Evora to Griff
Discussion
just shooting the breeze really. love to hear from other Lotus owners especially.
I have an Elise for full spirited driving, so thinking of swapping the Evora for a different experience. Firstly, I want a convertible. Second, some luggage space (more than a Morgan, and in fact the Evora is ok as it has a rear seat). Thirdly, something I can feel relaxed about parking when on tour in coastal or forest car parks etc. I thinks cars like old TVRs and Morgans meet this requirement as they're "charming" not envy-inducing like modern sports cars.
I'm actually thinking longer term this slot in the garage might be satisfied by an MX5 or Mini convertible, as they're modern, reliable and slip under the radar. But, before that I'm thinking of exploding the radar with V8 thunder! Not expecting Lotus dynamics at all, rather something involving and characterful. My other thoughts have been an E-Type, XK, Vantage and Alvis.
I have an Elise for full spirited driving, so thinking of swapping the Evora for a different experience. Firstly, I want a convertible. Second, some luggage space (more than a Morgan, and in fact the Evora is ok as it has a rear seat). Thirdly, something I can feel relaxed about parking when on tour in coastal or forest car parks etc. I thinks cars like old TVRs and Morgans meet this requirement as they're "charming" not envy-inducing like modern sports cars.
I'm actually thinking longer term this slot in the garage might be satisfied by an MX5 or Mini convertible, as they're modern, reliable and slip under the radar. But, before that I'm thinking of exploding the radar with V8 thunder! Not expecting Lotus dynamics at all, rather something involving and characterful. My other thoughts have been an E-Type, XK, Vantage and Alvis.
I think the Evora is pretty much unbeatable as a comfortable sports car, certainly at the 50k level. But, after 2+ years of enjoyment I'm ready to try something else. I have an Elise for more focused driving pleasure. The Evora was always for sporty touring, normally with OH. hence my priorities of convertible and luggage, plus security in remote car parks. for driving, outright pace isn't the objective, fun and involvement are. A really obvious choice would be a Pagoda, and while they are great, I want something a little more... TVR is an itch most UK petrolheads would have, so that's reason enough. I enjoyed my time with my 2CV, '74 Beetle and Morgan. Lotus is peak chassis finesse, I realise that and happy to face the challenge of a bouncy, flexible Tiv 
I could just ask the question: what touring convertible would you choose for 30k? character and driving pleasure.
But as I say, TVR is an unscratched itch. I love the interiors too.
As I also said, I seriously think a Mini Convertible might be the sensible (sad?) answer in a few years time.
I could just ask the question: what touring convertible would you choose for 30k? character and driving pleasure.
But as I say, TVR is an unscratched itch. I love the interiors too.
As I also said, I seriously think a Mini Convertible might be the sensible (sad?) answer in a few years time.
scorcher said:
A Griff won’t be very secure for leaving it anywhere remote. Takes seconds to get into the cabin area. The boot not much longer from memory.
sure. there'll always be a risk with a nice car.I always empty the car at the hotel or cottage when touring, so the risk is really vandalism. I see older cars as less provocative to local yoofs and trading down from the Lotus this car will be a lower value (not such a logical view when the cost to repair is irrelevant of value, but wife thinks that way...). When touring cities I'll normally take the family box. the issue here is NT coastal car parks and the like. not normally high risk areas anyway.
I'm amused at the idea you could get into a Griff cabin in seconds when most people people can't work out how to open the door normally at all!
Classic Chim said:
—- Lots and lots of good points —-
I’ll have to re-read later too!No one car does it all, and indeed I prefer a garage with several rather than an expensive attempt at nirvana. A convertible is too compromised for most sports cars unless their construction really permits it, such as Lotus, Maccas and Caterhams. But for touring on public roads open top adds a massive benefit. Hence Evora out and possibly Griff in.
The MX5 really is an awesome choice, if only more men could admit it, especially for B road blasts. But en route through the countryside in France the big V8 is a different joy.
Like to hear other’s views on ECU. I’ve done it before and not afraid at all of such a mod. Badly calibrated throttles are not manly. This car needs to drive to Scotland and through France. Not the pub!
Byker28i said:
When my missus reminds me how much I spent on the Cerbera, I remind her of the Lotus Elise we also looked at... 
I think OP needs to drive a couple of his prefered TVR's (as they vary depending on owners setup, model etc) to work out whether he'll like them. Moving from an Evora could be a different driving experience, although the whole TVR experience, owners, events etc is part of the attraction. A TVR can be a raw driving experience if you're used to being cosseted
I’ve driven lots of stuff, including a day in a Chim. To NicBowman above, I also have 25k under my belt in. Morgan. I think OP needs to drive a couple of his prefered TVR's (as they vary depending on owners setup, model etc) to work out whether he'll like them. Moving from an Evora could be a different driving experience, although the whole TVR experience, owners, events etc is part of the attraction. A TVR can be a raw driving experience if you're used to being cosseted
I’m also happy with “journeys”. In fact that’s half the fun.
The Griff can’t replace the Evora, not expecting it to. I have an Elise and a track beast for incisive driving. Vive la difference!
NicBowman said:
Quoting “ cars like old TVRs and Morgans meet this requirement as they're "charming" not envy-inducing like modern sports”.
I wouldn’t put Morgan and a Griffith in the same sentence, Morgan was designed about 100 years ago, TVR almost modern! If you haven’t driven a Morgan, don’t. Worst driving experience I have ever had. I like the look, but couldn’t own one.
TVR Griffith seems to be a car that doesn’t create envy, only interest. Plus no one expects you to go fast.. For me, a TVR that is happy going slow is the best choice, then cruise making a nice noise. Griff is the best looking and for me, rarity is a benefit compared to chimera. If you have the money, depreciation not an issue. They are indeed identical under the skin, my Griff rides just fine, smooth and comfy.
Other than that, do whatever makes you the happiest!
True, dynamically it’s a bedstead on wheels and you need to have proper sports cars alongside it in the garage to justify having it.I wouldn’t put Morgan and a Griffith in the same sentence, Morgan was designed about 100 years ago, TVR almost modern! If you haven’t driven a Morgan, don’t. Worst driving experience I have ever had. I like the look, but couldn’t own one.
TVR Griffith seems to be a car that doesn’t create envy, only interest. Plus no one expects you to go fast.. For me, a TVR that is happy going slow is the best choice, then cruise making a nice noise. Griff is the best looking and for me, rarity is a benefit compared to chimera. If you have the money, depreciation not an issue. They are indeed identical under the skin, my Griff rides just fine, smooth and comfy.
Other than that, do whatever makes you the happiest!
We drove the NC500 in the Mog, and given the state of the roads it was a good choice. I would choose other routes for spirited drives in a modern sports car. A Mog style car would be very appropriate for this garage slot if it had more luggage space and was a bit bigger all round.
I see the Griff as something between Lotus and Morgan and a great combination for touring on public roads. Actually it’s unique!
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
My 2p
I went from 4.5ltr Chim to Evora S. You do feel the decades difference, but TVR rawness/sound was part of the appeal. Evora didn't give you the extra sensations when accelerating, you knew you were going faster, but the TVR communicated this more.
You will need to try various Tvrs out as they are all different, eg some clutches will be heavy, but mine was quite light. Owners by now may/will have upgraded various bits. I'd suggest as later a car as possible to try & have as many niggles as possible ironed out of the original design, especially cooling, later cars had better bonnet vents. My late Mk3/2001 Chim made it through a couple of French towns traffic then Le Mans rush hour traffic in July heat with no issues. Later seats better, & may have lumbar support.
Early 5 Ltr engine Griffs can have issues. Depending on the performance you require, a 4 Ltr may be fine, or it just has to be a 500. There are also rare 4.3 & 4.5 engines (& some BV types which are even rarer).
Buy on condition, not mileage. Chassis need to be reviewed, as they can rust from the top down, which wont be seen. Even if the outriggers have been done, other areas may still be affected. Full body off repair/replacement is better than just body lifted & outriggers replaced, & they may have sorted other issues found along the way.
Something niggly always needed doing (electrics or trim. I kept spare fuel relays in glove pocket just in case). Always started though and got me to and from where I wanted to go. Previous owner had put a different back exhaust on, which worked well, nice change of tone when accelerating, good noise on M-Way, but never too loud. Some owners have got upgraded manifolds & full system replaced.
First thing I did was have a Carl Barker alarm upgrade (others available), as original alarms old now, & can ruin the ownership experience by not/intermittent starting. When installing the alarm, electrical issues under the dash will also come to light. Check how old the alarm is. A modern alarm may help with insurance premiums or give a little extra peace of mind, another benefit it should have remote boot opening on key fob.
Check all windscreen & engine bay 'mastic' seals, even if they look ok, they may still let in water through scuttle, giving electrical issues, so check footwells for dampness. Hood seals may also get worn.
ECU upgrade good if you can get it, the originals are old now, & bad throttle response or over fuelling no fun.
Power steering is handy, although some aren't fussed. Driving various examples will show what suits you.
No side impact or rollover protection in these cars.
Evora steering was very immediate, cats eyes affected mine badly, whereas the Chim wouldn't be affected at all, just soaked them up. Again, original shocks/suspension will be old now, but some owners may have done all this work & upgraded.
Camshafts advised replaced I think every 50-60k miles.
They do get very warm inside, as no aircon, especially with roof on, winter, spring & autumn for me the best driving times.
Parts should be a lot cheaper than Evora. An Evora S 20" rear tyre was around £260 a few years ago. My Evora S gave me around 18/19mpg around town, & max 25mpg on a run, the Chim was slightly better. TVR have a lot lower PLG tax bracket. Possible classic insurance for TVR.
Best if you can store in a garage rather than outside. These cars benefit from being used as much as possible.
Happy hunting!
All noted and refer back to this. I went from 4.5ltr Chim to Evora S. You do feel the decades difference, but TVR rawness/sound was part of the appeal. Evora didn't give you the extra sensations when accelerating, you knew you were going faster, but the TVR communicated this more.
You will need to try various Tvrs out as they are all different, eg some clutches will be heavy, but mine was quite light. Owners by now may/will have upgraded various bits. I'd suggest as later a car as possible to try & have as many niggles as possible ironed out of the original design, especially cooling, later cars had better bonnet vents. My late Mk3/2001 Chim made it through a couple of French towns traffic then Le Mans rush hour traffic in July heat with no issues. Later seats better, & may have lumbar support.
Early 5 Ltr engine Griffs can have issues. Depending on the performance you require, a 4 Ltr may be fine, or it just has to be a 500. There are also rare 4.3 & 4.5 engines (& some BV types which are even rarer).
Buy on condition, not mileage. Chassis need to be reviewed, as they can rust from the top down, which wont be seen. Even if the outriggers have been done, other areas may still be affected. Full body off repair/replacement is better than just body lifted & outriggers replaced, & they may have sorted other issues found along the way.
Something niggly always needed doing (electrics or trim. I kept spare fuel relays in glove pocket just in case). Always started though and got me to and from where I wanted to go. Previous owner had put a different back exhaust on, which worked well, nice change of tone when accelerating, good noise on M-Way, but never too loud. Some owners have got upgraded manifolds & full system replaced.
First thing I did was have a Carl Barker alarm upgrade (others available), as original alarms old now, & can ruin the ownership experience by not/intermittent starting. When installing the alarm, electrical issues under the dash will also come to light. Check how old the alarm is. A modern alarm may help with insurance premiums or give a little extra peace of mind, another benefit it should have remote boot opening on key fob.
Check all windscreen & engine bay 'mastic' seals, even if they look ok, they may still let in water through scuttle, giving electrical issues, so check footwells for dampness. Hood seals may also get worn.
ECU upgrade good if you can get it, the originals are old now, & bad throttle response or over fuelling no fun.
Power steering is handy, although some aren't fussed. Driving various examples will show what suits you.
No side impact or rollover protection in these cars.
Evora steering was very immediate, cats eyes affected mine badly, whereas the Chim wouldn't be affected at all, just soaked them up. Again, original shocks/suspension will be old now, but some owners may have done all this work & upgraded.
Camshafts advised replaced I think every 50-60k miles.
They do get very warm inside, as no aircon, especially with roof on, winter, spring & autumn for me the best driving times.
Parts should be a lot cheaper than Evora. An Evora S 20" rear tyre was around £260 a few years ago. My Evora S gave me around 18/19mpg around town, & max 25mpg on a run, the Chim was slightly better. TVR have a lot lower PLG tax bracket. Possible classic insurance for TVR.
Best if you can store in a garage rather than outside. These cars benefit from being used as much as possible.
Happy hunting!
All things being equal I’m thinking of a late 500. But condition important of course. I’ll tap TVR club with ref numbers of target cars.
Thank you.
Belle427 said:
Tvrs are an event for sure.
I've just finished a 1991 Mk1 1.6 Mx5 project I bought to keep me busy and to be honest I enjoy driving it more on tight twisty b roads than I did my Chim.
A very enjoyable car if you forget the image.
I'd pick the Tvr though for touring type journeys or long flowing roads so it depends on your usage.
I do fancy an Elise/Exige myself and may start looking end of year.
I’ve had a few 5s. Last project was a supercharged mk1 with 200hp and sorted chassis/suspension. Quite a track weapon. Should be on every young (middle aged) man’s list. I've just finished a 1991 Mk1 1.6 Mx5 project I bought to keep me busy and to be honest I enjoy driving it more on tight twisty b roads than I did my Chim.
A very enjoyable car if you forget the image.
I'd pick the Tvr though for touring type journeys or long flowing roads so it depends on your usage.
I do fancy an Elise/Exige myself and may start looking end of year.
Edited by Belle427 on Tuesday 10th May 15:49
There used to be a PH journo with a TVR MX5 combo. Great pairing.
UPDATE
it's now a Chimp. wife swayed by the cost saving!!! and larger boot...
I just want the most reliable and sorted car for hassle free fun
condition is everything I know, but aiming for 4.5, and registered before March 2001 (VED) yet built after 1997.
reading through all the TVR posts I've not resolved 2 points:
- "97 - 99 will have more rust". one owner asserted this, any other views?
- ECUs. this has been a constant theme from "absolutely necessary for throttle response" to "can be beneficial but a well tuned fuel/ignition system is fine"
it's now a Chimp. wife swayed by the cost saving!!! and larger boot...
I just want the most reliable and sorted car for hassle free fun
condition is everything I know, but aiming for 4.5, and registered before March 2001 (VED) yet built after 1997.
reading through all the TVR posts I've not resolved 2 points:
- "97 - 99 will have more rust". one owner asserted this, any other views?
- ECUs. this has been a constant theme from "absolutely necessary for throttle response" to "can be beneficial but a well tuned fuel/ignition system is fine"
update: Chim 400 purchased.
really tidy example. also tested a Griff 500, and although it was clearly faster above 4000 revs, it wasn't so much so low down. I'll enjoy the more relaxed V8 burble and 7/10ths driving. key point is that I have other cars for 9-10 tenths driving. definitely not an Evora, but probably far more useful on the public roads, roof down too.
Team at Fernhurst prep the cars really well.
really tidy example. also tested a Griff 500, and although it was clearly faster above 4000 revs, it wasn't so much so low down. I'll enjoy the more relaxed V8 burble and 7/10ths driving. key point is that I have other cars for 9-10 tenths driving. definitely not an Evora, but probably far more useful on the public roads, roof down too.
Team at Fernhurst prep the cars really well.
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