Anyone ever had an automatic TVR?

[straightsix]

I have to drive an automatic, and whilst I have had some great cars, (see my profile) I have always wished that TVR had made some cars with an auto box. Has anyone ever put an auto box into a TVR....can it be done? Very interesting forum by the way guys!

[McNab]

Me too, and had intended to order a TVR if an auto (or semi-auto) was available, or even possible at extra cost. No luck, so went for a 996 Tiptronic instead. No doubt it could be done, but horribly expensive. Maybe they will be forced into it if they start exporting seriously to America, but this would mean a different engine/gearbox unit. With all the current problems in the US I don't think TVR will be putting much effort into marketing there for quite some time. Just have to wait and see I'm afraid.

[JonRB]

I don't see that it would be that expensive for a Rover V8 engined TVR like a Chim or Griff. You should just be able to drop out the existing gearbox and drop in an auto 'box from a Range Rover. The 'boxes are readily available either new, reconditioned, or even from a breakers yard if you're on a budget. Resale value would plummit, of course, as not many people would want an auto 'box, but you could always hang onto the manual 'box to put back in just before resale. Regards Jon

[Kevin secker]

A friend at work had a Tasmin modified when she damaged her hip joints and was no longer able to repeatedly use the clutch without pain. I seem to remember that the clutch was automatically declutched when a force was applied to the gear knob. Don't laugh but I believe the system was recomended by motobillity or the like. It wasn't too expensive as I remember. Best of luck Kevin

[johno]

I know a guy with a 450SE with an automatic box. It is possible, but the price of the box to take the power is very high. This Wedge is one of a pair ordered I believe from the factory with incredible spec incl. both with auto boxes... TVR would be put off production due to the high costs I would imagine, but if you have enough money anythings possible I suppose.

[SwanJack]

I think there was an article in Sprint a few years back about a disabled chap who converted a Griff or Chimaera to automatic amongst other things. If you want it i'll try and dig it out.

[straightsix]

Thanks for the info........if you have got any information, it would be interesting to see.

[ATG]

I think ye bible says the Borg Warner gear box used in Chims is the same unit that is used in Ford Mustangs. Being American, Mustangs must be available with automatic transmission. Just a guess, but I'd assume Ford would keep the differences btwn the automatic and manual cars to a minimum, so it might be worth seeing if a Chim or Griff could accept a Mustang auto box.

[SwanJack]

I have found the article. A Griff was converted to automatic by a motability specialist using a 'Guidosimplex cluth system'. If you would like the article I can scan it and e-mail/fax it to you.

[thegamekeeper]

TVR used to offer auto option on 280 Tasmins and I have seen 1988 280's with auto box

[jamer]

I have had a Chimeara last year converted from new to include a switch on the gear shaft which changed the gears up and down. It has made the Chimaera 5000 both auto and manual. It cost £4000 and can be fitted to either a Griffith or Chimaera