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Buy the Bible (TVR Griffith & Chimaera 2nd Edition) from Steve Heath Publications. There is a full buyers guide and a lot of other essential information in it.
Check the chassis throroughly, particularly the outriggers behind the front wheels, the tubes along the bottom of the sills, and the outriggers in front of the rear wheels.
Ensure it doesn't overheat and that the fans cut in when they should (about 92 deg. C)
Other than that, just like any car: make sure everything works, the engine runs smoothly, no noises from gearbox, suspension and diff., brakes work smoothly and without pulling, etc.
Check the visual condition of everything thoroughly, especially the interior and hood/targa top. Expect some stonechipping on the nose of any car that has actually been used, however!
Reasonable mileage (indicating regular use) is generally regarded as being a good thing, 'cos they don't take to sitting around in damp garages for long periods.
Your budget should get a good one, though, and there are plenty around, so walk away from anything that appears to have faults, however minor.
Check the chassis throroughly, particularly the outriggers behind the front wheels, the tubes along the bottom of the sills, and the outriggers in front of the rear wheels.
Ensure it doesn't overheat and that the fans cut in when they should (about 92 deg. C)
Other than that, just like any car: make sure everything works, the engine runs smoothly, no noises from gearbox, suspension and diff., brakes work smoothly and without pulling, etc.
Check the visual condition of everything thoroughly, especially the interior and hood/targa top. Expect some stonechipping on the nose of any car that has actually been used, however!
Reasonable mileage (indicating regular use) is generally regarded as being a good thing, 'cos they don't take to sitting around in damp garages for long periods.
Your budget should get a good one, though, and there are plenty around, so walk away from anything that appears to have faults, however minor.
Unless you are very experienced with TVRs and what to look for...seriously consider 'investing' in expert advice - someone like Rob Ingleby who'll carry out an inspection, or even find you a car.
You'll save the costs in a 12 month...buy a duff TVR is a short-cut to an empty bank account.
You'll save the costs in a 12 month...buy a duff TVR is a short-cut to an empty bank account.
Pretty good summary from Martin S. If you want any more, try a search on the forum. It's a regular question.
For my part, I'd say that your best bet is to go to a meet and see a few. There are a number of changes that happened over the years some of which you might want, some you might particularly not want. It's down to personal preference.
Changes range from drive-train to dashboard including engine, gearbox and door-opening mechanism.
See a few, pick what you require, pick your colour(s) and then see what fits your spec. There are so many on the market at the moment that you should be able to get pretty much exactly what you want. Especially with your budget.
It's also worth keeping a thousand or two back in case of problems.
For my part, I'd say that your best bet is to go to a meet and see a few. There are a number of changes that happened over the years some of which you might want, some you might particularly not want. It's down to personal preference.
Changes range from drive-train to dashboard including engine, gearbox and door-opening mechanism.
See a few, pick what you require, pick your colour(s) and then see what fits your spec. There are so many on the market at the moment that you should be able to get pretty much exactly what you want. Especially with your budget.
It's also worth keeping a thousand or two back in case of problems.
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