Survey of ownership cost v buying a sorted example .
Discussion
TVR by their very nature are all unique with bespoke colours and differences based on buyers original spec.
Tvr appear to be one of those few cars we like to claim and make our own, not so much changing anything in particular but repairing and making good the job TVR and former owners left us with.
Even doing work at home and saving on labour costs who dares count up the cost of making a Tvr faster better and altogether a more reliable car when getting all the major recognised mods for both power handling and reliability installed.
You can include tuning and any mods that have been added, chassis repairs etc etc.
The question I’m trying to answer is
Can you turn a standard car into a great car for less than just buying a really good car that’s had an owner do just that.
I often hear people mention TVR are expensive cars to buy but are they really,, if you want to keep or own a top line Tvr someone somewhere has been very busy and spent money along the way to maintain its presence.
Re sale prices never really reflect the cost of creating the brilliance top line cars exhibit so maybe when someone says they are expensive to buy i’d say yes the cheap ones are.
most high end cars couldn’t be re created from a poor car without serious wedge spending so the better cars ( incl mods) ?!! are actually better value for money by many £1000’s in some cases.
As a Tvr owner should we all be advising buy the best you can and if that means waiting until you have saved another 2/4 k or whatever that’s still the best way to buy to get the most for your money.
Saving 2 k on purchase might cost 8k to rectify.
I’ll start
£10,000 car purchase 2011
£25,000 Engine,road train,engine management,clutch,Dif, full respray, new windscreen and hood, dash and tonnes more.
Everything else I saved on and did myself
Only saying it like it is.
But then I’ve also driven it for those years a lot 40,000 miles and had huge fun out of it so the pleasure must be worth 10k of that easy
man math had to come into it somewhere.
So that’s an idea of what it costs from a main dealer to do such works that comes with warrantees and type approval or it was in my case.
Chassis work is stil to be fully costed but nothing major. Couple of K at the worst.
What’s my car worth,, 17/22K depending on who’s selling it and if it’s warranted.
Has anyone noticed the price difference yet.
Threads like this should encourage people to buy the better cars....... or by a wreck cos you enjoy it as a hobby and couldn’t care less what it costs
ETA
Pictures are welcome on this thread to show both what can be done and what it leads to. Hp numbers are welcomed for a start
My little effort.
Tvr appear to be one of those few cars we like to claim and make our own, not so much changing anything in particular but repairing and making good the job TVR and former owners left us with.
Even doing work at home and saving on labour costs who dares count up the cost of making a Tvr faster better and altogether a more reliable car when getting all the major recognised mods for both power handling and reliability installed.
You can include tuning and any mods that have been added, chassis repairs etc etc.
The question I’m trying to answer is
Can you turn a standard car into a great car for less than just buying a really good car that’s had an owner do just that.
I often hear people mention TVR are expensive cars to buy but are they really,, if you want to keep or own a top line Tvr someone somewhere has been very busy and spent money along the way to maintain its presence.
Re sale prices never really reflect the cost of creating the brilliance top line cars exhibit so maybe when someone says they are expensive to buy i’d say yes the cheap ones are.
most high end cars couldn’t be re created from a poor car without serious wedge spending so the better cars ( incl mods) ?!! are actually better value for money by many £1000’s in some cases. As a Tvr owner should we all be advising buy the best you can and if that means waiting until you have saved another 2/4 k or whatever that’s still the best way to buy to get the most for your money.
Saving 2 k on purchase might cost 8k to rectify.
I’ll start
£10,000 car purchase 2011
£25,000 Engine,road train,engine management,clutch,Dif, full respray, new windscreen and hood, dash and tonnes more.
Everything else I saved on and did myself
Only saying it like it is.
But then I’ve also driven it for those years a lot 40,000 miles and had huge fun out of it so the pleasure must be worth 10k of that easy
man math had to come into it somewhere. So that’s an idea of what it costs from a main dealer to do such works that comes with warrantees and type approval or it was in my case.
Chassis work is stil to be fully costed but nothing major. Couple of K at the worst.
What’s my car worth,, 17/22K depending on who’s selling it and if it’s warranted.
Has anyone noticed the price difference yet.
Threads like this should encourage people to buy the better cars....... or by a wreck cos you enjoy it as a hobby and couldn’t care less what it costs
ETA
Pictures are welcome on this thread to show both what can be done and what it leads to. Hp numbers are welcomed for a start
My little effort.
Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 7th February 22:22
Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 7th February 22:24
Penelope Stopit said:
That's nice
You have a great hobby, look how much a premiere league game ticket costs and then add booze and travel expenses x 38 games this season, that's got to be approx 5000 to 6000 pounds and nothing to show for it
Thanks, although that’s not why I posted the thread You have a great hobby, look how much a premiere league game ticket costs and then add booze and travel expenses x 38 games this season, that's got to be approx 5000 to 6000 pounds and nothing to show for it
. It’s simply to look at the costs involved one way or another
I’m quite proud of spending so much
it’s a different world right now so not so much modding going on unless you live in Yorkshire Joke amongst friends. We all know the answers but seeing it in black and white might bring home what so many of us enthusiasts do spend to keep these cars upto spec and something I hope the original builders and Tvr men who worked at the factory etc would approve of. Development of the bread is sort of in the blood of many owners and fans alike.
I know proper accounting isn’t the name of the game in this age but putting up what it’s cost to get the car your liking might be very relevant to someone thinking of buying or indeed selling sometime in the future
QBee said:
I just daren't post..... 
Edited by QBee on Friday 8th February 08:16
Luckily I’ve added it up for you and it’s well over,,,,,,,
Onlt 8-10 years ago it seemed every other owner was doing something major to the cars every few months, probably still are but not bothering to share it on this platform maybe!
It’s just hard to see how us average Joe’s can get a Tvr and have a top line car with the power/reliability to match the factory numbers without having to spend about 20k one way or another.
Others no doubt can do it for far less but they probably have very good electro/mechanical skills to start with.
I can also confirm as others will, the changes made and or just stuff replaced for new and re freshing the car do really add up and gives it as new kind of feel.
My car was very low mileage when I got it, it was a great car to drive then, it’s an even better car to drive 10 years later. The money I spent gave me the results I roughly hoped for so these things do work and improve the vehicle. There are a few pretty simple areas that can be improved on the Chim/Griff not least the brakes, with various well known ways to go about this on the front brakes it’s an easy upgrade that for me gives supercar type feel and a huge confidence booster in the cars braking capability which is actually very good with good brakes and tyres to start with.
Then there’s the steering , I replaced both knuckle joints and lovely light steering resumed so not everything is about big upgrades and expensive mods.
Here we are talking the virtues of the magnificent Chimaera and someone mentions Cerbs.
You couldn’t get further apart on the spectrum of heart ache as opposed to joyful miles eaten up which us Chimears drivers can do and get more than 15 to a gallon,, except Peter’s 5.5 that returns about 14.5 but then he has a camper and trailer,,, swings and roundabouts
It’s becoming blindingly obvious to own a top rated car you need deep pockets to buy one or even deeper pockets if you want to create one.
Either way there’s no getting round the basic cost of a car which must be 20,000 stretching well into the 40,000 depending on level of build and tech added.
The true value is what someone will pay and second hand values are under enormous strain as we face Brexit’s uncertain future. I’ll be glad when it’s all sorted out so we can get back on with Tvr mods and spending money rather than wondering where the next quid will come from.
I should do a leaderboard similar to the fastest 1/4 drag times
Who can boast the most spent in mods or repairs....
You couldn’t get further apart on the spectrum of heart ache as opposed to joyful miles eaten up which us Chimears drivers can do and get more than 15 to a gallon,, except Peter’s 5.5 that returns about 14.5
but then he has a camper and trailer,,, swings and roundabouts It’s becoming blindingly obvious to own a top rated car you need deep pockets to buy one or even deeper pockets if you want to create one.
Either way there’s no getting round the basic cost of a car which must be 20,000 stretching well into the 40,000 depending on level of build and tech added.
The true value is what someone will pay and second hand values are under enormous strain as we face Brexit’s uncertain future. I’ll be glad when it’s all sorted out so we can get back on with Tvr mods and spending money rather than wondering where the next quid will come from.
I should do a leaderboard similar to the fastest 1/4 drag times
Who can boast the most spent in mods or repairs....
Andav469 said:
Bought my 500 6 years ago for £11,800 with 30,300 on the clock, the car has since had......cough......... £32k spent on it and that is with me doing all the work except the respray and new engine
That’s more like it,,, im feeling better already Is this incl your latest addition in FI costs ?
any pictures so we can see if it makes a difference
Edited by Classic Chim on Sunday 10th February 20:26
sapper said:
I bought mine 7 years ago for £9000, it was completely standard.
I’ve replaced the outriggers and all the bushes.
Carl Baker replaced the alarm and immobiliser .
Eann Whalley turbo charged it for me and an Emerald ECU was installed Joolz of Kits and Classics.
New carpets were fitted by Dave the Trimmer.
Upgraded headlights Tuscan front indicators and new paintwork by EX Works TVR.
Additional upgrades and work includes
New intercooler and oil cooler. I upgraded the brakes with larger discs and cosworth 888/887 calipers and braided brake lines. New fuel pump, sender and all fuel pipes replaced. The water pump is new as are all the coolant pipes and a high flow aluminium radiator has been fitted.
New power steering pump and hoses. Even the wiper motor is new. All the leven shiny bits for the interior including the rare TVR wooden steering wheel.
Also fitted the ACT cherry bomb exhaust and SP12 alloys.
All in I’ve spent well over £10k.
I was selling it last year but I couldn’t see anything that I’d rather have for less than £30k.
So I’m having a new engine built.
Here’s another car that probably goes rather well. I’ve replaced the outriggers and all the bushes.
Carl Baker replaced the alarm and immobiliser .
Eann Whalley turbo charged it for me and an Emerald ECU was installed Joolz of Kits and Classics.
New carpets were fitted by Dave the Trimmer.
Upgraded headlights Tuscan front indicators and new paintwork by EX Works TVR.
Additional upgrades and work includes
New intercooler and oil cooler. I upgraded the brakes with larger discs and cosworth 888/887 calipers and braided brake lines. New fuel pump, sender and all fuel pipes replaced. The water pump is new as are all the coolant pipes and a high flow aluminium radiator has been fitted.
New power steering pump and hoses. Even the wiper motor is new. All the leven shiny bits for the interior including the rare TVR wooden steering wheel.
Also fitted the ACT cherry bomb exhaust and SP12 alloys.
All in I’ve spent well over £10k.
I was selling it last year but I couldn’t see anything that I’d rather have for less than £30k.
So I’m having a new engine built.
Edited by sapper on Sunday 10th February 20:45
A car to enjoy for years and looks well cool in my book.
I like the interior colours lots
What could you replace such a sorted car for like for like and retain the style, driver feed back and outright power,,, I don’t think you really can . And the roof comes off let’s not forget which is a bit of a bonus.
Squirrelofwoe said:
QBee said:
Squirrelofwoe said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
All of mine (whether new or old) have used 1 litre per 1,000 miles as regular as clockwork.
Perhaps I'm not driving mine hard enough! 
I brought 5ltr of VR1 to keep in the boot shortly after getting the car, and in 9k miles / 2.5years the only time I've had the lid off was to top up the lawnmower
Some brill answers on this thread so thanks chaps.
Option One, Ive heard of them, trouble is most of us go to the few that are well known so you assume that’s all who can do it in your area.
It was only when I joined Sprint years ago and used the adverts did I even join up the various dealers and parts suppliers and who did what.
I’d not discovered PH at that point so it all seemed like a secret club.
Anthony it’s ok talking about re sprays or anything else on here. It’s relevant as it’s surely a mod or at least classed as a re fresh. This is what Tvr ownership is largely about, continuous ongoing improvement.
That happens if you buy one for 12 or 25k I reckon.
It was only when I joined Sprint years ago and used the adverts did I even join up the various dealers and parts suppliers and who did what.
I’d not discovered PH at that point so it all seemed like a secret club.
Anthony it’s ok talking about re sprays or anything else on here. It’s relevant as it’s surely a mod or at least classed as a re fresh. This is what Tvr ownership is largely about, continuous ongoing improvement.
That happens if you buy one for 12 or 25k I reckon.
So even with the present low resale values as they appear depressed to me it’s a very difficult thing to get a a sorted car ( which itself is open to debate ) for 12-15k unless it’s a 4.0 and even then probably needs ongoing work to maintain its condition.
None of this surprises me as what car can you buy that has supercar levels of acceleration and power, a roof that comes off and pretty as a peach for this money that isn’t a much more technical beast or more costly car to run.
Ive heard this quote a few times
“They are a little gem or a car” but rarely does it apply with such relevance.
It’s the audacity of Tvr I like so much, how dare they make cars like these when everything had already been sanitised in the motor industry in the 1990’s let alone now.
Just imagine if Wheeler had’nt bothered, no Tvr as we know it, imagine how dull life would be and how every boys dream of owning a race/ supercar would be that much harder to fulfill in the U.K.
Other than the few high end luxury sportscars which 95% cant afford where would a young ambitious british man or woman go to buy something home grown back then let alone now.
Sadly the reputation of Tvr outways these facts which in the case of the RV powered cars is largely unfair as they are easily the most reliable cars TVR ever produced and in most cases still are reliable.
Why are 1060-70’s motorbikes still so popular in the U.K. because you can fix em in a shed.
Tvr are like the last and final breed of British car you can buy with that level of engineering that also go like a stabbed rat.
Brutal
It just doesn’t exist anywhere else as far as I can see.
Ok you can build Cobra kit cars or Race Car one offs or home brew specials but none cut it against a Tvr. Tvr are like the pinnacle of our shed mentality and represents the last of a long line of independents and tiny car companies punching above their weight.
All those greats names from the past from Triumph to Coventry Climax to Healy and Jenson,
Tvr are like a homage to that great era to me and why I found them to be such an exciting brand.
It seemed like the only car company producing racing levels of power for realistic money.
That was 30 years ago or more !!! What’s apparent is nothing has come along to change that and Tvr are still the hairy chested Man’s car for sensible money.
Ok you don’t get much luxury but f
k me have you ever been in a true race car,,,,,,
I think Tvr softened them down quite well to be honest
None of this surprises me as what car can you buy that has supercar levels of acceleration and power, a roof that comes off and pretty as a peach for this money that isn’t a much more technical beast or more costly car to run.
Ive heard this quote a few times
“They are a little gem or a car” but rarely does it apply with such relevance.
It’s the audacity of Tvr I like so much, how dare they make cars like these when everything had already been sanitised in the motor industry in the 1990’s let alone now.
Just imagine if Wheeler had’nt bothered, no Tvr as we know it, imagine how dull life would be and how every boys dream of owning a race/ supercar would be that much harder to fulfill in the U.K.
Other than the few high end luxury sportscars which 95% cant afford where would a young ambitious british man or woman go to buy something home grown back then let alone now.
Sadly the reputation of Tvr outways these facts which in the case of the RV powered cars is largely unfair as they are easily the most reliable cars TVR ever produced and in most cases still are reliable.
Why are 1060-70’s motorbikes still so popular in the U.K. because you can fix em in a shed.
Tvr are like the last and final breed of British car you can buy with that level of engineering that also go like a stabbed rat.
Brutal
It just doesn’t exist anywhere else as far as I can see.
Ok you can build Cobra kit cars or Race Car one offs or home brew specials but none cut it against a Tvr. Tvr are like the pinnacle of our shed mentality and represents the last of a long line of independents and tiny car companies punching above their weight.
All those greats names from the past from Triumph to Coventry Climax to Healy and Jenson,
Tvr are like a homage to that great era to me and why I found them to be such an exciting brand.
It seemed like the only car company producing racing levels of power for realistic money.
That was 30 years ago or more !!! What’s apparent is nothing has come along to change that and Tvr are still the hairy chested Man’s car for sensible money.
Ok you don’t get much luxury but f
k me have you ever been in a true race car,,,,,, I think Tvr softened them down quite well to be honest
Squirrelofwoe said:
Very well said.
For me, my dream would be an early Pantera or a GT40 rep- proper old fashioned, mechanical, hard work, smell the petrol performance. Between the price of one of those, and the £16k I've so far sunk into my Chimaera, I struggle to think of much else that offers a similar experience. Sure there are plenty of classics out there, but to get the outrageous looks and genuinely quick performance, you are looking at stuff that is now easily approaching the cost of those two examples mentioned.
Stuff like the big Healeys are now nudging £50k, and even those don't have the performance of a 'lowly' 4.0 Chim. Yet in terms of overall experience, the TVR doesn't feel that dissimilar- it certainly has a lot more in common with a big Healey than it does with anything else from 90's/2000's.
My point being, TVR aside, what else can you buy (even at £20k!) that offers the quintessential 'classic sports car' experience, combined with serious performance, gorgeous looks, and a glorious old fashioned V8 soundtrack? Heck I've even stuck a wooden wheel on mine as it just feels more 'right'!
For me, my dream would be an early Pantera or a GT40 rep- proper old fashioned, mechanical, hard work, smell the petrol performance. Between the price of one of those, and the £16k I've so far sunk into my Chimaera, I struggle to think of much else that offers a similar experience. Sure there are plenty of classics out there, but to get the outrageous looks and genuinely quick performance, you are looking at stuff that is now easily approaching the cost of those two examples mentioned.
Stuff like the big Healeys are now nudging £50k, and even those don't have the performance of a 'lowly' 4.0 Chim. Yet in terms of overall experience, the TVR doesn't feel that dissimilar- it certainly has a lot more in common with a big Healey than it does with anything else from 90's/2000's.
My point being, TVR aside, what else can you buy (even at £20k!) that offers the quintessential 'classic sports car' experience, combined with serious performance, gorgeous looks, and a glorious old fashioned V8 soundtrack? Heck I've even stuck a wooden wheel on mine as it just feels more 'right'!
And I might still do so
Well I couldn’t have put that better either
Yex 450 said:
Depending on what people believe is a "sorted car" mine for sale in the classifieds at £16K looks like a good offer
It might have been more subtle to have shown off the virtues of your car with a pic or two and a brief description and then maybe a little note at the bottom. I always enjoy seeing other owners cars and what has gone into them
BIG DUNC said:
I bought my 92 Pre-cat Griff as a project in 2005. It had an MOT on it (it shouldn't have had!) so I drove it until that ran out.
It clearly had been a lovely and well cared for car, but when the previous Owner past away it was left in a damp lock up for several years and that did it no favours. Think mould on the interior and not much electrical worked. The last few MOTs gave advice on a rusty chassis and the damp storage time hadn't improved it.
It came off the road in 2006 and initially the project started well, but then a second child being born rapidly followed by a divorce and a change of job circumstances meant no spare time and no spare money and the project stalled.
I started work again in 2017 and it had its first MOT under my ownership in May last year (2018). The costs of a body off were:-
chassis welded, outriggers, powder coated, £2,000
First Race Tech order (all the bits I thought I would need) £2,000
Second race tech order (all the bits I forgot when I did the first one), £1,000
Sportmotive headlights, pro tech springs and dampers, dash refurb, wheel refurb, some silicon pipes and a few other "luxury" bits £2,500
ACT performance manifolds (actually purchased in 2006) £1,000
All the bits my wife got from motor factors when I said to her on a Sunday evening "When you are in town this week, can you just get..." £2,000
Prices are approx., but not far out.
What you cannot put a price on is all my spare time for 18 months....
That totals up a lot more than I paid for the car (it was cheap), but a lot less than it is "worth"
What is it "worth"? Its worth what someone would pay for it, but having literally put blood, sweat and tears into it, I am not planning on selling.
It is a very early pre-cat, and other than the manifolds and the headlights, it is very original. It also came from a family friend, so has a certain amount of sentimental value.
I havnt done much to the interior (other than the dashboard which was falling apart) or the bodywork yet. It is presentable as it is, but in due course it will need a respray, a roof and a re-trim. However, I cannot afford any more at present and in case, the object of it was to have a nice car which can be driven regularly and reliably. There will be plenty of time in the future to improve the cosmetics.
The engine is pretty much untouched and may also need attention in the future, but at present it is running well (famous last words).
Nice Post DUNC
I’m having one of those err lean periods where I have to leave the car tucked up nice and warm until I can commit more time/ money to it, there’s no question you can do all the work yourself but the cost is still considerable.
It clearly had been a lovely and well cared for car, but when the previous Owner past away it was left in a damp lock up for several years and that did it no favours. Think mould on the interior and not much electrical worked. The last few MOTs gave advice on a rusty chassis and the damp storage time hadn't improved it.
It came off the road in 2006 and initially the project started well, but then a second child being born rapidly followed by a divorce and a change of job circumstances meant no spare time and no spare money and the project stalled.
I started work again in 2017 and it had its first MOT under my ownership in May last year (2018). The costs of a body off were:-
chassis welded, outriggers, powder coated, £2,000
First Race Tech order (all the bits I thought I would need) £2,000
Second race tech order (all the bits I forgot when I did the first one), £1,000
Sportmotive headlights, pro tech springs and dampers, dash refurb, wheel refurb, some silicon pipes and a few other "luxury" bits £2,500
ACT performance manifolds (actually purchased in 2006) £1,000
All the bits my wife got from motor factors when I said to her on a Sunday evening "When you are in town this week, can you just get..." £2,000
Prices are approx., but not far out.
What you cannot put a price on is all my spare time for 18 months....
That totals up a lot more than I paid for the car (it was cheap), but a lot less than it is "worth"
What is it "worth"? Its worth what someone would pay for it, but having literally put blood, sweat and tears into it, I am not planning on selling.
It is a very early pre-cat, and other than the manifolds and the headlights, it is very original. It also came from a family friend, so has a certain amount of sentimental value.
I havnt done much to the interior (other than the dashboard which was falling apart) or the bodywork yet. It is presentable as it is, but in due course it will need a respray, a roof and a re-trim. However, I cannot afford any more at present and in case, the object of it was to have a nice car which can be driven regularly and reliably. There will be plenty of time in the future to improve the cosmetics.
The engine is pretty much untouched and may also need attention in the future, but at present it is running well (famous last words).
Nice Post DUNC
I’m having one of those err lean periods where I have to leave the car tucked up nice and warm until I can commit more time/ money to it, there’s no question you can do all the work yourself but the cost is still considerable.
Edited by BIG DUNC on Friday 15th February 13:40
BIG DUNC said:
Thanks.
The best bit is that the no.2 wifey loves it. In fact, she has driven it more than I have. That is great as I don’t get grief spending time and money on it.
Alls well that ends well. The best bit is that the no.2 wifey loves it. In fact, she has driven it more than I have. That is great as I don’t get grief spending time and money on it.
I admire you tremendously for holding onto it through thick and thin so to speak. It’s easy to give up on these things when events take over.
I’d enjoy it a bit now, that’s what really makes the memories , the driving and meeting other owners and sharing the experience. That and sunny days, coast or country roads and that sound and feel.
BIG DUNC said:
So, it is just coming up to 14 years ago since I had that phone call. I had a 350i at the time and the call was from a friend of a good family friend. "I hear you have a TVR. Can you help me".
The following weekend I drove to strangers house, about two hours away, to look at a Griff that wouldn't start. The Owner had been in the RAF and had been shot down over Iraq several years previously. His partner (could have been wife, but I don't think they were married) had literally not touched the car since. That was fine, but it was in a damp lock up and time hadn't been kind to it.
After a day of pratting about, which included a new battery and bypassing the immobiliser, we got it started and drove it up the road and back.
Prior to its layup it looked as though it had been cared for and there was a thick file of receipts from TVR specialists. The chassis didn't look too clever, and it needed a dam good clean inside and out. The electrics, or lack of, looked like the biggest short term challenge.
The lady asked me what it was worth and I replied that in its current condition not a great deal, but if she could get an MOT on it and give it a good clean, then quite a lot. We talked about options for selling it and she suggested taking it to dealer just to trade it in "as is". I suggested that she take it for an MOT test and see what it failed on. Then I would her get it MOT'd (unless major work was involved) and advertise it for her and be there for any potential purchasers.
She I asked whether I wanted to buy it. I did really want a Griff, but I had enough projects already at that time and I really wanted to save to buy a decent Griff.
A week later it magically had an MOT. A first time pass, apparently, which surprised me as she said she had done no work to the car and when I had seen it, it had a couple of obvious fails.
A week after that she sent me an e-mail saying that she had taken it to a local specialist and been offered £X, what did I think? I laughed and said that she should go back and ask for at least double, if not three times that amount. She then said that she really wanted it gone, and if I would match what the specialists had offered her, I could have it for that. I explained that she could get more for it, and while I would like to give her more, I couldn't actually afford much more. She was adamant that she only wanted me to match what she had been offered and that she was really grateful for all my help on the day I went to see it and got it started. If I didn't want it, it would go to the specialist as she now just wanted it gone.
Within 24 hours, I was back at her house with a large pile of cash and a bunch of flowers.
Throughout the rebuild I sent photos to the family friend who put us in touch and I think he passed them on. Hopefully this year we will take it to show them the finished product.
I can see the chap thanking you for this. If he couldn’t do it I’m sure he’s glad you have. The following weekend I drove to strangers house, about two hours away, to look at a Griff that wouldn't start. The Owner had been in the RAF and had been shot down over Iraq several years previously. His partner (could have been wife, but I don't think they were married) had literally not touched the car since. That was fine, but it was in a damp lock up and time hadn't been kind to it.
After a day of pratting about, which included a new battery and bypassing the immobiliser, we got it started and drove it up the road and back.
Prior to its layup it looked as though it had been cared for and there was a thick file of receipts from TVR specialists. The chassis didn't look too clever, and it needed a dam good clean inside and out. The electrics, or lack of, looked like the biggest short term challenge.
The lady asked me what it was worth and I replied that in its current condition not a great deal, but if she could get an MOT on it and give it a good clean, then quite a lot. We talked about options for selling it and she suggested taking it to dealer just to trade it in "as is". I suggested that she take it for an MOT test and see what it failed on. Then I would her get it MOT'd (unless major work was involved) and advertise it for her and be there for any potential purchasers.
She I asked whether I wanted to buy it. I did really want a Griff, but I had enough projects already at that time and I really wanted to save to buy a decent Griff.
A week later it magically had an MOT. A first time pass, apparently, which surprised me as she said she had done no work to the car and when I had seen it, it had a couple of obvious fails.
A week after that she sent me an e-mail saying that she had taken it to a local specialist and been offered £X, what did I think? I laughed and said that she should go back and ask for at least double, if not three times that amount. She then said that she really wanted it gone, and if I would match what the specialists had offered her, I could have it for that. I explained that she could get more for it, and while I would like to give her more, I couldn't actually afford much more. She was adamant that she only wanted me to match what she had been offered and that she was really grateful for all my help on the day I went to see it and got it started. If I didn't want it, it would go to the specialist as she now just wanted it gone.
Within 24 hours, I was back at her house with a large pile of cash and a bunch of flowers.
Throughout the rebuild I sent photos to the family friend who put us in touch and I think he passed them on. Hopefully this year we will take it to show them the finished product.
And what’s so interesting is how someone used to world class tech and outrageous excitement and danger as in RAF chose a Tvr in the first place.
The stories of owners are as fascinating as the cars they have owned and cared for.
Really enjoying these personal tales as that’s what it’s really all about, it’s no mug that owns a Tvr for any length of time let alone fettle and maintain them well.
My brother had a sports career in the army and served in some very dangerous places, my respect for not so much what armed forces do but the professional levels they bring to the job and in the case of the RAF their technical training is something to behold.
My favourite ever drive in my Tvr was at Mariam RAF BASE for a charity track day/ weekend, this young man ( mid 20’s ) id imagine was there as were other RAF chaps and ladies in their uniforms looking mightily impressive and great to talk to, this young chap seemed quite shy but hanging about so I asked him if he wanted a few passenger laps in my car just to soften his nerves sort of thing, his eyes lit up, we had 5 or 6 laps with me giving it everything trying to be totally precise yet right on the edge, he was bright red faced and hot,,,,, we slowed into the pit area and he thanked me and said it was the most amazing thing he’d done in a car,,, we got talking, he was training to be a bomb aimer,,,,,, can you imagine that responsibility. The fact he loved the Tvr’s really stuck with me as my respect for people who risk their lives in our armed forces knows no bounds and are some of the best young talent we have and this boy was no exception.
The effect the Tvr had on him was palpable and thrilled me that someone used to 600 mph and deep in concentration got such a kick out of it. I made his day as he did mine.
I’m deeply proud I shared that moment with him and hope he remembers it as I do, with great admiration respect and compassion.
Belle427 said:
Why mess around when you can buy something as good as this.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
That’s a whole lot of car for the money, that’s probaby the car this thread is all about. The mods and work on that total a tidy sum thats way over 14,000 when you take the car purchase into account. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Probably over 20 sat right there.
Im not so bothered about mk1 v Mk2 so much but I don’t do dark colours which does put me off some cars rather than any mechanical deficiencies, this car looks like it should be mighty fast though. Very nice looking car.
BeastMaster said:
Thought I would write up my TVR story as this thread is very apt as I approach my 64th Birthday next week.
I bought my 1994 Chimaera 500 in 2005 as a 50th birthday present to myself, had gone through a difficult 3 years, had got my life back together and felt I deserved my boyhood dream.
The car was bought as a trade sale from a classic car specialist who was selling it for a friend who had lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, wanted it gone asap
.
Paid 10K for it, a solid car but a bit tatty around the edges, 33k miles on the clock and a file of receipts for service, MOT. – it had been upgraded from a 4L to 5L car in 96 along with some head work and brake upgrade
The car had a piggy back ecu to control timing etc and a bespoke manifold and exhaust system which was way too loud – the original exhaust system came with the car, so ripped out the ecu mod and put it all back to standard – it drove a lot better and still loud enough.
For the first 10 years just enjoyed it, doing around 5000 miles a year, never failed a MOT but kept on top of any advisories or niggles, apart from the annual service at a specialist – probably spending around £250 per year to keep on top of any issues – did the spanner work myself except for a clutch in 2015 which was around £1000.00 and the biggest bill I had had
.
In 2016 got fed up with the tatty bits – still looked good from across the road but closer inspection revealed the paintwork getting worse – a stone chipped front, lacquer coming off in sheets at the back so decided on a re-paint – took the opportunity to fit mk3 fared in headlights and mk3 mirrors and a friend painted the car original colour £3500 – and a great job – while in the paint shop had a new hood made by someone in Swansea – another £380
.
2017 MOT and advisories on outriggers starting to look a bit rusty – no messing about booked into Neil Gardiner for replacement outriggers – just over £2000 – and a great job, usual story when the old ones were removed – looked ok underneath but a few holes starting to appear on top
.
2018 carpets very faded and starting to look a bit sad – into South West Trimmers – around £700 – and a great job
So, just into 2019 – MOT time and another pass so this year having a new dash as the original is getting a few splits around the heater control and will soon be dead
.
So yes, the big decision was in 2016 – either option was a wedge of money, but after looking around could not find anything close to providing the grin factor as my beloved Chimaera. The final straw was at the Goodwood Revival and the launch of the new TVR, after seeing the car, a brief discussion with my wife over coffee I returned to the stand with Debit Card in hand. I asked just 2 questions, what number would I be on the list and when would the build start, expecting a spreadsheet to be produced was disappointed to be given no answer whatsoever, so decided to keep and improve the cosmetics my car deserved.
Spend more money each year having the BMW serviced to keep the warranty.
Car pic as bought and as it is now
Tales like this are just the best. I bought my 1994 Chimaera 500 in 2005 as a 50th birthday present to myself, had gone through a difficult 3 years, had got my life back together and felt I deserved my boyhood dream.
The car was bought as a trade sale from a classic car specialist who was selling it for a friend who had lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, wanted it gone asap
.
Paid 10K for it, a solid car but a bit tatty around the edges, 33k miles on the clock and a file of receipts for service, MOT. – it had been upgraded from a 4L to 5L car in 96 along with some head work and brake upgrade
The car had a piggy back ecu to control timing etc and a bespoke manifold and exhaust system which was way too loud – the original exhaust system came with the car, so ripped out the ecu mod and put it all back to standard – it drove a lot better and still loud enough.
For the first 10 years just enjoyed it, doing around 5000 miles a year, never failed a MOT but kept on top of any advisories or niggles, apart from the annual service at a specialist – probably spending around £250 per year to keep on top of any issues – did the spanner work myself except for a clutch in 2015 which was around £1000.00 and the biggest bill I had had
.
In 2016 got fed up with the tatty bits – still looked good from across the road but closer inspection revealed the paintwork getting worse – a stone chipped front, lacquer coming off in sheets at the back so decided on a re-paint – took the opportunity to fit mk3 fared in headlights and mk3 mirrors and a friend painted the car original colour £3500 – and a great job – while in the paint shop had a new hood made by someone in Swansea – another £380
.
2017 MOT and advisories on outriggers starting to look a bit rusty – no messing about booked into Neil Gardiner for replacement outriggers – just over £2000 – and a great job, usual story when the old ones were removed – looked ok underneath but a few holes starting to appear on top
.
2018 carpets very faded and starting to look a bit sad – into South West Trimmers – around £700 – and a great job
So, just into 2019 – MOT time and another pass so this year having a new dash as the original is getting a few splits around the heater control and will soon be dead
.
So yes, the big decision was in 2016 – either option was a wedge of money, but after looking around could not find anything close to providing the grin factor as my beloved Chimaera. The final straw was at the Goodwood Revival and the launch of the new TVR, after seeing the car, a brief discussion with my wife over coffee I returned to the stand with Debit Card in hand. I asked just 2 questions, what number would I be on the list and when would the build start, expecting a spreadsheet to be produced was disappointed to be given no answer whatsoever, so decided to keep and improve the cosmetics my car deserved.
Spend more money each year having the BMW serviced to keep the warranty.
Car pic as bought and as it is now
More than one way to skin a cat and long term ownership is often at the heart of most things that are good.
I often bang on about improvements but they are just as good if carefully looked after without any real changes, testament to a good design although I draw the line on the engine management!
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