Chimaera owner looking to buy a Tuscan
Discussion
I've owned a Chimaera for coming up to 4 years now, but over the last few months me and my wife (her in particular) have started to have naughty thoughts about a Tuscan- then after test driving a very good one at the weekend we are both now completely sold on the idea- it was amazing. So different to the Chimaera, and performance on another level entirely 
We are after a Mk1 4.0, with a Powers rebuild and in a suitably TVR colour. We came very close to making an offer on the one we drove, but we want to keep the Chim too (plus the amount I've spent on it over the last couple of years means it would be financial suicide to sell now) and we just couldn't quite make the numbers work right now without financing a chunk. So looking to hopefully get one Autumn/Winter this year. Currently have £20k cash set aside, and adding to that all the time- beans on toast for a few months
I just had a few questions that hopefully someone on here might be able to help with;
-There is seemingly a huge variance in price, cars going anywhere from £20k up to 40 and beyond for later cars. What is the sweet-spot budget wise for a Mk1 4.0 with Powers rebuild?
-Mileage seems insanely low across the cars for sale, what's considered an 'average' miles car these days? I assume it's not like the Chimaeras where 90% of cars have got super low miles, but also 90% of cars have had problems with the tachos stopping working...
-Aside from the rebuild and the usual TVR chassis stuff, what else should we be looking out for? Is there anything in particular worth paying a premium for?
We are after one to be used regularly, and so would rather get one that has evidence of this in the past- low mileage garage queens don't really appeal. But it seems hard to judge what 'low mileage' really is on a Tuscan!
Thanks in advance
We are after a Mk1 4.0, with a Powers rebuild and in a suitably TVR colour. We came very close to making an offer on the one we drove, but we want to keep the Chim too (plus the amount I've spent on it over the last couple of years means it would be financial suicide to sell now) and we just couldn't quite make the numbers work right now without financing a chunk. So looking to hopefully get one Autumn/Winter this year. Currently have £20k cash set aside, and adding to that all the time- beans on toast for a few months
I just had a few questions that hopefully someone on here might be able to help with;
-There is seemingly a huge variance in price, cars going anywhere from £20k up to 40 and beyond for later cars. What is the sweet-spot budget wise for a Mk1 4.0 with Powers rebuild?
-Mileage seems insanely low across the cars for sale, what's considered an 'average' miles car these days? I assume it's not like the Chimaeras where 90% of cars have got super low miles, but also 90% of cars have had problems with the tachos stopping working...
-Aside from the rebuild and the usual TVR chassis stuff, what else should we be looking out for? Is there anything in particular worth paying a premium for?
We are after one to be used regularly, and so would rather get one that has evidence of this in the past- low mileage garage queens don't really appeal. But it seems hard to judge what 'low mileage' really is on a Tuscan!
Thanks in advance
Good move on the Tuscan, I previously had a Griff 500 before the Tuscan. The driving experience is different, as the power delivery is higher up the Rev range and delivery is frenetic at full beans. Cheap to insure and parts availability is still good.
The obvious things to look for are the engine, Powers rebuild Is sound and you get the reassurance of reliability. Some of the original unmodified engines have lasted well, others have chocolate internals. Also remember the engine is up to 20 years old. How many Mercedes engines have lasted that long! Chassis is the other obvious Inspection point, outriggers but also Chassis corrosion by the manifolds where the powder coat has become brittle because of the underbody heat. Body off restoration is a headache and is £5 - £10k. Mileage is irrelevant following any restoration work, buy on condition.
Suspension And bushes are other areas worth checking. As with all TVRs the suspension needs to be set up by someone who knows what they are doing. Not Kwik fit on a Saturday afternoon. Camber, caster, toe and ride height can alter the handing either way. Most shock absorbers have been changed from the originals. My Tuscan
was completely rebuilt by the previous owner and had all the major work carried out. It’s the usual advice buy one that has had all the money spent on it by the previous owner in a effort to avoid any unforeseen (expensive) surprises.
ETA
The obvious things to look for are the engine, Powers rebuild Is sound and you get the reassurance of reliability. Some of the original unmodified engines have lasted well, others have chocolate internals. Also remember the engine is up to 20 years old. How many Mercedes engines have lasted that long! Chassis is the other obvious Inspection point, outriggers but also Chassis corrosion by the manifolds where the powder coat has become brittle because of the underbody heat. Body off restoration is a headache and is £5 - £10k. Mileage is irrelevant following any restoration work, buy on condition.
Suspension And bushes are other areas worth checking. As with all TVRs the suspension needs to be set up by someone who knows what they are doing. Not Kwik fit on a Saturday afternoon. Camber, caster, toe and ride height can alter the handing either way. Most shock absorbers have been changed from the originals. My Tuscan
was completely rebuilt by the previous owner and had all the major work carried out. It’s the usual advice buy one that has had all the money spent on it by the previous owner in a effort to avoid any unforeseen (expensive) surprises. ETA
Edited by Big Al. on Tuesday 9th June 13:58
Hayabusasailing said:
It’s the usual advice buy one that has had all the money spent on it by the previous owner in a effort to avoid any unforeseen (expensive) surprises.
Thanks for the info- all useful.The bit I've quoted I am very focused on- having spent close to £10k sorting out my Chimaera in the last 3-4 years I wish I'd bought one that someone else had already spent the money on. Very much want to avoid making that mistake this time around!
Hi Squirrel. £30K will buy a very good Tuscan with 20K-40K miles on. I viewed around 10 cars when looking for mine and apart from the afore mentioned rebuild and mechanical condition there can be variances in cosmetics, ie shut lines, doors can drop on some, scratches and interior.
Some cars rattled, others felt very solid.
I remember looking at 2 very nice MK1's, top price bracket. However the first thing I noticed on the first was the uneven panel gaps around the boot. The other in was a tatty interior that just seemed out of character with the car. These thing may have been relatively inexpensive to rectify but just put me off.
The best car I found was at Str8ght Six, stretched my budget but was worth it. Apart from needing a new battery, never let me down.
If your going to use as a daily, then perhaps one with a few stone chips and marks maybe the better option. I would imagine £25K would get you something around 60K-80K miles with full rebuild.
Some cars rattled, others felt very solid.
I remember looking at 2 very nice MK1's, top price bracket. However the first thing I noticed on the first was the uneven panel gaps around the boot. The other in was a tatty interior that just seemed out of character with the car. These thing may have been relatively inexpensive to rectify but just put me off.
The best car I found was at Str8ght Six, stretched my budget but was worth it. Apart from needing a new battery, never let me down.
If your going to use as a daily, then perhaps one with a few stone chips and marks maybe the better option. I would imagine £25K would get you something around 60K-80K miles with full rebuild.
This beauty is up for sale in September, as we are relocating overseas later this year. She is currently in for an engine rebuild (TVR garage but not Powers)
I know its early for you and myself to think about buying/selling, but just want to make it know. PM if you require any further details.
Dav0001 said:
This beauty is up for sale in September, as we are relocating overseas later this year. She is currently in for an engine rebuild (TVR garage but not Powers)
I know its early for you and myself to think about buying/selling, but just want to make it know. PM if you require any further details.
I've PM'd you Dave.I know its early for you and myself to think about buying/selling, but just want to make it know. PM if you require any further details.
ETA- that looks stunning, absolutely love the colour combo
Edited by Squirrelofwoe on Tuesday 9th June 14:58
Mouse Rat said:
Hi Squirrel. £30K will buy a very good Tuscan with 20K-40K miles on. I viewed around 10 cars when looking for mine and apart from the afore mentioned rebuild and mechanical condition there can be variances in cosmetics, ie shut lines, doors can drop on some, scratches and interior.
Some cars rattled, others felt very solid.
I remember looking at 2 very nice MK1's, top price bracket. However the first thing I noticed on the first was the uneven panel gaps around the boot. The other in was a tatty interior that just seemed out of character with the car. These thing may have been relatively inexpensive to rectify but just put me off.
The best car I found was at Str8ght Six, stretched my budget but was worth it. Apart from needing a new battery, never let me down.
If your going to use as a daily, then perhaps one with a few stone chips and marks maybe the better option. I would imagine £25K would get you something around 60K-80K miles with full rebuild.
Cheers! Some cars rattled, others felt very solid.
I remember looking at 2 very nice MK1's, top price bracket. However the first thing I noticed on the first was the uneven panel gaps around the boot. The other in was a tatty interior that just seemed out of character with the car. These thing may have been relatively inexpensive to rectify but just put me off.
The best car I found was at Str8ght Six, stretched my budget but was worth it. Apart from needing a new battery, never let me down.
If your going to use as a daily, then perhaps one with a few stone chips and marks maybe the better option. I would imagine £25K would get you something around 60K-80K miles with full rebuild.
Won't be looking to use it daily (I have an old Accord Tourer and my wife is looking to swap her Z4 3.0si for an older Mini cooper S or similar), but we do like to get out in the TVR as much as possible and will be looking to get involved with some longer driving holidays with the Tuscan too. My Chim rarely goes more than a week without getting driven- it even has fully functioning windscreen wipers!
I think the main thing is that cosmetic condition will be the least important factor for us. Until we move in 3/4 years time we don't have a garage- I've just finished a carport out the back of our current place which will be suitable for one of the cars, and my Chim is quite happy on the drive with the Levan hood cover.
I've seen a couple with the boot fitment issue- I was chatting to someone about it at the weekend. Apparently can be adjusted out but can be a very time consuming job.
Hard to know what the right price is on Tuscans despite the higher availability than say T350 or Tamora, even before CV-19. Anything less than £20k will be ratty, over £30k is either mint or seller dreaming.
Coming from a Chim, don't underestimate parts prices, they are pretty much all bespoke or racing specialists and at least 2-3x Chimaera equivalent. Mine was costing me typically £1200-1500 pa for 6 years but last year consumed £5000. It'll be up for sale soon but won't tick your box as it's got a very healthy 60k mile original engine under its shapely bonnet.
My advice would be to see as many as you can and you'll be guided by your own feelings as to what's important. I would prioritise decent suspension spec and setup in your budget, they can be a real handful without.
Coming from a Chim, don't underestimate parts prices, they are pretty much all bespoke or racing specialists and at least 2-3x Chimaera equivalent. Mine was costing me typically £1200-1500 pa for 6 years but last year consumed £5000. It'll be up for sale soon but won't tick your box as it's got a very healthy 60k mile original engine under its shapely bonnet.
My advice would be to see as many as you can and you'll be guided by your own feelings as to what's important. I would prioritise decent suspension spec and setup in your budget, they can be a real handful without.
Speed 3 said:
Hard to know what the right price is on Tuscans despite the higher availability than say T350 or Tamora, even before CV-19. Anything less than £20k will be ratty, over £30k is either mint or seller dreaming.
Coming from a Chim, don't underestimate parts prices, they are pretty much all bespoke or racing specialists and at least 2-3x Chimaera equivalent. Mine was costing me typically £1200-1500 pa for 6 years but last year consumed £5000. It'll be up for sale soon but won't tick your box as it's got a very healthy 60k mile original engine under its shapely bonnet.
My advice would be to see as many as you can and you'll be guided by your own feelings as to what's important. I would prioritise decent suspension spec and setup in your budget, they can be a real handful without.
Coming from a Chim, don't underestimate parts prices, they are pretty much all bespoke or racing specialists and at least 2-3x Chimaera equivalent. Mine was costing me typically £1200-1500 pa for 6 years but last year consumed £5000. It'll be up for sale soon but won't tick your box as it's got a very healthy 60k mile original engine under its shapely bonnet.
My advice would be to see as many as you can and you'll be guided by your own feelings as to what's important. I would prioritise decent suspension spec and setup in your budget, they can be a real handful without.
Any car that hadn't had a proper suspension/geo setup I'd be getting that done as a first priority. I had similar done on my Chim after buying and it transformed the car.
I'm under no illusions regarding the difference in parts prices, but I will pass that comment on to my wife
Pretty much echo what everyone saying. may add my 2p worth.
My Tuscan is more reliable to the years that I used it a lot than those not. When I say not reliable, I meant niggles not disaster. Yes broke down a few times if I am honestly:
- Run out of petrol due to petrol gauge can be erratic. Tips refill it when it is down to 12L or best use the trip meter to gauge the petrol in your tank.
- the £4 worth of 100A fuses broken by the footwell
- Battery died due to old age.
I have now owned it for 10 years, nothing major fingers crossed other than mostly wear and tear issues, but as said the parts can all add up. Regarding to the engines rebuilt, in my opinions there are only two garages know how to build these engines properly - Stri8six or TVR Power.
If you don't have a garage, they may leak during the wet weather. Geo set up are must, they are also very sensitive to tyre pressure. The original shocks were rubbish. Look for some cars with Nitrons, Beinstine or some decent aftermarket ones.
Stone chips are inevitable, in terms of panels gaps - you got to look at it within the context, don't forget they are hand built cars with glass fabric panels and some coming up over 20 years old.
Some early models called Red Rose Spec with more bhp, bigger vented brakes, Xeon lights and close ratio gear box. I find the CR gear allows you to enjoy the car more without going crazy speed on the road particularly accelerating from third to fourth. I still smile when I rev up and change from third to fourth after 10 years and over 40k TVR miles.
Good luck in your search
My Tuscan is more reliable to the years that I used it a lot than those not. When I say not reliable, I meant niggles not disaster. Yes broke down a few times if I am honestly:
- Run out of petrol due to petrol gauge can be erratic. Tips refill it when it is down to 12L or best use the trip meter to gauge the petrol in your tank.
- the £4 worth of 100A fuses broken by the footwell
- Battery died due to old age.
I have now owned it for 10 years, nothing major fingers crossed other than mostly wear and tear issues, but as said the parts can all add up. Regarding to the engines rebuilt, in my opinions there are only two garages know how to build these engines properly - Stri8six or TVR Power.
If you don't have a garage, they may leak during the wet weather. Geo set up are must, they are also very sensitive to tyre pressure. The original shocks were rubbish. Look for some cars with Nitrons, Beinstine or some decent aftermarket ones.
Stone chips are inevitable, in terms of panels gaps - you got to look at it within the context, don't forget they are hand built cars with glass fabric panels and some coming up over 20 years old.
Some early models called Red Rose Spec with more bhp, bigger vented brakes, Xeon lights and close ratio gear box. I find the CR gear allows you to enjoy the car more without going crazy speed on the road particularly accelerating from third to fourth. I still smile when I rev up and change from third to fourth after 10 years and over 40k TVR miles.
Good luck in your search
Tuscan Wil said:
Pretty much echo what everyone saying. may add my 2p worth.
My Tuscan is more reliable to the years that I used it a lot than those not. When I say not reliable, I meant niggles not disaster. Yes broke down a few times if I am honestly:
- Run out of petrol due to petrol gauge can be erratic. Tips refill it when it is down to 12L or best use the trip meter to gauge the petrol in your tank.
- the £4 worth of 100A fuses broken by the footwell
- Battery died due to old age.
I have now owned it for 10 years, nothing major fingers crossed other than mostly wear and tear issues, but as said the parts can all add up. Regarding to the engines rebuilt, in my opinions there are only two garages know how to build these engines properly - Stri8six or TVR Power.
If you don't have a garage, they may leak during the wet weather. Geo set up are must, they are also very sensitive to tyre pressure. The original shocks were rubbish. Look for some cars with Nitrons, Beinstine or some decent aftermarket ones.
Stone chips are inevitable, in terms of panels gaps - you got to look at it within the context, don't forget they are hand built cars with glass fabric panels and some coming up over 20 years old.
Some early models called Red Rose Spec with more bhp, bigger vented brakes, Xeon lights and close ratio gear box. I find the CR gear allows you to enjoy the car more without going crazy speed on the road particularly accelerating from third to fourth. I still smile when I rev up and change from third to fourth after 10 years and over 40k TVR miles.
Good luck in your search
Cheers for that.My Tuscan is more reliable to the years that I used it a lot than those not. When I say not reliable, I meant niggles not disaster. Yes broke down a few times if I am honestly:
- Run out of petrol due to petrol gauge can be erratic. Tips refill it when it is down to 12L or best use the trip meter to gauge the petrol in your tank.
- the £4 worth of 100A fuses broken by the footwell
- Battery died due to old age.
I have now owned it for 10 years, nothing major fingers crossed other than mostly wear and tear issues, but as said the parts can all add up. Regarding to the engines rebuilt, in my opinions there are only two garages know how to build these engines properly - Stri8six or TVR Power.
If you don't have a garage, they may leak during the wet weather. Geo set up are must, they are also very sensitive to tyre pressure. The original shocks were rubbish. Look for some cars with Nitrons, Beinstine or some decent aftermarket ones.
Stone chips are inevitable, in terms of panels gaps - you got to look at it within the context, don't forget they are hand built cars with glass fabric panels and some coming up over 20 years old.
Some early models called Red Rose Spec with more bhp, bigger vented brakes, Xeon lights and close ratio gear box. I find the CR gear allows you to enjoy the car more without going crazy speed on the road particularly accelerating from third to fourth. I still smile when I rev up and change from third to fourth after 10 years and over 40k TVR miles.
Good luck in your search
We now have a carport which the Tuscan can live under, my Chim, surprisingly, seems totally waterproof and I do have a Levan hood cover under it if it's sitting for more than a few days. Our intention is to get one of the framed Airchambers for the Tuscan for somewhere to stick it during the worst of the winter weather.
I'm sure I heard it mentioned somewhere that the Powers rebuild effectively brings the standard engine up to Red Rose spec (albeit just the engine), does anyone have anymore info on this, or did I mis-interpret this?!
Red rose spec for the engine meant bigger injectors and a different ecu map. Some had a larger bore exhaust but that depended if TVR had one handy that day or not. It was definitely more what's in the bin than just in time...
I wouldn't get too hung up on it as a good standard 4 litre will probably make more than a mediocre RR.
I wouldn't get too hung up on it as a good standard 4 litre will probably make more than a mediocre RR.
Basil Brush said:
Red rose spec for the engine meant bigger injectors and a different ecu map. Some had a larger bore exhaust but that depended if TVR had one handy that day or not. It was definitely more what's in the bin than just in time...
I wouldn't get too hung up on it as a good standard 4 litre will probably make more than a mediocre RR.
That makes sense.I wouldn't get too hung up on it as a good standard 4 litre will probably make more than a mediocre RR.
We are definitely going to be looking for a rebuilt one, ideally by Powers, so should be healthy.
The 4.0 (with Powers rebuild) that I drove certainly felt incredibly healthy, but at this point I've only driven 1 so have nothing to compare to yet. I am adamant I'm not making the mistake I made on my Chim of buying the first one we look at- so far so good
Squirrelofwoe said:
That makes sense.
We are definitely going to be looking for a rebuilt one, ideally by Powers, so should be healthy.
The 4.0 (with Powers rebuild) that I drove certainly felt incredibly healthy, but at this point I've only driven 1 so have nothing to compare to yet. I am adamant I'm not making the mistake I made on my Chim of buying the first one we look at- so far so good
Not sure where you are based in Oxfordshire, and whom you have in mind to service your car. Do have a chat with Jason or Chas at Stri8six. They are very reputable and friendly within the TVR community. They looked after my car since day one. Have a look at their cars too, okay they are not cheap, but their stock are good and the warranty is excellent. They will sort out anything for you within the first 12 months. I bought the car from them and the service bonnet hinge was broken, I was actually not sure if I pulled the panel too hard or not. I just mentioned it to Jason for my first 12 month service along with a few items that I was not too happy with. He just sorted it for me without any arguments or "they-all-do-that-sir non-sense." We are definitely going to be looking for a rebuilt one, ideally by Powers, so should be healthy.
The 4.0 (with Powers rebuild) that I drove certainly felt incredibly healthy, but at this point I've only driven 1 so have nothing to compare to yet. I am adamant I'm not making the mistake I made on my Chim of buying the first one we look at- so far so good
Afterall you often get what you pay for.
Keep us posted of how you getting on.
Tuscan Wil said:
Not sure where you are based in Oxfordshire, and whom you have in mind to service your car. Do have a chat with Jason or Chas at Stri8six. They are very reputable and friendly within the TVR community. They looked after my car since day one. Have a look at their cars too, okay they are not cheap, but their stock are good and the warranty is excellent. They will sort out anything for you within the first 12 months. I bought the car from them and the service bonnet hinge was broken, I was actually not sure if I pulled the panel too hard or not. I just mentioned it to Jason for my first 12 month service along with a few items that I was not too happy with. He just sorted it for me without any arguments or "they-all-do-that-sir non-sense."
Afterall you often get what you pay for.
Keep us posted of how you getting on.
I use Topcats for all the work on the Chim, but am aware of Str8six- they currently have a Chameleon green/blue Tuscan in stock at the mo- which if it wasn't for the hideous interior we would have been straight over to have a look at! I have only heard good things about them though.Afterall you often get what you pay for.
Keep us posted of how you getting on.
Currently sitting on our hands a bit at the mo, getting a bit more cash together and waiting for the right car to come up. At present, across all of the Tuscan mk1s for sale at the usual places + online, there is only really one car currently available that fits everything that we are after- unfortunately we found it a couple of months too early. Most of them have been discounted by my wife on the basis of being in 'too ordinary' a colour!
Will keep you posted though
I know what you mean about the colour.
To me TVRs have bold styling, they sound loud and need to have some suitably extrovert colour. When I moved from a Chimaera to a Tuscan, I didn’t want a “normal” colour. I wanted something brash which showed off the car’s unique styling and character.
The other point, is that people go on about wanting a Power’s rebuilt engine and I’m sure they do a brilliant job, but other specialists also do. My own Tuscan had the engine rebuilt for the previous owner by Mat Smith who has an excellent reputation in the TVR world.
I've had my Tuscan two years now and will be shortly be looking to move it on as I look to buy a what I believe will be my ideal TVR, a T350T, but I can assure you it will also be in a popping colour.
This just wouldn’t be the same in a humdrum colour:
To me TVRs have bold styling, they sound loud and need to have some suitably extrovert colour. When I moved from a Chimaera to a Tuscan, I didn’t want a “normal” colour. I wanted something brash which showed off the car’s unique styling and character.
The other point, is that people go on about wanting a Power’s rebuilt engine and I’m sure they do a brilliant job, but other specialists also do. My own Tuscan had the engine rebuilt for the previous owner by Mat Smith who has an excellent reputation in the TVR world.
I've had my Tuscan two years now and will be shortly be looking to move it on as I look to buy a what I believe will be my ideal TVR, a T350T, but I can assure you it will also be in a popping colour.
This just wouldn’t be the same in a humdrum colour:
Edited by TR4man on Saturday 13th June 16:59
We have bought a Tuscan!! Collecting on Saturday- so much for the waiting a few months
Basically our ideal car (in our first choice colour too) became available at a price that made it just too tempting to pass up.
Thanks for all of the replies- will get some photos up once collected. Very excited now!
Basically our ideal car (in our first choice colour too) became available at a price that made it just too tempting to pass up.
Thanks for all of the replies- will get some photos up once collected. Very excited now!
Gosh that didn't take long.
Details please and where did you find it?
Not for the first time I'm now thinking I must have a Tuscan. I was in discussion with the owner of one for sale just before lockdown. Think I should enquire whether it is still available. It's a Ferrari shade of grey with wine leather; does that make it a bit of a dull colour for a Tuscan and something I can use to negotiate on the price?
Details please and where did you find it?
Not for the first time I'm now thinking I must have a Tuscan. I was in discussion with the owner of one for sale just before lockdown. Think I should enquire whether it is still available. It's a Ferrari shade of grey with wine leather; does that make it a bit of a dull colour for a Tuscan and something I can use to negotiate on the price?
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