Discussion
I have a tamora, and for me its the TVR of choice. Rare, disliked by many, but a crowd puller where ever I have been.
But its not just the car, its the whole package, that makes them good. Having recently sat in a Noble, for example, and I see the attraction of them, but the TVR dashboards and interiors of TVR's are amazing. To be honest people always comment on the quality of the interior and how its at the top quartile.
So for me a Tamora, Red Rose, sports exhaust does the trick. But you will get lots of opinions and thats the beauty of TVR!
But its not just the car, its the whole package, that makes them good. Having recently sat in a Noble, for example, and I see the attraction of them, but the TVR dashboards and interiors of TVR's are amazing. To be honest people always comment on the quality of the interior and how its at the top quartile.
So for me a Tamora, Red Rose, sports exhaust does the trick. But you will get lots of opinions and thats the beauty of TVR!
Surely it's a case of "which one next?!"
I've been running a Chimaera, have been dreaming about owning one for a decade, and now having had it for eight months, I'm on the hunt for a Cerbera! I couldn't see myself going back to a Chimaera, but the Griffith has it's appeal - trouble is I'd probably get waylaid but thoughts of Tuscans or a Sagaris...
It's all about personal preference - sorry to say but many people (not all I hasten to add) in the likes of BMW or Porsche have gone for the badge, not the car. TVRs on the whole tend to be bought by individuals who want THAT car - after all more often than not when someone is admiring it, they'll ask what it is, or even say "nice Lotus/Ferrari/Lambo" as they haven't a clue what one is!
I know some who refuse to get anything other than a Chim or a Griff as they want the Rover V8, they don't care what it's surrounded by. Others won't touch anything with power steering, even one or two who believe anything later than a Wedge isn't a "proper" TVR! Worse, I know of one chap who's recently sold his nearly-new T350T as "TVR are no longer British...." Worrying that one!
So really it's down to what you want or need. Reliability? Space? Pace? Grace? (Jaguar advert?!) V8 torque and laziness, or straight six race engined loonyness. The choice is yours.
I've been running a Chimaera, have been dreaming about owning one for a decade, and now having had it for eight months, I'm on the hunt for a Cerbera! I couldn't see myself going back to a Chimaera, but the Griffith has it's appeal - trouble is I'd probably get waylaid but thoughts of Tuscans or a Sagaris...
It's all about personal preference - sorry to say but many people (not all I hasten to add) in the likes of BMW or Porsche have gone for the badge, not the car. TVRs on the whole tend to be bought by individuals who want THAT car - after all more often than not when someone is admiring it, they'll ask what it is, or even say "nice Lotus/Ferrari/Lambo" as they haven't a clue what one is!
I know some who refuse to get anything other than a Chim or a Griff as they want the Rover V8, they don't care what it's surrounded by. Others won't touch anything with power steering, even one or two who believe anything later than a Wedge isn't a "proper" TVR! Worse, I know of one chap who's recently sold his nearly-new T350T as "TVR are no longer British...." Worrying that one!
So really it's down to what you want or need. Reliability? Space? Pace? Grace? (Jaguar advert?!) V8 torque and laziness, or straight six race engined loonyness. The choice is yours.
Gazboy said:
If you were to recomend to a friend, what would you say, and why?
i'm gonna go out on a limb here and say for those in the know the chimaera 400HC is the weapon of choice.
Obviously in blue (as that's the fastest colour - something to do with cutting through the air easier)
Had a Chimaera 500 and sad to see it go this year but....
if I had the choice again I'd go for a Cerbera (not speed six no offence intended) just because its that much better balanced, set-up and faster.
however....
A grif would have been the better choice due to the resale values being so much stronger though.
but...
A 400 or 450 Chimaera would be a better choice for everyday driving, more tractable and smoother in traffic.
In my opinion TVR have lost it a bit with the styling these days.....
if I had the choice again I'd go for a Cerbera (not speed six no offence intended) just because its that much better balanced, set-up and faster.
however....
A grif would have been the better choice due to the resale values being so much stronger though.
but...
A 400 or 450 Chimaera would be a better choice for everyday driving, more tractable and smoother in traffic.
In my opinion TVR have lost it a bit with the styling these days.....
Gazboy said:
If you could choose again, would you still by the model that you did, or would you have wanted to try another flavour of TVR?
I need a four seater so a Cerb is the only choice, but if that wasn't a priority, I'd be tempted by either a griff or a Tuscan
Gazboy said:
If you have a Griff, would you buy another? Would you never have another Tuscan ever again? Would you never be without a Cerb etc...
I have had two Cerbs so yes, I would buy another.
gazboy said:
If you were to recomend to a friend, what would you say, and why?
If he/she is a complete newcomer to TVR, I think I'd recommend a Chim first. If the budget is a bit bigger, then maybe a Cerb but explaining potential pitfalls. I don't think I'd recommend a speedsix engined car.
i will just go again for a Griff.
But not for an everyday car. I drive it just for fun and i keep smiling each time i switch on the engine and push on "the" pedal.
I always get a kick out of this fantastic car.
The other TVR are great and each of them are different in a way, but no one like the griff. For me it is the perfect combination of all i like in a car.
But don't worry all the TVR, whatever will be your choice, are very different from other cars. I believe they are the "last samourai" of the roads. Just be prepared to have fun and pleasure with these incredible weapons.
But not for an everyday car. I drive it just for fun and i keep smiling each time i switch on the engine and push on "the" pedal.
I always get a kick out of this fantastic car.
The other TVR are great and each of them are different in a way, but no one like the griff. For me it is the perfect combination of all i like in a car.
But don't worry all the TVR, whatever will be your choice, are very different from other cars. I believe they are the "last samourai" of the roads. Just be prepared to have fun and pleasure with these incredible weapons.
I love everything about the Chimaera - it's body styling/classic looks, performance, V8 rumble, practicality and open-top pleasure.
The only others I'd consider are the Tamora and the Tuscan, although IMHO the latter is more of a chap's Tiv coz of those mean, butch type looks so it would have to be a case of "his 'n hers" parked side by side in the garage. But then again, I'd miss the V8 rumble too much so in reality this idea simply isn't going to work!
So, Trevvie gets to stay
Personally, I'm not keen on the Griff - a nice car of course but there's something not right about it's backside! And the Cerbie just isn't for me.
The only others I'd consider are the Tamora and the Tuscan, although IMHO the latter is more of a chap's Tiv coz of those mean, butch type looks so it would have to be a case of "his 'n hers" parked side by side in the garage. But then again, I'd miss the V8 rumble too much so in reality this idea simply isn't going to work!
So, Trevvie gets to stay
Personally, I'm not keen on the Griff - a nice car of course but there's something not right about it's backside! And the Cerbie just isn't for me.
Gazboy said:
Surely it's a case of "which one next?!"
Add to questions by all means!
If the Cerb, and the price didn't matter, would you havea sp6 or an AJP?
Like one of the other posters, I also need four seats (bairn on the way) so it was Cerbera or nothing. Still I was after more power anyway - somthing of a compromise sacrifice!
As for Sp6 vs AJP - the 6's are cheaper, as people don't seem to trust them, but it's inconsequential as I want the lower down torque of the V8.... plus the rumble - though it's not as bassy as the Rover V8.
If I didn't have to have four seats, probably a Tamora - much underrated car!
Well I have chosen again, twice.
After my first pre-T5, pre-serp 4.0 Chim I had a late 4.5 Chim that was a much better car, primarily in terms of fit and finish, but I think I did get a "Friday" car.
Now got the Tuscan, and perhaps should have tried a Griff on the way, but I'm pretty sure it would now be a backward step.
Right now, if I were too choose again, it would be another Tuscan.
Next will probably be a T350, but might go via something German on the way (and regret it instantly no doubt)
After my first pre-T5, pre-serp 4.0 Chim I had a late 4.5 Chim that was a much better car, primarily in terms of fit and finish, but I think I did get a "Friday" car.
Now got the Tuscan, and perhaps should have tried a Griff on the way, but I'm pretty sure it would now be a backward step.
Right now, if I were too choose again, it would be another Tuscan.
Next will probably be a T350, but might go via something German on the way (and regret it instantly no doubt)
Simple.
Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora.
Scan through the Tamora section and you'll see 1 or maybe 2 people who weren't happy with it. And that was only because the engine wasn't a V8.
Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora Tamora.
Scan through the Tamora section and you'll see 1 or maybe 2 people who weren't happy with it. And that was only because the engine wasn't a V8.
If I came back to TVR I'd have a Cerb if money was plentiful.
If it wasn't, I have another Chim, although they do cost a bit still to keep in fine fettle ...
Griffith?: not quite 'right' somehow
T350/Tuscan/Tamora etc - not as good as a Cerb IMO.
Have to add not driven a Cerb or Tuscan, T350 or Tamora
But I'd still have my Mustang over all of 'em ... sorry!
>> Edited by MikeyT on Monday 8th November 01:13
If it wasn't, I have another Chim, although they do cost a bit still to keep in fine fettle ...
Griffith?: not quite 'right' somehow
T350/Tuscan/Tamora etc - not as good as a Cerb IMO.
Have to add not driven a Cerb or Tuscan, T350 or Tamora
But I'd still have my Mustang over all of 'em ... sorry!
>> Edited by MikeyT on Monday 8th November 01:13
Gazboy,
Soft top or hard top?
The only other soft top TVR I'd go for is the Tamora, but Id be too concerned about the expense of rebuilds.
If I was going for a hardtop I wouldnt buy a TVR.
But its very much down to personal choice.
Id like to keep the Griff forever but buy a track car to supplement it. (I don't want to make it a track car as I enjoy the euro driving in it).
Going on what you are really after Gaz, go for the Cerb 4.5LW red rose Nos.
The one Tripps just bought is bloody nice.
BTW: Putting the airflow meter in the airing cupboard for 2 days worked! Can we have another race now?!
>> Edited by DustyC on Monday 8th November 09:03
Soft top or hard top?
The only other soft top TVR I'd go for is the Tamora, but Id be too concerned about the expense of rebuilds.
If I was going for a hardtop I wouldnt buy a TVR.
But its very much down to personal choice.
Id like to keep the Griff forever but buy a track car to supplement it. (I don't want to make it a track car as I enjoy the euro driving in it).
Going on what you are really after Gaz, go for the Cerb 4.5LW red rose Nos.
The one Tripps just bought is bloody nice.
BTW: Putting the airflow meter in the airing cupboard for 2 days worked! Can we have another race now?!
>> Edited by DustyC on Monday 8th November 09:03
FWIW, after my 350i, it had to be a Griffith.
Nearly 2 years on I can honestly say that at the moment, I can't ever see me parting with it.
I love every other TVR on the road but can't imagine getting any more enjoyment than I do from 'The Bitch'.
Hopefully, that doesn't sound narrow minded as I know each model has its own appeal. The Tuscan always appealed to me and even though I could get one, I'd ALWAYS regret selling my Griff.
Nearly 2 years on I can honestly say that at the moment, I can't ever see me parting with it.
I love every other TVR on the road but can't imagine getting any more enjoyment than I do from 'The Bitch'.
Hopefully, that doesn't sound narrow minded as I know each model has its own appeal. The Tuscan always appealed to me and even though I could get one, I'd ALWAYS regret selling my Griff.
Gazboy said:
If you could choose again, would you still by the model that you did, or would you have wanted to try another flavour of TVR? If you have a Griff, would you buy another? Would you never have another Tuscan ever again? Would you never be without a Cerb etc...
If you were to recomend to a friend, what would you say, and why?
I'm on my second Griffith and it's as far up the TVR tree as I want to go. Cerberas are OK but you can't get the roof off, Tuscan is OK but has the wrong engine... no, the only thing that does it all for me is the Griffith. If I fell on hard times I'd swap it for a V8S or S3. If I wanted to spend more, it wouldn't be a TVR at all - though I don't know what yet. Basically, I'm happy where I am
As for recommendations, my advice would vary according to the brief. What works for me isn't necessarily right for someone else.
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