my efforts on finding the best Chim I could for my money...... and then blowing the budget just because I saw a newer, tidier, prettier one anyway!
I went for a Chim for two very simple reasons, that ignored asthetics or power output / performance:
1. I wanted a car I could use every single day and that my wife wouldn't be totally intimidated by on the few occasions she gets behind the wheel. It also was my first foray into TVR territory, and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew on day one.
2. I required a car that would allow us to take a week or long weekend away without having to pack a single toothbrush to share (Lotus!)
With these two thoughts in mind, every owner I spoke to, and every dealer I queried replied Chimaera with very little hesitation. It has the bigger boot, and the better range of engines for a newbie to ease himself (or herself!) in gently.
This enabled me to rule out the Griffo early, and concentrate my efforts on finding the best Chim I could for my money...... and then blowing the budget just because I saw a newer, tidier, prettier one anyway!
Ooo! I do love these Hairdresser Car debates!
Which do you like? What are you going to use it for? (
No - don't answer that with "drive it"!) Do you play golf? And, given the slight price differential, will you be happy to do a bit of maintenance work or are you expecting something pretty up together for your hard earned lolly?
We ought to produce some sort of "tick test" to find out whether people are suited for Griffs or Chimaeras or would be better off with a Trabant.....
Which do you like? What are you going to use it for? (
No - don't answer that with "drive it"!) Do you play golf? And, given the slight price differential, will you be happy to do a bit of maintenance work or are you expecting something pretty up together for your hard earned lolly? We ought to produce some sort of "tick test" to find out whether people are suited for Griffs or Chimaeras or would be better off with a Trabant.....
Well, i dont drive to work, so will be used for weekend driving for weekend away and just plain thrills! it will need to fairly practical in terms of comfort and space, which is why i was thinking more towards a Chimaera. I just saw a pic of a Griff and wondered if I hadnt considered all my options...
In terms of maintenance - wont be able to do a thing myself!
In terms of maintenance - wont be able to do a thing myself!
Let me make it clear - this was a joke and it wasn't aimed at you - or anyone in particular!!! 
The venerable Trabbie:
IMHO, you should go for the Chimaera (getting it checked over by a specialist) because you will have more choice for your money and the chance at something a bit better.
Sadly, there will be very few Griffs about for the money (although they may be honest ones like mine, high mileage, needs a bit of paintwork and cosmetic bits and bobs)
The venerable Trabbie:
IMHO, you should go for the Chimaera (getting it checked over by a specialist) because you will have more choice for your money and the chance at something a bit better.
Sadly, there will be very few Griffs about for the money (although they may be honest ones like mine, high mileage, needs a bit of paintwork and cosmetic bits and bobs)
i went for a chim lst year as my first foray into tvr world
as I had not had a car of this high performance before (1987 nova gte doesn't count!) i wanted to ease myself in with a 4.0 (petrol consumption/insurance/etc) and a chim cause it's my sole car and seem's softer on pocket and just softer in general (but not tutu soft!)
unfortunately now only a year later i'm yearning for more grunt with a 4.5 or 5 (even though a 4.0 eats most cars for brekkie then asks for a third shredded wheat-there are loadsa of boxters round here to play with).....and then i look at a griff and want one of those too! jeez going to have to do more lucky dips on the lotto tonight to get one of everything! but before i "go large" I'm going to get some driver training and track day experience methinks - better safe than sorry.
as I had not had a car of this high performance before (1987 nova gte doesn't count!) i wanted to ease myself in with a 4.0 (petrol consumption/insurance/etc) and a chim cause it's my sole car and seem's softer on pocket and just softer in general (but not tutu soft!)
unfortunately now only a year later i'm yearning for more grunt with a 4.5 or 5 (even though a 4.0 eats most cars for brekkie then asks for a third shredded wheat-there are loadsa of boxters round here to play with).....and then i look at a griff and want one of those too! jeez going to have to do more lucky dips on the lotto tonight to get one of everything! but before i "go large" I'm going to get some driver training and track day experience methinks - better safe than sorry.
Gavstar said:
it will need to fairly practical in terms of comfort and space, which is why i was thinking more towards a Chimaera.
The Chim [i[does have the bigger boot of the two, but even the Griff's is huge by sportscar standards.
They're about the same for interior space, only the dashboard design accounting for any differences.
Yeah over the nearest cliff.
Gavstar said:
I have 12k to spend...which should i buy?
Compared to a 'normal' car they are identical, in that they are totally different driving experience. Under the skin, they are pretty identical too. Yes, the Chimp has a slightly bigger boot - but if luggage space is so important, get an MPV.
Simpo says: buy the one you like the look of most.
Griff: future classic
Chimp: common as muck (he said provocatively
) More practically, why not go and see some?
Editied to add: At £12K you'll be limited to an average condition '91 or '92 4.0 Griffith, but the scope for Chimps is greater.
>> Edited by simpo two on Saturday 17th April 15:56
For £12k you are looking towards the bottom end of the market for either car but particularly the Griff. Safe money would be on a chim at that price as its likely to be a better car for £12k than a £12k griff.
Griffs are more expensive, and at 12k you wont get much. If you are that limited financially then I would go for a more sorted chim than a "cheap" Griff
Griffs are more expensive, and at 12k you wont get much. If you are that limited financially then I would go for a more sorted chim than a "cheap" Griff
shnozz said:
For £12k you are looking towards the bottom end of the market for either car but particularly the Griff. Safe money would be on a chim at that price as its likely to be a better car for £12k than a £12k griff.
Griffs are more expensive, and at 12k you wont get much. If you are that limited financially then I would go for a more sorted chim than a "cheap" Griff
Yup, £1.00 of Griff fund will buy about £1.18 worth of Chim - all things being equal.
tiny said:
I agree with Shnozz that,because of simple supply and demand, your probably going to get a better Chim for the same money than a Griff.That said, I also agree with LA that the Griff is a timeless classic and I'm sure that if you find a good un - you'll not regret it!
thats true. Although £12k would probably only get a 4 litre Griff and not sure they will be quite as depreciation-proof as the 5 litre will now remain.
Plus if you are pushing yourself financially and the Griff does turn out to need some cash thrown at it, if you skimp on any TVR it will be a continual nightmare and have fun trying to sell it at all, no matter what the price.
I was in your position about 8 months ago and took the safe bet. i dont regret it.
Not sure about the 'only 4ltr' bit for the griff 
. Don't forget with that you are getting a pre-cat griff, which IMHO is more desireable and will have better residules than a early catted chim/griff, horses for courses though.
I still think you may be surprised what you can get for £12K if you are not in hurry and shop wisely.
Harry
. Don't forget with that you are getting a pre-cat griff, which IMHO is more desireable and will have better residules than a early catted chim/griff, horses for courses though. I still think you may be surprised what you can get for £12K if you are not in hurry and shop wisely.
Harry
I can voucher for part of this ones life:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/CARS_popup.asp?CARS&id=200412134709225
Other than a dodgy starter it gave me a years unfaltering service from summer 01 - summer 2002...I sold it with about 58k on the clock.
The grey/red interior may not be to everyones taste (mine included) though...
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/CARS_popup.asp?CARS&id=200412134709225
Other than a dodgy starter it gave me a years unfaltering service from summer 01 - summer 2002...I sold it with about 58k on the clock.
The grey/red interior may not be to everyones taste (mine included) though...
dinger0001 said:Have a look on [url] www.TVRPower.co.uk [/url] - they're doing performance upgrades for the 4l engines now.
unfortunately now only a year later i'm yearning for more grunt with a 4.5 or 5 (even though a 4.0 eats most cars for brekkie then asks for a third shredded wheat-there are loadsa of boxters round here to play with).....and then i look at a griff and want one of those too! jeez going to have to do more lucky dips on the lotto tonight to get one of everything! but before i "go large" I'm going to get some driver training and track day experience methinks - better safe than sorry.
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