Discussion
I am going to start looking for a new toy soon & cant make up my mind what to go for?
I have been on the cerb site to get there views,I have been on the chimaera site for there views so now i am trying to get your views?
Is there anyone who have had all 3 cars & could give me some advice?
The cerb was my 1st choice but running costs have put me of a bit!(about £3k a year)but i like 2 extra seats.
The roof comes of on other 2 & costs might be cheaper so this is good.
I know they are more expensive than escort but are they silly as i have 3 kids which already drain me !
I have been on the cerb site to get there views,I have been on the chimaera site for there views so now i am trying to get your views?
Is there anyone who have had all 3 cars & could give me some advice?
The cerb was my 1st choice but running costs have put me of a bit!(about £3k a year)but i like 2 extra seats.
The roof comes of on other 2 & costs might be cheaper so this is good.
I know they are more expensive than escort but are they silly as i have 3 kids which already drain me !
simpo one said:
Having found myself in a T350C today in hot weather, I can tell you that aircon is no substitute for getting the roof off! If a Cerbera is too pricey then Griffith or Chimaera are your next logical choice, and my advice as always - since I have been there too - is very simple: buy the one you like the look of most. You should go along to your nearest TVRCC meeting where you can see both types close up, sit in them, grill the driver etc. Then, since they're effectively the same under the GRP, go for the one you like most.
Early examples will be cheaper to run than later ones, as well as costing significantly less in the first place. So choose your model, decide how much you want to, go and see plenty of examples, do your research to learn more about them, then go and catch one!
NB But the Griffith is the one to have, of course!
>> Edited by simpo one on Sunday 20th July 16:42
Thanks
I like all of them but what is the main diffrence between chimp * griff?
simpo one said:
Having found myself in a T350C today in hot weather, I can tell you that aircon is no substitute for getting the roof off! If a Cerbera is too pricey then Griffith or Chimaera are your next logical choice, and my advice as always - since I have been there too - is very simple: buy the one you like the look of most. You should go along to your nearest TVRCC meeting where you can see both types close up, sit in them, grill the driver etc. Then, since they're effectively the same under the GRP, go for the one you like most.
Early examples will be cheaper to run than later ones, as well as costing significantly less in the first place. So choose your model, decide how much you want to, go and see plenty of examples, do your research to learn more about them, then go and catch one!
NB But the Griffith is the one to have, of course!
>> Edited by simpo one on Sunday 20th July 16:42
Thanks
The griffs seem to fetch a bit more money than chimps is that just because griffs are no longer made?
simpo one said:
Acually you missed this bit: 'Then, since they're effectively the same under the GRP, go for the one you like most.'
I'll try again. Under the surface, a Chimaera is almost exactly the same as a Griffith, especially after about 1996 I think as more parts were standardised between the two. Yes, the Chimp has a bigger boot, the Griff has a nicer front (IMHO).
Griff values are higher because (a) there were fewer made (about 4 Chimps for every Griff IIRC) and (b) they are generally recognised as future classics.
And finally, as this is the Griffith forum, I can safely say that if you want a design classic get a Griff; if you want a pumped up MG, get a Chimp
I thought you tvr owners stuck together, fancy saying a chimp is like an MG. I hate MG,S!!
burriana500 said:
Mornin Iaiin,
I tested a 4.5 Cerbera a couple of weeks ago for the same 2+2 reason... awsome car, love the look of them... but it just doesn't have the same 'feel good' factor as flying along with the roof down in the Griff.
Coming back through the Yorkshire Dales yesterday we had a bright red Griff, bright yellow Griff, bright blue Griff all in a line... a more glorious motoring sight will be hard to beat!
Chimaera - sleek fast (very) tourer (slightly more user friendly boot)
Griffith - raw power with classic British racing car curves (and you can still fit two sets of golf clubs in the boot with the roof in!)
Every day use, I think the Chim has it on the smoother ride front - but oh the lines on that Griff!
al
yes i understand what you are saying about roof of,but i do like the look & extra seats in the cerb.
I dont like the fact that they could be 4 times as much to run!
shpub said:
Most things are a lot more expensive and need replacing more often. When things go wrong expect very big bills. Most of of the bits are TVR specials or racing spec components. Brake discs are 8 to 10 times the cost. Pads are 2-3 times. New clutchs can be well over £1000. Etc. Cheap for the level of performance but significantly more expensive than a Griff/Chimaera.
I would like the cerb for extra seats rather than the roof of (not a lover of flys in the teeth)but i would not enjoy the car knowing that if it broke i might not be able to afford the bills.
I was expecting £1500 a year to look after my new toy,but £2k to £3k is out of my league (only a builder not a dentist!)
I think that losing a bit of performance is not the main issue (as the griff seems quick anyway 340bhp should amuse me)but running costs are what i can afford.
burriana500 said:
Out of curiosity, what would be the possibility of putting a 4.5 AJP V8 into a Grif? That would be interesting!
Why?
What's wrong with the stonking great big rumbling, growling, Rover unit that's in it?
You don't need all this high revving malarky - deep down an dirty, that's where the fun is!
It would be nicer to put the cheaper rover into the cerb,at least i could afford to run it then!
simpo one said:
If the engine in my Griff ever exploded beyond repair, I'd consider a Chevy LS1 5.7 V8 - and it fits, apparently. www.chevroletls1.com/chevrolet_ls1_6_info.html
I must admit the chevys are great engines,bullet proof & cheap, shame about the rest of the car!!!
2 sheds said:
As Steve suggested when TVR evaluated the AJP Griffith, they decided that it was just too savage for an "open top", well there are now quite a few griffs & Chimaeras about with enough power (Rover) to trounce a Cerbera, the question is, is it sensible ? probably no , but i guess if you love the Griff that much but want Cerbera performance and preferably have "large titanium balls", oh and "a bit" of spare cash, its the only way to go ? but its more than just an engine upgrade.
The Wheeler AJP Griff must be around, i thought John Ravenscroft was driving it recently.
Tim
Yes i have titanium balls (even though they fire blanks now)I know brakes etc are important but i must admit i like to live on the edge (when i am driving on my own)the main thing for me is power & a nice fast car.I think i have made up my mind & will go for cebera as i like the power (extra seats are good for plodding about nice & safe with the kids as well)I just hope the running costs dont force me to sale,if i do i will be back on your site for griff,
thanks everyone for your help on this!
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