A few simple straight TVR questions?
Discussion
Hi everyone, only my second post so far... but the main reason I'm here! Questions about TVR's!
I've loved TVR's from the tender age of 16 (got a trip in a 5.0 ltr griff, from that day my fate was sealed!) and now the job's looking up, at the not so tender age of 31 i'm looking to buy my first.
I've owned countless high power FWD cars throughout the years (including a modded 205 with 192Bhp) and have done many a track day in them. but, my experience of RWD cars is limited! An old turd box sierra, a grotesque light blue 2.0 Carlton and most recently a farmer racing green Merc C class 230 Kompressor (auto and with traction control)
First simple question, with a budget of max 15k which TVR is a good starting point? Griff is a firm fav, closely followed by the cerb. but the chim is a good looker and so is the more humble s seris as well. I've even seen tamoras down at this money as well as a few T350's. whats everyones views?
Secondly, which one isn't going to try and kill me with my lack of RWD experience? I would dearly love a griff but I'm just convinced its going to plant me backwards through a hedge at some point or am I just worrying over nothing? Would an S be a good start to cut my teeth so to speak or maybe a 4.0ltr chim?
Lastly, living with it. I have a decent garage and care for my cars like kids but don't like laying them up for winter. I live not far from edinburgh and my worry is the chassis and outriggers which I've heard so much about. Am I just asking for trouble to drive a TVR in the winter?
Cheers for any help and sorry for the long post!
I've loved TVR's from the tender age of 16 (got a trip in a 5.0 ltr griff, from that day my fate was sealed!) and now the job's looking up, at the not so tender age of 31 i'm looking to buy my first.
I've owned countless high power FWD cars throughout the years (including a modded 205 with 192Bhp) and have done many a track day in them. but, my experience of RWD cars is limited! An old turd box sierra, a grotesque light blue 2.0 Carlton and most recently a farmer racing green Merc C class 230 Kompressor (auto and with traction control)
First simple question, with a budget of max 15k which TVR is a good starting point? Griff is a firm fav, closely followed by the cerb. but the chim is a good looker and so is the more humble s seris as well. I've even seen tamoras down at this money as well as a few T350's. whats everyones views?
Secondly, which one isn't going to try and kill me with my lack of RWD experience? I would dearly love a griff but I'm just convinced its going to plant me backwards through a hedge at some point or am I just worrying over nothing? Would an S be a good start to cut my teeth so to speak or maybe a 4.0ltr chim?
Lastly, living with it. I have a decent garage and care for my cars like kids but don't like laying them up for winter. I live not far from edinburgh and my worry is the chassis and outriggers which I've heard so much about. Am I just asking for trouble to drive a TVR in the winter?
Cheers for any help and sorry for the long post!
I think your right to be a little cautious, my first TVR was a beautiful Griffith 500 which proved to be a step too far as i had an 'incident' which was due largely to my lack of rwd experience.
I've never driven an S, but with the money you are looking to spend you need to decide firstly if you're looking for a traditional convertible british sports car, or a scary fast coupe. If its a coupe, then you'll be looking at a good Cerbera speed 6 or 4.2, or a lower end T350. Both fantastic cars.
If you're looking for a convertible, take a look at the Tamora, or an top-spec 4.5 Chimeara. Some people are put off by the looks of the Tamora which i think is why the prices are lower than the equivalent T350 despite being the same underneth, but they have proper TVR DNA.
The next question is how much you want to spend on maintenance? Don't underestimate the running cost of a TVR, these are hand-made supercars and need to be properly looked after. The older rover V8 based cars will be cheaper, but in my opinion the amazing performance of the TVR engined cars is worth the extra outlay. Also remember that the glossy paintwork can hide chassis corrosion on the older cars, always make sure that the chassis is rot-free, especially in the outriggers unless you are prepared for an expensive body-lift.
Oh and don't let the above put you off, buy one with your eyes open and a good TVR will reward you everything you remember about that first drive in a Griffith, and more.. Get yourself to your local TVRCC regional meeting, you don't have to be a member to turn up and chat to other owners to see what best meets your needs / expectations!
Paul
I've never driven an S, but with the money you are looking to spend you need to decide firstly if you're looking for a traditional convertible british sports car, or a scary fast coupe. If its a coupe, then you'll be looking at a good Cerbera speed 6 or 4.2, or a lower end T350. Both fantastic cars.
If you're looking for a convertible, take a look at the Tamora, or an top-spec 4.5 Chimeara. Some people are put off by the looks of the Tamora which i think is why the prices are lower than the equivalent T350 despite being the same underneth, but they have proper TVR DNA.
The next question is how much you want to spend on maintenance? Don't underestimate the running cost of a TVR, these are hand-made supercars and need to be properly looked after. The older rover V8 based cars will be cheaper, but in my opinion the amazing performance of the TVR engined cars is worth the extra outlay. Also remember that the glossy paintwork can hide chassis corrosion on the older cars, always make sure that the chassis is rot-free, especially in the outriggers unless you are prepared for an expensive body-lift.
Oh and don't let the above put you off, buy one with your eyes open and a good TVR will reward you everything you remember about that first drive in a Griffith, and more.. Get yourself to your local TVRCC regional meeting, you don't have to be a member to turn up and chat to other owners to see what best meets your needs / expectations!
Paul
Only your right foot is going to kill you. 
Just avoid putting it too far down in the wrong place and you'll be ok.
As for choice of model, well they're all (TVRs) great in their own way, so it's down to personal choice apart from maybe hardtop or soft.
Just buy the best you can afford and remember too leave a 1 or 2k in the bank for the unexpected.
Just avoid putting it too far down in the wrong place and you'll be ok.
As for choice of model, well they're all (TVRs) great in their own way, so it's down to personal choice apart from maybe hardtop or soft.
Just buy the best you can afford and remember too leave a 1 or 2k in the bank for the unexpected.
Hi and welcome to PH sir. 
My experience with TVR ownership has been brief - only been an owner since Oct but like you (and the same age) have been interested in the marque since a young age. I was lucky enough to make some very very good friends indeed from PH who introduced me to the joys (and some lows) of owning one of these fine machines. I'll try and answer for you the best i can but i'm sure others will be along with more knowledge and experience than me soon.
I've owned countless high power FWD cars throughout the years (including a modded 205 with 192Bhp) and have done many a track day in them. but, my experience of RWD cars is limited! An old turd box sierra, a grotesque light blue 2.0 Carlton and most recently a farmer racing green Merc C class 230 Kompressor (auto and with traction control)I think, if i'm honest, you can't even come close to comparing experience with any of the above. For example, i had a BMW 635csi (which i thought at the time was quick - and lets be honest, it isn't exactly slow) then i bought my e36 M3 Evo which was in a different league. Now the M3 is very quick and my experiences with it in the last 6+ years have taught me a lot. When i tried to transfer this experience to the Cerbera i VERY quickly realized that it's a whole different ball game.
First simple question, with a budget of max 15k which TVR is a good starting point? Griff is a firm fav, closely followed by the cerb. but the chim is a good looker and so is the more humble s seris as well. I've even seen tamoras down at this money as well as a few T350's. whats everyones views?At this sort of money (was my budget also) you can have quite a choice from the TVR line up. I always wanted a Cerb so it was an easy choice for me. Although the Tamora's do look very nice indeed. With the Chim/Griff your dealing with a car that uses a lot of running gear that (as i understand it) has been used elsewhere and is fairly available. The Cerbera on the other hand has it's own bespoke engine and things can at times be a little hard(er) to get hold of. T350's at this price bracket would be the bottom end of the market and to be honest i haven't seen one advertised at this price. The Tamora's are also starting at this price but i think you should be able to get a tidy car for that amount of money. At this point you'll get arguments for and against the speed6 thats used in the T350 & Tamora. All i'd say is that there are a few people out there now that offer very good possibility's for these. The PH search engine is your friend for that one. Cerbera's start at around £8k ish so £15k should secure a nice example. Chims can be had for as little as circa £5k. So again with these, £15k should get you the nicest of examples.
Which one is a good starting point? The one you prefer the most i guess.
Secondly, which one isn't going to try and kill me with my lack of RWD experience? I would dearly love a griff but I'm just convinced its going to plant me backwards through a hedge at some point or am I just worrying over nothing? Would an S be a good start to cut my teeth so to speak or maybe a 4.0ltr chim?Now here's the wake up call for you. They will all try to kill you if provoked. My Cerbera gave me a little reminder only yesterday who the Boss was in our relationship 
Bearing in mind I've progressed from what is essentially a fast car already - the M3. Although if treated with respect they can be very very rewarding to drive indeed and some from on here do use them on a daily basis.
Lastly, living with it. I have a decent garage and care for my cars like kids but don't like laying them up for winter. I live not far from edinburgh and my worry is the chassis and outriggers which I've heard so much about. Am I just asking for trouble to drive a TVR in the winter?
Cheers for any help and sorry for the long post!Well at least you have a garage. I don't even have a driveway ! Living with it: my girlfriend calls it `my silly car` and in a way she's right. They are compromised a bit. Try parking a Cerb in a shopping car park space then to find someone has parked (normally spaced) next to you, they can be a little difficult to get in and out of.
With regard to the Outriggers, a lot of cars are owned by people who are firmly aware of this and cars are always being taken off the road to have this addressed. If your going to look at a car, try and book a ramp at a local garage for an hour (ideally a TVR specialist) and have a good poke around under there. Are you just asking for trouble in the winter, in a word, no. But remember they demand respect.
I hope all of this is of some help to you. If it's as clear as mud then i do apologize.
M3J.
My experience with TVR ownership has been brief - only been an owner since Oct but like you (and the same age) have been interested in the marque since a young age. I was lucky enough to make some very very good friends indeed from PH who introduced me to the joys (and some lows) of owning one of these fine machines. I'll try and answer for you the best i can but i'm sure others will be along with more knowledge and experience than me soon.
FrostyCab said:
Hi everyone, only my second post so far... but the main reason I'm here! Questions about TVR's!
I've loved TVR's from the tender age of 16 (got a trip in a 5.0 ltr griff, from that day my fate was sealed!) and now the job's looking up, at the not so tender age of 31 i'm looking to buy my first.
I've loved TVR's from the tender age of 16 (got a trip in a 5.0 ltr griff, from that day my fate was sealed!) and now the job's looking up, at the not so tender age of 31 i'm looking to buy my first.
FrostyCab said:
I've owned countless high power FWD cars throughout the years (including a modded 205 with 192Bhp) and have done many a track day in them. but, my experience of RWD cars is limited! An old turd box sierra, a grotesque light blue 2.0 Carlton and most recently a farmer racing green Merc C class 230 Kompressor (auto and with traction control)
FrostyCab said:
First simple question, with a budget of max 15k which TVR is a good starting point? Griff is a firm fav, closely followed by the cerb. but the chim is a good looker and so is the more humble s seris as well. I've even seen tamoras down at this money as well as a few T350's. whats everyones views?
Which one is a good starting point? The one you prefer the most i guess.
FrostyCab said:
Secondly, which one isn't going to try and kill me with my lack of RWD experience? I would dearly love a griff but I'm just convinced its going to plant me backwards through a hedge at some point or am I just worrying over nothing? Would an S be a good start to cut my teeth so to speak or maybe a 4.0ltr chim?
Bearing in mind I've progressed from what is essentially a fast car already - the M3. Although if treated with respect they can be very very rewarding to drive indeed and some from on here do use them on a daily basis.FrostyCab said:
Lastly, living with it. I have a decent garage and care for my cars like kids but don't like laying them up for winter. I live not far from edinburgh and my worry is the chassis and outriggers which I've heard so much about. Am I just asking for trouble to drive a TVR in the winter?
Cheers for any help and sorry for the long post!
With regard to the Outriggers, a lot of cars are owned by people who are firmly aware of this and cars are always being taken off the road to have this addressed. If your going to look at a car, try and book a ramp at a local garage for an hour (ideally a TVR specialist) and have a good poke around under there. Are you just asking for trouble in the winter, in a word, no. But remember they demand respect.
I hope all of this is of some help to you. If it's as clear as mud then i do apologize.
M3J.
Hi Welcome along. you said you are In Edinburgh I think your best bet is to pop along to one of the TVRCC meets in the central area which is held. Very friendly bunch
1st Sunday of the month
Broomhall Castle
Long Row
Menstrie
Clackmannanshire
FK11 7EA.
More details here http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/regions/uk-scotland....
I own a 4.0 chim and i see where you are coming from in regards To being cautious of these cars reputation and i too felt the same when buying mine and they can all catch you out lots of low down torque in a light body can make you go side ways if you don’t respect and under stand them but don’t let this put you off.
Your best to come to a meet and get a look at all the cars and find out the little issues and niggles these cars can have and take advice from other members before going on your hunt for a car.
I wont make the one today but if i am home for the nest one i will be more than happy to have a chat with you and try and help you best i can.
Cheers Scotty
1st Sunday of the month
Broomhall Castle
Long Row
Menstrie
Clackmannanshire
FK11 7EA.
More details here http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/regions/uk-scotland....
I own a 4.0 chim and i see where you are coming from in regards To being cautious of these cars reputation and i too felt the same when buying mine and they can all catch you out lots of low down torque in a light body can make you go side ways if you don’t respect and under stand them but don’t let this put you off.
Your best to come to a meet and get a look at all the cars and find out the little issues and niggles these cars can have and take advice from other members before going on your hunt for a car.
I wont make the one today but if i am home for the nest one i will be more than happy to have a chat with you and try and help you best i can.
Cheers Scotty
grahamw48 said:
Only your right foot is going to kill you.
Just avoid putting it too far down in the wrong place and you'll be ok.
As for choice of model, well they're all (TVRs) great in their own way, so it's down to personal choice apart from maybe hardtop or soft.
Just buy the best you can afford and remember too leave a 1 or 2k in the bank for the unexpected.
The 1-2k is more for the Chimaera or Griff, a Tuscan is liklely to be more costly. Depends on how much spare cash you have and how fast you want to go. It is true they will all catch you out so choose the one you like the most. With superchargers the V8's are close to the speed six now in terms of performance, I say this since my 5.0 felt average after about a week, not the sort of thought you should have after just getting it. Just avoid putting it too far down in the wrong place and you'll be ok.
As for choice of model, well they're all (TVRs) great in their own way, so it's down to personal choice apart from maybe hardtop or soft.
Just buy the best you can afford and remember too leave a 1 or 2k in the bank for the unexpected.
FrostyCab said:
Hi everyone, only my second post so far... but the main reason I'm here! Questions about TVR's!
The advice about a TVRCC Regional meet is what I would have suggested.As regards worry about putting it into a hedge: with such a powerful range of cars, from S-Types to 4.5 Cerbs being mentioned, I'd suggest an advanced driving course.
I think one with road and track components is the type to go for but the best type of advanced course is one you go into with an open mind.
As regards the range, I'd syggest looking a few over before making up your mind. I can't think of any TVR owner who would not relish showing off his or her car to someone who asked for a ride so the Regional meet is the place to go.
Derek Smith said:
FrostyCab said:
Hi everyone, only my second post so far... but the main reason I'm here! Questions about TVR's!
The advice about a TVRCC Regional meet is what I would have suggested.As regards worry about putting it into a hedge: with such a powerful range of cars, from S-Types to 4.5 Cerbs being mentioned, I'd suggest an advanced driving course.
I think one with road and track components is the type to go for but the best type of advanced course is one you go into with an open mind.
As regards the range, I'd syggest looking a few over before making up your mind. I can't think of any TVR owner who would not relish showing off his or her car to someone who asked for a ride so the Regional meet is the place to go.
If you wanted a Griff from day one, go out and buy the best you can afford. Dont let engine size put you off, they all perform well. Your budget should buy you a nice 500.
Despite what you are advised in these excellent forums, TVRs in general only bite those who drive with their head up their backsides. Once bitten many (not all) of the owners refuse to accept the real cause of the accident, prefering to keep their heads in the up-backside position.
Coming from a tuned 205 I guess you are acustomed to treating cars with respect. Softly softly at first and maybe a day at an airfield or a skidpan if you feel you want to find out what you and your car will do at the limit of adhesion (or talent)
.
My wife used to own a 500 Chim which she enjoyed - including a trip to the Ring. She has had no advanced driving tuition but used to drive her Chim as she's driven all her other cars, with respect....no problems oddly enough.
Go find a nice one, treat it with kid gloves at first and get to grips with the car in your own time. Don't belive the heroes on here that try to populate the myth that these cars are widow makers.
Your budget should buy you a nice 500.Despite what you are advised in these excellent forums, TVRs in general only bite those who drive with their head up their backsides. Once bitten many (not all) of the owners refuse to accept the real cause of the accident, prefering to keep their heads in the up-backside position.
Coming from a tuned 205 I guess you are acustomed to treating cars with respect. Softly softly at first and maybe a day at an airfield or a skidpan if you feel you want to find out what you and your car will do at the limit of adhesion (or talent)
.My wife used to own a 500 Chim which she enjoyed - including a trip to the Ring. She has had no advanced driving tuition but used to drive her Chim as she's driven all her other cars, with respect....no problems oddly enough.
Go find a nice one, treat it with kid gloves at first and get to grips with the car in your own time. Don't belive the heroes on here that try to populate the myth that these cars are widow makers.
Edited by TVR_owner on Sunday 4th April 08:40
Some good advice on this thread, Come along to the TVRCC meet, it's today, I'm in Falkirk if you want to follow, or get a lift (I have a Chim 4.3).
If Griffs are your thing, I'd get a good example, that way you should have some money for any work that may need done, or you wish to do.
If you've done trackdays I'm sure you'd quickly get the hang of RWD.
I'm sure if you have the thought in the back of your mind, you'll be careful
and you won't regret getting one :-)
Mark
If Griffs are your thing, I'd get a good example, that way you should have some money for any work that may need done, or you wish to do.
If you've done trackdays I'm sure you'd quickly get the hang of RWD.
I'm sure if you have the thought in the back of your mind, you'll be careful
and you won't regret getting one :-)
Mark
I bought a 4ltr Chimaera a few years ago, having only had the previous experience of a 2.0 Astra SRI... It was my only car and drove it very carefully all year round and got used to it pretty quickly. To be honest they're quite easy to drive, though are a bit lumpy in traffic. If you enjoy driving, you'll find all of the quirks endearing!
Ultimately as others have said, treat them with respect and you'll be fine. I still maintain that I was a much better driver in the Chimaera than I am in my eurobox now - they need to be driven rather than point and go, which is the main attraction!
My recommendation is to go for it - the itch will never be stratched unless you do!
Ultimately as others have said, treat them with respect and you'll be fine. I still maintain that I was a much better driver in the Chimaera than I am in my eurobox now - they need to be driven rather than point and go, which is the main attraction!
My recommendation is to go for it - the itch will never be stratched unless you do!
Wow, thanks for all the advise so far.
Think the idea of the club sounds like a great idea. I'll have to pop by when I'm home (currently stuck in Laon in france trying to fix bloody wind turbines for our garlic loving chums!)
I will admit the "which one to go for" question has been driving me (and my poor wife!) up the wall for ages. it seems that each car has its own particular character, something which I love and relish to be frank! The Soft top element appeals a great deal as I've always loved cabs (hence the name!) and am currently restoring my old Mk1 Golf Cabrio for the wife (should be fun with a 16vG60 in it and around 230 Bhp!!) But I am also a coupe fan, my VR6 Corrado will be going to a new home when I finally decide which TVR is taking its place.
I built it myself over a course of 5-6 years. I laugh now as it would be a chavs dream these days but back in 97 when I finish the outside it was well cool and completely unique! Got max power featured in 98. When I finally sold her in 2002 it was a bloodly quick car and I warned the young lad who bought her to treat it very carefully to start with as it was going to be a little quicker then his god awful little nova 1.2.... two weeks later he was on the phone as he'd put it through a field and needed help rebuilding it again!
Its corning ability was at least a level higher then my fear threashold!! I was running out of bottle a healthy way before she ran out of grip which is less then can be said for nova boy!
I'll post up a pic of it if you all want a giggle...
Think the idea of the club sounds like a great idea. I'll have to pop by when I'm home (currently stuck in Laon in france trying to fix bloody wind turbines for our garlic loving chums!)
I will admit the "which one to go for" question has been driving me (and my poor wife!) up the wall for ages. it seems that each car has its own particular character, something which I love and relish to be frank! The Soft top element appeals a great deal as I've always loved cabs (hence the name!) and am currently restoring my old Mk1 Golf Cabrio for the wife (should be fun with a 16vG60 in it and around 230 Bhp!!) But I am also a coupe fan, my VR6 Corrado will be going to a new home when I finally decide which TVR is taking its place.
TVR_owner said:
Coming from a tuned 205 I guess you are acustomed to treating cars with respect. Softly softly at first and maybe a day at an airfield or a skidpan if you feel you want to find out what you and your car will do at the limit of adhesion (or talent)
Ooooh yes... My old pug was a savage... nae vicious little bugger in the wrong hands! It would swap ends so quickly if you lifted off at all mid corner.I built it myself over a course of 5-6 years. I laugh now as it would be a chavs dream these days but back in 97 when I finish the outside it was well cool and completely unique! Got max power featured in 98. When I finally sold her in 2002 it was a bloodly quick car and I warned the young lad who bought her to treat it very carefully to start with as it was going to be a little quicker then his god awful little nova 1.2.... two weeks later he was on the phone as he'd put it through a field and needed help rebuilding it again!
Its corning ability was at least a level higher then my fear threashold!! I was running out of bottle a healthy way before she ran out of grip which is less then can be said for nova boy!
I'll post up a pic of it if you all want a giggle...
Edited by FrostyCab on Sunday 4th April 16:04
softtop said:
With superchargers the V8's are close to the speed six now in terms of performance, I say this since my 5.0 felt average after about a week, not the sort of thought you should have after just getting it.
Some 500 are "close" without chargers A few Tuscan i know aren't in front (let alone level 
) until silly numbers I'm amazed a 500 can feel average unless it was a bad one !!!
OP Whatever you decide on just imagine the right hand pedal has an egg under it
Edited by Del 203 on Sunday 4th April 16:58
I agree with TVR Owner. One additional comment - if you've got a 15k budget then you are better off buying a good example of an older model. While a Tamora/T350 is much easier to drive and IMO to live with (compare them for yourself), they will potentially be more expensive to run if you are unlucky enough to buy one needing work soon (and lets face it, that is often what you find at the bottom end of the price bracket).
Check the chassis of all prospective purchases carefully for rust (but expecially the older models).
Check out EVO Magazine - Harry Metcalfe has just bought himself a lovely Griffith 500 for 15k.
Check the chassis of all prospective purchases carefully for rust (but expecially the older models).
Check out EVO Magazine - Harry Metcalfe has just bought himself a lovely Griffith 500 for 15k.
Hi and welcome.
There are a few of us (mainly TVR & Ducatti I think) coming to 6-10 May (ish) with 1 night in Edinburgh (not got details to hand).
If you're around, keep an eye on the S pages and perhaps you may be able to meet up.
Regarding TVRs, I'm on my 8th, they're all different, even 2 identical ones, erm, won't be
The S is a fantastic car, superb fun, cheap to buy and cheap to run. A good option would be to buy one, put the rest of the money away and see how you feel after a year.
Good luck
There are a few of us (mainly TVR & Ducatti I think) coming to 6-10 May (ish) with 1 night in Edinburgh (not got details to hand).
If you're around, keep an eye on the S pages and perhaps you may be able to meet up.
Regarding TVRs, I'm on my 8th, they're all different, even 2 identical ones, erm, won't be
The S is a fantastic car, superb fun, cheap to buy and cheap to run. A good option would be to buy one, put the rest of the money away and see how you feel after a year.
Good luck
I had an S and moved to a Chim. My own view would be for you to buy with your heart - get what you want from the start. The S is lovely, but there is a big, big chassis step up to the Chim (and I would guess a further step to the Tuscan/Tamora/T350). My OH, Mrs LWT was losing interest in long trips in the S due to the ride but the Chim has re-awakened her interest (and the OK from the OH to get upgrades can only be good...). To get ahead of the handling get tuition, so do a ride-drive course, or similar and then do something like the Driver Development Programme (DDP) track day at Prodrive (not as scary as a free for all trackday, 1-1 tuition and you get to take your Tiv on a skidpan). Just my own views...
softtop said:
Derek Smith said:
FrostyCab said:
Hi everyone, only my second post so far... but the main reason I'm here! Questions about TVR's!
The advice about a TVRCC Regional meet is what I would have suggested.As regards worry about putting it into a hedge: with such a powerful range of cars, from S-Types to 4.5 Cerbs being mentioned, I'd suggest an advanced driving course.
I think one with road and track components is the type to go for but the best type of advanced course is one you go into with an open mind.
As regards the range, I'd syggest looking a few over before making up your mind. I can't think of any TVR owner who would not relish showing off his or her car to someone who asked for a ride so the Regional meet is the place to go.
The back end suddenly stepped right. Not by much, and by a lot less than I imagined at the time, but certainly sufficient to note. I had to put a bit of right steering on to catch it. I assumed that I'd driven over a drain or perhaps a little oil or something. It certainly enlivened the drive.
Someone said that the T-cars are easier to drive than the earlier S and RV8 cars and I have to say, even as a Chim owner, that that is my experience. Whether this is a point in their favour is a matter for discussion I suppose. I've got to say that that Tam was brilliant. I really wish I could afford one.
It's perhaps the time of year, but Chim and Griff prices seem to be rising. There are various rumours around that the RV8 TVRs will increase in value in the next few years. 
Believe them if you like! (I don't know about the SP6 engined cars so can't offer any opinion.)
However, from a purely practical point of view £12K to £15K will buy you a very nice RV8 car that MAY increase in value, give you the summer fun you want, and if you do your homework/legwork properly won't cost an arm and a leg to run. Win-win!
My first TVR was a well sorted Chim 500, and like the OP I was concerned about being able to handle it. However, I gave it the respect it demanded and drove it all year round in all weathers. I never had many particularly scary moments that weren't self induced.
Believe them if you like! (I don't know about the SP6 engined cars so can't offer any opinion.)
However, from a purely practical point of view £12K to £15K will buy you a very nice RV8 car that MAY increase in value, give you the summer fun you want, and if you do your homework/legwork properly won't cost an arm and a leg to run. Win-win!
My first TVR was a well sorted Chim 500, and like the OP I was concerned about being able to handle it. However, I gave it the respect it demanded and drove it all year round in all weathers. I never had many particularly scary moments that weren't self induced.
I have had some experience with a Cerbera (the 4.5 V8). I purchased it new, but within days of driving it, i wanted to give it away. The car felt underpowered considering the supposed 420BHP; I had endless faults with it within the first few months.
It soon got to the point where i just had to move on (now an Aston Martin owner)
Maybe I was just unlucky with this particular TVR, but after speaking to various reliable sources, I found out that problems follow this car.
So the best thing i ever did was getting my Aston. Im lucky enough not to worry about a budget, but I strongly advise saving more if you can, and getting a better car than the Cerbera.
It soon got to the point where i just had to move on (now an Aston Martin owner)
Maybe I was just unlucky with this particular TVR, but after speaking to various reliable sources, I found out that problems follow this car.
So the best thing i ever did was getting my Aston. Im lucky enough not to worry about a budget, but I strongly advise saving more if you can, and getting a better car than the Cerbera.
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