Considering a Chim… coming from Caterham
Discussion
PotlessPaul said:
Turn7 said:
I know it’ll vary a lot, but what are people paying for insurance , particularly 450 owners ?
Hi Mark, the insurance on my 450 was about £350 through A-Plan in Thatcham, I've insured the S3 with them for years (I should really try shopping around one of these years but there's always something more interesting to do!). As you've seen it is kept in a garage, 5k miles and I'm fifty something.........clean licence etc.Still thinking it over.....?
Have Easter week off, so hope to visit a couple of dealers and hopefully get a drive.
Catwrham should be back on the road in the near future, I’ll drop by one day that suits , when it is….
Turn7 said:
OOI, how does the Tamora stack up against the Chim?
I know it’s the Speed 6 motor, but is it just motor and clothing that’s different ?
Or a totally differently beast ?
I haven't had either(I have driven a speed 6 Cerbera though), and I'd imagine them to go about things a bit differently. The Chim strikes me as a nice torquey/gutsy cruiser, whereas I'd imagine the Tamora to be a bit more up on its toes with the more lively/revvy engine. I wouldn't say no to either of them for sure though! I know it’s the Speed 6 motor, but is it just motor and clothing that’s different ?
Or a totally differently beast ?
The Tamora is like all TVR including the ChImaera in having a steel mostly tubular Chassis with the body mounted on top.
The Tamora is considered to be the best handing soft top Tvr. T350 and Cerb having built in roll cage are probably the best handling Tvr.
More bespoke parts and more complicated Clocks and interior controls which can be difficult to replace/ repair.
Probably best to ask Tam owners.
I drive one occasionally and find it’s very good.
Steering geometry/ chassis is supposed to be better than virtually all earlier TVR.
The Tamora is considered to be the best handing soft top Tvr. T350 and Cerb having built in roll cage are probably the best handling Tvr.
More bespoke parts and more complicated Clocks and interior controls which can be difficult to replace/ repair.
Probably best to ask Tam owners.
I drive one occasionally and find it’s very good.
Steering geometry/ chassis is supposed to be better than virtually all earlier TVR.
I owned one for about a year, but coming from a Griff 500 - found the Tamora needed to be worked a lot harder to get the same performance (Tamora needed to be revved). The Tamora did handle really well, however on todays shoddy roads, is there any room for how a car handles.
I sold mine and was glad to get behind the wheel of another Griff 500!
The later Chim 450 is probably the best all rounder TVR that you could buy.
I sold mine and was glad to get behind the wheel of another Griff 500!
The later Chim 450 is probably the best all rounder TVR that you could buy.
citizen smith said:
I owned one for about a year, but coming from a Griff 500 - found the Tamora needed to be worked a lot harder to get the same performance (Tamora needed to be revved). The Tamora did handle really well, however on todays shoddy roads, is there any room for how a car handles.
I sold mine and was glad to get behind the wheel of another Griff 500!
The later Chim 450 is probably the best all rounder TVR that you could buy.
That was my experience too. I sold mine and was glad to get behind the wheel of another Griff 500!
The later Chim 450 is probably the best all rounder TVR that you could buy.
Felt like it would go great if I hammered it but never felt as powerful as my late 450 Chim
when at the sort of revs road driving usually demands and where the torque of the V8 is so useable and enjoyable.The steering of the Tam I drove impressed me as did the pedal box which I fell in love with after only one blip and down shift. Toe& heel is great using the floor mounted pedals and essential to reduce engine braking in all Tvr in my estimation.
I don’t think I’ve ever downshifted without rev matching and I enjoy that old school skill you can use in all Tvr cars.
Great fun
Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 29th February 15:56
These are different experiences imo.
I got my Chim not for the sporty drive but for the classic, lazy, rumbling V8. I’m still happy. My Caterham appreciates being spanked. Different technique, equally joyful.
It’s why I’m trying to convince swmbo that a Tuscan deserves to sit alongside the Chim as it’s much, much different!
A Sag is a price point higher, but sounds worth it.
Has op driven one yet?
I got my Chim not for the sporty drive but for the classic, lazy, rumbling V8. I’m still happy. My Caterham appreciates being spanked. Different technique, equally joyful.
It’s why I’m trying to convince swmbo that a Tuscan deserves to sit alongside the Chim as it’s much, much different!
A Sag is a price point higher, but sounds worth it.
Has op driven one yet?
To update this….
After much much thought…..
I love the idea of a TVR, having spent many many hours researching, the Tamora also appealed .
BUT…. Speaking with my other half, and having also now had a decent play out in the 7…… I will be sticking with the Caterham.
The goodwill the public have for 7s is fab, the social side is huge , and then add the actual drive experience….
If I am lucky enough to have a long life, I WILL find room for a TVR, but currently, that time is not now.
I would like to thank everyone that has responded , either here or via mail, you’ve been fab.
I have tix for the Bicester scramble in April. If any of you are there. Pm me so I thank you in person.
After much much thought…..
I love the idea of a TVR, having spent many many hours researching, the Tamora also appealed .
BUT…. Speaking with my other half, and having also now had a decent play out in the 7…… I will be sticking with the Caterham.
The goodwill the public have for 7s is fab, the social side is huge , and then add the actual drive experience….
If I am lucky enough to have a long life, I WILL find room for a TVR, but currently, that time is not now.
I would like to thank everyone that has responded , either here or via mail, you’ve been fab.
I have tix for the Bicester scramble in April. If any of you are there. Pm me so I thank you in person.
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