newish owner / 1st post
Discussion
Hi
1st post (caution its a bit long)
newish owner (about 6 months but haven’t got round to joining until now have been a long time reader)
always been interested in TVR's seeing them on TopGear playing Gran Turismo on the first playstaion seeing them at the motor show at the NEC and getting to sit in a couple of the cars left a lasting impression on a young lad, I was lucky enough to go on a factory tour in 2002, very glad I did as its not a option now. so always wanted a TVR, about a year and a half a go I seriously started thinking I could get one, at the time perusing the classifieds budget was for a 'S' but my hart was never relay in it and for me it had to be one of the later cars, more saving had to be done. Was a bit nervous of a TVR engined cars running costs (maybe next year) so a chimaera it was, always liked them.
So many hours spend reading hear, got the bible read that cover to cover(would highly recommend getting this if your thinking about buying a Griffith of Chimaera) the hunt was on looked at a few cars over a long period, nearly brought one or two before finally getting 'My Car'. Have been very happy with the car I ended up with a 97 4.0 litre viper blue with Estoril wheels ally dash and leven instrument stalks.
Need to take some better photos when the weather improves but this gives you an idea, was to busy driving to take decent pics.
Over all impression its awesome, haven’t been disappointed, even better than I thought it would be, good bit of speed and the sound! When giving it sum lots of smiles. Blank look on passengers faces when trying to get in or out excellent, I love the fact you have to be in the know, open the window only if you can find the switch. Nice day roof down worth every penny.
My first drive started out weather good, but halfway home thunder storm and getting dark, but it was fine, now I have had some proper time to get used to it quite happy to drive in the wet, just have to always remember it does get a bit slippery, but better to wait for a good day, relay looking forward to the first summer with it.
Leaks, yep does a little bit but mines kept undercover so no problem there but will be having a look at this, a leven half cover is on the shopping list.
Reliability: so far so good, I don’t think its as bad as every one who asks “what do you drive” when replied a TVR shape intake of breath and the a quip about reliability thinks. But I wouldn’t have thought about it though if I wasn’t preprepared to do work on the car my self as I can see small problems when taken to a garage would get very expensive.
Thought I had a problem with the central locking. Once or twice the boot seamed to pop open on it's own. This could have been left but thought I would get to the bottom of it, after a quick search on hear, found out it was a feature and not in the bad way, if I held the drives door button for a couple of seconds this would open the boot with out the need of the keys in the ignition as needed when using the button under the dash, this made filing up at the petrol station much easier.
Had the battery go flat then couldn’t get the key fob to work changed the battery’s in the fob didn’t fix it, again quick search and problem solved, disconnect the battery and reconnect, all working again. Also just replaced the main battery and its turns over very quickly now.
One major problem, but could have happened to any car. Went to start the car and nothing. Bit of head scratching and it turned out to be the wire for the solenoid for the starter had come off, think this may have been from driving over a stick it caught the wire, anyway luckily this happened at home so once I had worked out what it was and tried to with out success to stick my arm down to fix it between the exhaust manifold, jacked it up and re-crimped it job done, but this could have been very expensive if I had got it trailered to a garage.
So if your thinking about buying, my advise is go for it.
James
1st post (caution its a bit long)
newish owner (about 6 months but haven’t got round to joining until now have been a long time reader)
always been interested in TVR's seeing them on TopGear playing Gran Turismo on the first playstaion seeing them at the motor show at the NEC and getting to sit in a couple of the cars left a lasting impression on a young lad, I was lucky enough to go on a factory tour in 2002, very glad I did as its not a option now. so always wanted a TVR, about a year and a half a go I seriously started thinking I could get one, at the time perusing the classifieds budget was for a 'S' but my hart was never relay in it and for me it had to be one of the later cars, more saving had to be done. Was a bit nervous of a TVR engined cars running costs (maybe next year) so a chimaera it was, always liked them.
So many hours spend reading hear, got the bible read that cover to cover(would highly recommend getting this if your thinking about buying a Griffith of Chimaera) the hunt was on looked at a few cars over a long period, nearly brought one or two before finally getting 'My Car'. Have been very happy with the car I ended up with a 97 4.0 litre viper blue with Estoril wheels ally dash and leven instrument stalks.
Need to take some better photos when the weather improves but this gives you an idea, was to busy driving to take decent pics.
Over all impression its awesome, haven’t been disappointed, even better than I thought it would be, good bit of speed and the sound! When giving it sum lots of smiles. Blank look on passengers faces when trying to get in or out excellent, I love the fact you have to be in the know, open the window only if you can find the switch. Nice day roof down worth every penny.
My first drive started out weather good, but halfway home thunder storm and getting dark, but it was fine, now I have had some proper time to get used to it quite happy to drive in the wet, just have to always remember it does get a bit slippery, but better to wait for a good day, relay looking forward to the first summer with it.
Now some of the reality’s/info:
I had at one stage before purchasing thought I would use it as my only car, I had read all the post were lots of owners recommend against it when people ask the question. I could and it would be fun for a while but I would agree for me I think it would take some of the enjoyment away.Leaks, yep does a little bit but mines kept undercover so no problem there but will be having a look at this, a leven half cover is on the shopping list.
Reliability: so far so good, I don’t think its as bad as every one who asks “what do you drive” when replied a TVR shape intake of breath and the a quip about reliability thinks. But I wouldn’t have thought about it though if I wasn’t preprepared to do work on the car my self as I can see small problems when taken to a garage would get very expensive.
Thought I had a problem with the central locking. Once or twice the boot seamed to pop open on it's own. This could have been left but thought I would get to the bottom of it, after a quick search on hear, found out it was a feature and not in the bad way, if I held the drives door button for a couple of seconds this would open the boot with out the need of the keys in the ignition as needed when using the button under the dash, this made filing up at the petrol station much easier.
Had the battery go flat then couldn’t get the key fob to work changed the battery’s in the fob didn’t fix it, again quick search and problem solved, disconnect the battery and reconnect, all working again. Also just replaced the main battery and its turns over very quickly now.
One major problem, but could have happened to any car. Went to start the car and nothing. Bit of head scratching and it turned out to be the wire for the solenoid for the starter had come off, think this may have been from driving over a stick it caught the wire, anyway luckily this happened at home so once I had worked out what it was and tried to with out success to stick my arm down to fix it between the exhaust manifold, jacked it up and re-crimped it job done, but this could have been very expensive if I had got it trailered to a garage.
So if your thinking about buying, my advise is go for it.
James
Which end of Norfolk are you? Both Chilli and I live in the land of the webbed finger.....be nice to meet up some time.
That boot release trick. I never knew that either. I now have a handy remote opener, but what age of car is yours? By which I mean where is your door opening button, behind the door or under the mirror?
That boot release trick. I never knew that either. I now have a handy remote opener, but what age of car is yours? By which I mean where is your door opening button, behind the door or under the mirror?
Check out John's restoration thread, Monster Hunter.
It's ok, you can shut your mouth again after the first few pages.....but it is truly jaw dropping.
You are booked for a blast at Marham Richard. All you need is your driving licence and your TVR, not to drive, but because that's the car you need to be in to get through the gate. Let me know if you need a helmet.
The TVR contingent is growing.......now up to five cars and counting.
It's ok, you can shut your mouth again after the first few pages.....but it is truly jaw dropping.
You are booked for a blast at Marham Richard. All you need is your driving licence and your TVR, not to drive, but because that's the car you need to be in to get through the gate. Let me know if you need a helmet.
The TVR contingent is growing.......now up to five cars and counting.
Chilliman said:
ToneyCaroney said:
Looks nice Monster Hunter. Welcome to the fold and enjoy the beast!
btw, I never knew about the door/boot release thing. I'm going to try that on mine when I get home. Cheers!
I never new that either btw, I never knew about the door/boot release thing. I'm going to try that on mine when I get home. Cheers!
Welcome to the house of fun
ps bugger me, is a Yorkshire phrase, not an invitation.
welcome, lovely colour
Robert Lees said:
Chilliman said:
ToneyCaroney said:
Looks nice Monster Hunter. Welcome to the fold and enjoy the beast!
btw, I never knew about the door/boot release thing. I'm going to try that on mine when I get home. Cheers!
I never new that either btw, I never knew about the door/boot release thing. I'm going to try that on mine when I get home. Cheers!
Welcome to the house of fun
ps bugger me, is a Yorkshire phrase, not an invitation.
welcome, lovely colour
QBee said:
Chilliman said:
I sense an informal Norolk TVR get together coming on
I see there's no 'f' in Norolk.....Or should that be no effin' Norfolk?
It was supposed to read 'Narferk'... Top job with Marham A I'll get back to you regarding the lid, I don't usually like playing around with other people's helmets 
.Chilliman said:
ashgt4 said:
have a look at some good examples
That rules me and QB out then Where in Norfolk are you? I'm in Attleborough...
Chilli
Forthcoming events for serious TVR gawping:
Neil Garner open day 30th March - around 200 cars present, including a good contingent of TVR racers
Chatsworth 28th April - large TVR gathering
Brooklands 12th May - TVR Car Club Day - over 600 TVRs expected
Not aware of any that require minimal effort to get to, but I am sure that we can all meet up some time soon
And some of us nutters are planning to be on a track day at Snetterton on 17th April, if we can get it organised.
thanks all for the welcome,
been out in the car today, haven't driven it for a couple of months, good to blow the cobwebs away.
hope the boot opening works for some one,. I have the original meta alarm, with the button under the door mirror this is what you need for the boot opening. Obviously the alarm has to be disabled.
Would be good to meet up but I am very busy with work also away for long periods without a regular schedule so makes planning/committing to a date hard, im also not much of a organiser but would happily turn up if available. Im near Norwich (blofield/brundall)
is there a thread for this?
Am keen to do a track day, never done one before, but probably wont make this one as i will need to book time off to guarantee being home unless i can get a last minute ticket or if im about mite just pop along to get a feel for how the day runs and say hello. and would like to give the car a proper service before giving it the punishment of a track day. got all oils to change ordering parts now.
james
been out in the car today, haven't driven it for a couple of months, good to blow the cobwebs away.
hope the boot opening works for some one,. I have the original meta alarm, with the button under the door mirror this is what you need for the boot opening. Obviously the alarm has to be disabled.
Would be good to meet up but I am very busy with work also away for long periods without a regular schedule so makes planning/committing to a date hard, im also not much of a organiser but would happily turn up if available. Im near Norwich (blofield/brundall)
Engineer1949 said:
Hi monster like you i am based in norfolk on the broads in reedham jst finished a rebuild for my son doing a wedge next for me need any help give me a shout.
John
Hi John, followed your progress with much interest, must say you did a top job. Now the cars finished is it going to stay in Norfolk? Would be good to see it in the flesh. Looking forward to your wedge build, keep looking for a post from you in the wedge forum, is the wedge going to be along the same lines rebuild wise?John
ashgt4 said:
look at some good examples
That probably rules me out also as mine needs some cosmetic finishing in the interior. where about's are you based. happy to show you my car if you like, i would try and look at a few before buying.QBee said:
And some of us nutters are planning to be on a track day at Snetterton on 17th April, if we can get it organised.
Hi QBee,is there a thread for this?
Am keen to do a track day, never done one before, but probably wont make this one as i will need to book time off to guarantee being home unless i can get a last minute ticket or if im about mite just pop along to get a feel for how the day runs and say hello. and would like to give the car a proper service before giving it the punishment of a track day. got all oils to change ordering parts now.
james
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