Looking for 1st TVR

[jonrudling]

Hi all,

I've had an Alfa Spider Twin Spark for a couple of years, but now looking to get a TVR - a childhood dream of mine.

I have a couple of questions though, which I hope you might entertain me with (reasonably) sensible answers!

1. Should I spend £500 on hiring a Chimaera for a weekend before buying one?
2. Is £10k a big enough budget for a Chim in decent working order (w/ PAS, 1998-onwards, FSH)?
3. What are the main things to look out for when looking around?
4. Anyone in London fancy showing their one off to me one evening/weekend?!

Cheers all, and all the best for 2013!

Jon

[jonrudling]

Cheers all,

All very encouraging... and making me very eager to get on with buying one (with confidence!).

Lester - I live near Tower Hill/Tower Bridge. Would be extremely kind of you to 'demonstrate' the 500 sometime?!

Jon

[jonrudling]

Thanks guys. This is all very encouraging indeed, and a great testament to the PH forums!

I am very keen to get out to have a look at a few 'specimen'! However, my Alfa is heading into the garage on Tuesday for some work (I changed the spark plugs due to some 'kangarooing' with the engine... and now it is much worse! - I think my Alfa knows I'm coveting another marque!).

So, hopefully I'll be back with wheels in 2 weeks, and have plans to get to Fernhursts and possibly Kerridges.

@ miniman - thanks for the info and the pictures...

@ lestershaw and TV8 - gents, extremely kind of you both. I'll drop you a PM/email about potential dates/times.

[jonrudling]

Hi again,

Does this belong to anyone on here?
S361 EGJ
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-pa...

Cheers
Jon

[jonrudling]

Ha... yes, the desire for the 450 or a 500 I'm sure would eventually come along. However, my insurance quotes on the 400 are approaching £1700!!

[jonrudling]

Chilliman said:

Are you still at skool Jon?

Ha.. nope.. just live in Central London (E1W - so slightly East London! )

Have had a few cars now, but went about 5 years without a car (because London transport is so reliable, right?!).. then got the Alfa: First year insurance @ £1600... now at £700!
I'm 29 this month, with 3 points (SP30) from 2011, no criminal record, live with the missus, but guess my Essex heritage might push premiums up!

[jonrudling]

OK - despite the snow and the cold weather, I am hoping to go view a car on Wednesday 30th.
Am very tempted on this one, as previous owners seem pretty sound.
However, this would be the first one I see.... so do I scrap around to try and view some before then? Or say "bugger it" and assess on the day?

I've got a list of things to look at/check for. The only things that worry me are:
- The battery (how best to check that it is in order? Take a multi-meter? What reading am I looking for?)
- The number of keys and fobs that should be present
- Fit of the hood... i suspect pouring a bucket of water over the top would be a faux-pas in the forecourt?!

Cheers for your continued help all... (my birthday on the 26th... so am very keen on 'treating myself'!)

JR

[jonrudling]

Gents,
Thank you all for your advice. I listened to it all... and then went and bought the first one I saw! I was confident enough - thanks to Mr Rob Ingleby's expertise.

Should take delivery in next couple of weeks.

Chim 4.0l - T400LTR - Halcyon Atlantis Blue (/green!)

Anyone know this one? I think one of the previous owners moved to Aus/NZ...

Am (really) looking forward to getting out in it! Bring on the summer!

[jonrudling]

Hope these uploaded - am on mobile. Will get some better photos once I get her home ;-)

[jonrudling]

I doubt one of the best, but all seems in good order.
A bit of flaking on the chassis which will need regular 'maintenance' (not the outriggers... they are recently brand new).

Hopefully pick up the car next week.

Am looking for insurance quotes... £2k from Admiral (they insurance my other car).
Best so far is Classic Line at sub £1k. Even Mr Flux was coming in at c.£2k!