Buying another TVR

[jmn]

In years gone by I have owned an 80's 350i wedge and a Griffith 500. But that was about 15 years ago. I have decided to buy another TVR, a Griffith or a Chimaera, either a 500 or a 450.
No problem with sensible mods and/or tuned engines. Prefer a car with full leather interior.
The one thing that really does concern me is the chassis.
Am I right in thinking that with the body on the chassis it is really impossible to be absolutely sure about the state of the chassis? Some of the people on here who are describing their rebuilds have posted pictures of significant corrosion which did not appear to be evident before they started.
Is the only safe way to buy a car with a new chassis, or one which has had a body lift and all issues addressed?
A lot of traders state that the chassis has been freshly waxoiled. Will this simply mask the horrors underneath?
I do not have the space or inclination to attempt the rebuilds that others are undertaking.
If anyone thinks that they might have something suitable please PM.
Thanks.

[TvrJohn]

With prices of classics shooting up, and even more with TVRs being british sports cars, you can't go wrong.

Chassis is an issue, but not necessarily an expensive one, plenty of companies carrying out outrigger replavement.

go for it

[ch427]

I can see the most important areas of mine when its up on axle stands and using a good inspection light, the outrigger tops where the body sits are the biggest problem as they are well hidden.

[prideaux]

When you think that many early cars are still going and many have not had a replacment chassis then just factor in the cost of a new one at some point the reality of TVRs is that in 30 years time they will still be around and being restored when you think of the older cars all the way back to the early Granturas thanks to the fact that the Scrap man really did not want them too much fiberglass hence why what have been chicken sheds for years are now being restored and better than new
Its all a case of Values and desire to see them going on and at some point Values may drop but history has shown us that they will go up with time and as values rise people are willing to restore them and even if they dont there will still be the hardened TVR fans that will
Andrew

[topgear99]

Outriggers & chassis can be done at reasonable cost so weigh it all up but other posts are correct in rising values so good luck. Hope you find the right one.