Cerb ownership prospects?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm contemplating replacing my S3 with a newer TVR and having harrased the owners of virtually every other type of TVR it felt only fair to come and pester you guys.
On a more serious note, I drove a Chimera for the first time today and, while I was quite impresed overall, it didn't feel that different to my S. It made me reconsider the idea of Cerbera, which I'd initially feared would be too expensive and too troublesome.
First question is can anyone compare the driving experience to the Chimera? I presume the chassis and suspension are similar, but with a longer wheelbase?
Second is how much more looking after does the AJP engine really need, compare to the Rover V8? Are there any 'lifed' components that go bang at particular intervals? Similarly, how do the service intervals compare? Are there any other areas of the car which might take more looking after than the usual Griffiths and Chimeras?
I'm contemplating replacing my S3 with a newer TVR and having harrased the owners of virtually every other type of TVR it felt only fair to come and pester you guys.
On a more serious note, I drove a Chimera for the first time today and, while I was quite impresed overall, it didn't feel that different to my S. It made me reconsider the idea of Cerbera, which I'd initially feared would be too expensive and too troublesome.
First question is can anyone compare the driving experience to the Chimera? I presume the chassis and suspension are similar, but with a longer wheelbase?
Second is how much more looking after does the AJP engine really need, compare to the Rover V8? Are there any 'lifed' components that go bang at particular intervals? Similarly, how do the service intervals compare? Are there any other areas of the car which might take more looking after than the usual Griffiths and Chimeras?
Hi Chris
My thoughts in answer to your questions. First question; well I do actually have both a Chimaera and a Cerbera and there is no comparison in terms of driving experience (this is how I justify keeping both 
. So, if you fancy a Cerbera, you will need to go and drive one to be sure.
Secondly, the Rover V8 engine v the AJP - my Cerbera as a whole, requires more attention than the Chimaera and by some measure. It's a much more emotional car and more highly strung and as a result, more demanding - in lots of ways!
I am sure the boys will be along soon with much more practical information on the comparison between the two!
Happy New Year!
My thoughts in answer to your questions
. First question; well I do actually have both a Chimaera and a Cerbera and there is no comparison in terms of driving experience (this is how I justify keeping both . So, if you fancy a Cerbera, you will need to go and drive one to be sure.Secondly, the Rover V8 engine v the AJP - my Cerbera as a whole, requires more attention than the Chimaera and by some measure. It's a much more emotional car and more highly strung and as a result, more demanding - in lots of ways!
I am sure the boys will be along soon with much more practical information on the comparison between the two!
Happy New Year!
Chris71 said:
First question is can anyone compare the driving experience to the Chimera? I presume the chassis and suspension are similar, but with a longer wheelbase?
For me my Cerb feels more planted but that could just be its newer. The Chimaera has a lot more low down power where as the Cerb needs to be revved more. I hated the Cerb when I first got it but after I had a few weeks it all became clear
The engine is a totally different beast than the RV8 it revs and revs the brakes are sharper and the turn in seems sharper. The build quality also seems better on the Cerb than the Chimaera but again the Chimeras a few years older.
Chris71 said:
Second is how much more looking after does the AJP engine
For me it hasn't needed any more than the RV8 in fact so far its been less.Chris71 said:
how do the service intervals compare?
Chris71 said:
Are there any other areas of the car which might take more looking after than the usual Griffiths and Chimeras?
Nope 
Hi Chris
I had two Rover V8 TVRs before getting the Cerb, and loved the low down torque characteristic. Especially for oversteer antics on deserted roundabouts
The Cerb has a much different power delivery. Where the RV8s are running out of puff, the AJP really starts getting excited at around 5kish.
The sound is unmistakeable. I DO love the RV8 burble, but the AJP pop, bang and crackle is just so unique, and what really tells the car apart from all the other V8s out there.
The ride in a Chimaera is a bit akin to being in a boat. Sorry Nicky
But if you want a nice comfortable V8 cruiser with some low down guts, go for the Chimaera.
If you want to be scared silly, get a Cerb.
Oh, and the Cerbera is the best looking TVR too
If you find one you like privately, get it checked out by a TVR mechanic. Be carefull using so called specialist car finders. They don't always find the hidden nasties, and can prove expensive.
Good luck.
I had two Rover V8 TVRs before getting the Cerb, and loved the low down torque characteristic. Especially for oversteer antics on deserted roundabouts
The Cerb has a much different power delivery. Where the RV8s are running out of puff, the AJP really starts getting excited at around 5kish.
The sound is unmistakeable. I DO love the RV8 burble, but the AJP pop, bang and crackle is just so unique, and what really tells the car apart from all the other V8s out there.
The ride in a Chimaera is a bit akin to being in a boat. Sorry Nicky
But if you want a nice comfortable V8 cruiser with some low down guts, go for the Chimaera.
If you want to be scared silly, get a Cerb.
Oh, and the Cerbera is the best looking TVR too
If you find one you like privately, get it checked out by a TVR mechanic. Be carefull using so called specialist car finders. They don't always find the hidden nasties, and can prove expensive.
Good luck.
Thanks gents.
There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable." And yet the Chimera with a similar chassis, barring a shorter wheelbase (which IIRC would conventionally make it more twitchy?) is summed up as "gorgeous noise, great to drive".
Does extending the wheelbase and fiddling with the suspension settings really alter the characteristics that much? Probably being naive here, but I don't understand how the Chimera is seen as quite placid given addequate respect, the Griff - basically the same chassis with firmer springs - is seen as rather meaner, and the Cerbera (admittedly greater differences, but still related) is an out-and-out widdow maker.
If I find one that looks like a realistic possibility I guess I'll get some feel for it on the test drive, but it's never really possible to drive someone else's car on a 5 minute trip round the block in the same way you would your own.
There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable." And yet the Chimera with a similar chassis, barring a shorter wheelbase (which IIRC would conventionally make it more twitchy?) is summed up as "gorgeous noise, great to drive".
Does extending the wheelbase and fiddling with the suspension settings really alter the characteristics that much? Probably being naive here, but I don't understand how the Chimera is seen as quite placid given addequate respect, the Griff - basically the same chassis with firmer springs - is seen as rather meaner, and the Cerbera (admittedly greater differences, but still related) is an out-and-out widdow maker.
If I find one that looks like a realistic possibility I guess I'll get some feel for it on the test drive, but it's never really possible to drive someone else's car on a 5 minute trip round the block in the same way you would your own.
It's the AJP V8 that makes the Cerbera what it is. I've had both. In the Chimaera you can drive in typical lazy yank V8 style, you can 'toodle' along in 5th, and yet when you put your foot down that wall of torque will still give you acceleration. The AJP doesn't have that, it's an out and out race engine and you have to drive it, and when you do, it all comes clear. just like Dave500 said, I also hated the Cerbera when I first got it - after 2 Chimaeras - it just felt slow, and nothing special. Then suddenly you just 'get it', and your in love. Think about like the Civic Type 'R', it's the Engine that makes it what it is, there are plenty of hot hatches that have similar performance figures, but with the Type 'R' it's how it achieves them. Thats why a lot of people jump into one straight from a Golf Gti, and think the Civic is s
te, it's not, it just has to be driven properly, The Cerbera is like that, it's the engine that makes it so special, and sets it apart from the Griffs and Chim's, and you really need to drive it like a Cerbera, not like a Chimaera.
And yes it will cost a lot more to run than a Chimaera, but it's worth it.
te, it's not, it just has to be driven properly, The Cerbera is like that, it's the engine that makes it so special, and sets it apart from the Griffs and Chim's, and you really need to drive it like a Cerbera, not like a Chimaera.And yes it will cost a lot more to run than a Chimaera, but it's worth it.
Edited by JensenA on Sunday 4th January 12:39
Chris71 said:
Thanks gents.
There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable."
If you get in one and drive it like you would a car with the usual complement of driver aids, you might come to this conclusion....There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable."
If you treat it with the respect it deserves, you won't have any issues!
Buy one!
Scrooloose said:
Chris71 said:
Thanks gents.
There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable."
If you get in one and drive it like you would a car with the usual complement of driver aids, you might come to this conclusion....There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable."
If you treat it with the respect it deserves, you won't have any issues!
Buy one!
It does really confuse me how three cars based on the same platform can range from docile to pant-wetting. It's not so much the reputation, but the apparently huge differences. I could understand it to an extent with the Cerb, but the Griff/Chim share basically the same chassis and engine and yet one is portrayed as a real beast, the other a well mannered tourer?
Chris71 said:
Thanks gents.
There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable." And yet the Chimera with a similar chassis, barring a shorter wheelbase (which IIRC would conventionally make it more twitchy?) is summed up as "gorgeous noise, great to drive".
When I was looking at Cerberas, I test drove 5 before buying the one I did. And 3 of them were very skittish. Did not inspire confidence at all, and was rather intimidating. But I liked the intimidating bit as I get bored of cars very quickly.There's still something I don't understand about Cerberas and that's the reputation. According to Evo 109 they can be, "violently unpredictable, intimidating and in some cases downright undriveable." And yet the Chimera with a similar chassis, barring a shorter wheelbase (which IIRC would conventionally make it more twitchy?) is summed up as "gorgeous noise, great to drive".
But 2 of the 5 were better. Alot better. Less twitchy. These are hand built cars as I know you can appeciate. So there will be differences between standard Cerbs out there.
I'm not sure what the technical differences are between a Chimaera and a Cerbera as far as suspension goes. Maybe they put stiffer springs and firmer dampers on the Cerb as standard. I'm sure Trackcar will be along soon to explain the finer points of this.
The best thing to do is find a dealer or 3 and take some test drives.
It also ultimately depends what kind of car do you want.
If my Cerb wasn't undergoing a resto, I'd take you out for an hours hoon around Herts seeing as you're just down the road. But my Cerb currently lives in the garage, shed, living room and spare room at the mo
what i would say is if you look at a cerb privately let the seller drive it for you and you drive it back. providing the seller knows the car he will be able to drive it so that it puts you in your seat and you can feel the torque of it.
when i test drove mine the seller just gave me the keys and i took it on my own (never driven a tvr prior to this) i thought the pick up of speed was crap/low down toruque, i was planting my foot and it took ages to come to life. As said its a race engine and it needs to be revved and excited to get the best feel out of it. i ended up buying it as after 5k revs the car just put a huge smile on my face. you need to adapt your driving (as with any new car)to get the most out of it and learn where the power delivery is best released etc.
or even better ask if some one on here, whois local to you would mind taking you for a spin.
when i test drove mine the seller just gave me the keys and i took it on my own (never driven a tvr prior to this) i thought the pick up of speed was crap/low down toruque, i was planting my foot and it took ages to come to life. As said its a race engine and it needs to be revved and excited to get the best feel out of it. i ended up buying it as after 5k revs the car just put a huge smile on my face. you need to adapt your driving (as with any new car)to get the most out of it and learn where the power delivery is best released etc.
or even better ask if some one on here, whois local to you would mind taking you for a spin.
In response to the OP about handling wheelbase skittishness etc. There was a thread recently that discussed this reputation - quite a few posters recmded proper four wheel alignment being carried out as it ransformed the car and a lot of cars on the road out there are out of whack apparently. also discussed suspension and tyre profiles I think. Search is your friend, lol!
When I was looking for a Cerbera last year (funds have now been diverted for other things unfortunately), when I first drove one I was bitterly disappointed in the first few miles of a test drive.
Having driven a number of fast cars and V8's (I had a V8 Porsche previously), the Cerbera felt very lathargic and sluggish. After driving a few miles, the dealer could see I was looking unimpressed and asked me when I was going to stop driving like a girl and give it some beans.
My instant reaction was to drop a couple gears and bury bury the throttle (we were on a straight road), and with a fairly large shove in the back and a noise akin to an F1 car, I was shot at the horizon faster than I have ever been. Even faster than 430bhp of Cosworth powered momentum in a kit car!
Driving through bends at speed did feel a little jittery, but then again, I've never driven anything with 18 inch alloys and such low profile tyres, so this may be just a perception thing.
So whilst my gravitas on the subject (not being a Cerb owner) is diminished somewhat, I have to enthuse with the general concensus. You have to adapt your driving style to suit the car and then you can understand why so many people enthuse about this beautiful car and dream (as I do) of one day owning one!
Having driven a number of fast cars and V8's (I had a V8 Porsche previously), the Cerbera felt very lathargic and sluggish. After driving a few miles, the dealer could see I was looking unimpressed and asked me when I was going to stop driving like a girl and give it some beans.
My instant reaction was to drop a couple gears and bury bury the throttle (we were on a straight road), and with a fairly large shove in the back and a noise akin to an F1 car, I was shot at the horizon faster than I have ever been. Even faster than 430bhp of Cosworth powered momentum in a kit car!
Driving through bends at speed did feel a little jittery, but then again, I've never driven anything with 18 inch alloys and such low profile tyres, so this may be just a perception thing.
So whilst my gravitas on the subject (not being a Cerb owner) is diminished somewhat, I have to enthuse with the general concensus. You have to adapt your driving style to suit the car and then you can understand why so many people enthuse about this beautiful car and dream (as I do) of one day owning one!
I would say a sorted cerb isn't skittish at all, my old one certainly handled beautifully and was much less nervous than my current griff.
They are very sensitive to tyre pressures, and the 4 wheel alignment also decent shocks are extremely worthwhile.
The bizarre thing about a cerb is that they are an excellent grand tourer, as at speed below a 100 leptons they don't 'feel' especially quick its just everyone else seems to be driving slowly. After 100 the car really seems to pour it on and your eyes widen and eyebrows make a beeline for the back of your head.
I did all my own servicing (including valve shims) and the cars aren't difficult to work on and I would say are better built than the griff & chimera. Parts are more expensive tho' ie brake disc £100 / corner but then it is a supercar.
Oh and get one with aircon, its not the greatest system but its lot better than nothing.
They are very sensitive to tyre pressures, and the 4 wheel alignment also decent shocks are extremely worthwhile.
The bizarre thing about a cerb is that they are an excellent grand tourer, as at speed below a 100 leptons they don't 'feel' especially quick its just everyone else seems to be driving slowly. After 100 the car really seems to pour it on and your eyes widen and eyebrows make a beeline for the back of your head.
I did all my own servicing (including valve shims) and the cars aren't difficult to work on and I would say are better built than the griff & chimera. Parts are more expensive tho' ie brake disc £100 / corner but then it is a supercar.
Oh and get one with aircon, its not the greatest system but its lot better than nothing.
350Matt said:
The bizarre thing about a cerb is that they are an excellent grand tourer, as at speed below a 100 leptons they don't 'feel' especially quick its just everyone else seems to be driving slowly. After 100 the car really seems to pour it on and your eyes widen and eyebrows make a beeline for the back of your head.
I'd second this. I love mine on long runs - so comfy, mines reasonably quiet, conversation is easy at 70-80.I've had to drive mine into work the last couple of days so been taking it quite easy but commuting at real motorway speeds. Lazy cruising and being gentle on the icy roads - 28mpg!
The only fright is the other drivers
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