Chimaera to Tuscan
Discussion
Just wondered how many have done it and never looked back.
Two very different cars I know but did you miss the sound of the V8 or prefer the bark of the S6?
I would guess with a Tuscan purchase you need to go in with your eyes wide open regarding any potential engine issues, which I know are blown out of proportion but still exist.
Two very different cars I know but did you miss the sound of the V8 or prefer the bark of the S6?
I would guess with a Tuscan purchase you need to go in with your eyes wide open regarding any potential engine issues, which I know are blown out of proportion but still exist.
I've had two Chimaera's and two Tuscans.
I used to work in Germany and so used my first Chimaers every day.
The neighbours in the village used to use the sound of the V8 as "Tony is off to work, time to go to the Bakery for the bread rolls".
When I got my first Tuscan it needed a rebuild straight away and so I had to sell my Chimaera to pay for it.
I missed it so much but when the Tuscan was ready, the Chimaera was but a happy memory.
I did miss the lovely V8 sound but the S6 was great compensation on the Autobahn.
I then wrote off that Tuscan and told my Wife I wanted to go back to a full convertible so Chimaera or Tamora.
My Wife was determined that I stay with Tuscan and found me a Tuscan convertible which again became my daily drive.
A few years later, I got the opportunity to bag another Chimaera at a very good price.
It was in reasonable condition and so became my new daily driver in Germany.
I do love the sound of the RV8 engine and it was always a pleasure doing the long runs back and too to Germany.
In the end, I was having problems with both cars and decided to focus on the Tuscan and let the Chimaera go.
Since then I have had a Cerbera for a couple of years, which I loved but am now back to only the Tuscan.
Since Covid I've found myself under financial pressure and have considered selling the Tuscan.
I know I would be perfectly happy with another Chimaera and because I've given it some though these last few months, I've realized that I would really love to have another RV8 on the drive.
I think that both cars are great.
The Tuscan is now on 85k miles without rebuild.
The Chimaera has, for me, more of an old school charm and I think is a little more comfortable on long Continental trips.
'I don't think that you would regret going for a Tuscan but the RV8 will never leave your sole.
I used to work in Germany and so used my first Chimaers every day.
The neighbours in the village used to use the sound of the V8 as "Tony is off to work, time to go to the Bakery for the bread rolls".
When I got my first Tuscan it needed a rebuild straight away and so I had to sell my Chimaera to pay for it.
I missed it so much but when the Tuscan was ready, the Chimaera was but a happy memory.
I did miss the lovely V8 sound but the S6 was great compensation on the Autobahn.
I then wrote off that Tuscan and told my Wife I wanted to go back to a full convertible so Chimaera or Tamora.
My Wife was determined that I stay with Tuscan and found me a Tuscan convertible which again became my daily drive.
A few years later, I got the opportunity to bag another Chimaera at a very good price.
It was in reasonable condition and so became my new daily driver in Germany.
I do love the sound of the RV8 engine and it was always a pleasure doing the long runs back and too to Germany.
In the end, I was having problems with both cars and decided to focus on the Tuscan and let the Chimaera go.
Since then I have had a Cerbera for a couple of years, which I loved but am now back to only the Tuscan.
Since Covid I've found myself under financial pressure and have considered selling the Tuscan.
I know I would be perfectly happy with another Chimaera and because I've given it some though these last few months, I've realized that I would really love to have another RV8 on the drive.
I think that both cars are great.
The Tuscan is now on 85k miles without rebuild.
The Chimaera has, for me, more of an old school charm and I think is a little more comfortable on long Continental trips.
'I don't think that you would regret going for a Tuscan but the RV8 will never leave your sole.
Edited by so called on Monday 10th May 12:10
Edited by so called on Monday 10th May 13:30
I've just made the same change 
!
What I've found is that they bring out a different type of driver in you. With my Chim, because the car sounded so good across the rev range, I was quite happy to bumble around the Peak District in the midst of Sunday drivers, just listening to the lovely exhaust. With the Tuscan, no! There is a little devil on your shoulder saying 'go on floor it'! I've not regretted the change yet.
As regards reliability - there is chapter and verse written about Tuscan engines, but I would cautiously suggest, that if you are buying from a trusted source and the car has been well looked after, most of an engines issues should have come to light and been sorted by now or (and I know I'm going to kick myself for saying this!) you are one of the lucky ones whose engines were made with top quality components in the first place.
! What I've found is that they bring out a different type of driver in you. With my Chim, because the car sounded so good across the rev range, I was quite happy to bumble around the Peak District in the midst of Sunday drivers, just listening to the lovely exhaust. With the Tuscan, no! There is a little devil on your shoulder saying 'go on floor it'! I've not regretted the change yet.
As regards reliability - there is chapter and verse written about Tuscan engines, but I would cautiously suggest, that if you are buying from a trusted source and the car has been well looked after, most of an engines issues should have come to light and been sorted by now or (and I know I'm going to kick myself for saying this!) you are one of the lucky ones whose engines were made with top quality components in the first place.
Edited by Mutley00 on Monday 10th May 12:48
I had a T350 with ACT exhaust. I loved the revvy engine and rumble at idle. I thought it was the best sound ever.
I took my car for service at David Batty's garage in Godalming. He was tinkering on a Griffith with its Rover V8 and revving it up. At that point, I realised my T350 was the second best sound ever.
I took my car for service at David Batty's garage in Godalming. He was tinkering on a Griffith with its Rover V8 and revving it up. At that point, I realised my T350 was the second best sound ever.
I had a 4.3 chim, owed for nine years and moved on to a Tuscan 4ltr. The Tuscan makes a nice noise but the chim was much nicer in that respect. Apart from that the Tuscan is much more powerful, handles better and I have never looked back. I would have liked to have kept the chim but was limited for space at the time but if I had I would probably not have driven it much as I find the Tuscan much better to drive. It had 16k on the clock and now has 50k on the same engine. Would Probably be a good idea to drive one and see which one you prefer.
Mutley00 said:
I've just made the same change !
What I've found is that they bring out a different type of driver in you. With my Chim, because the car sounded so good across the rev range, I was quite happy to bumble around the Peak District in the midst of Sunday drivers, just listening to the lovely exhaust. With the Tuscan, no! There is a little devil on your shoulder saying 'go on floor it'!
Agree completely with this. I don’t think I ever went fast in the Chim, happy rolling through the countryside with the roof down listening to the car. In the Tuscan, as soon as the road opens, missile mode is engaged. ! What I've found is that they bring out a different type of driver in you. With my Chim, because the car sounded so good across the rev range, I was quite happy to bumble around the Peak District in the midst of Sunday drivers, just listening to the lovely exhaust. With the Tuscan, no! There is a little devil on your shoulder saying 'go on floor it'!
Edited by Mutley00 on Monday 10th May 12:48
The simple answer is ... you need both.
I sold my Chim when I bought my Tuscan , but within 2 years I had bought another Chim . The Chim is use for shopping and short trips , it doesn't stand out too much on a supermarket car park . The Tuscan gets used on long runs and is a joy . The speed six does need to get up to temp and I don't think short journeys does it any good. So it's horses for courses
I sold my Chim when I bought my Tuscan , but within 2 years I had bought another Chim . The Chim is use for shopping and short trips , it doesn't stand out too much on a supermarket car park . The Tuscan gets used on long runs and is a joy . The speed six does need to get up to temp and I don't think short journeys does it any good. So it's horses for courses
I made the same switch 20 years ago, and have never regretted it one little bit. The Tusk is such fun and has reliably taken me from John o Groats to the middle of France. 155k so far, with a few refinements such as a full engine rebuild, new chassis, rebuilt gearbox, etc. What an experience.
Gordon Johns said:
I made the same switch 20 years ago, and have never regretted it one little bit. The Tusk is such fun and has reliably taken me from John o Groats to the middle of France. 155k so far, with a few refinements such as a full engine rebuild, new chassis, rebuilt gearbox, etc. What an experience.
20 posts in 20 years.I guess you were too busy enjoying your Tuscan.
Had 5 years with my Chimaera then last spring my wife bought a Mk1 Tuscan to go alongside it.
12 months later and the Chimaera is now up for sale as it has barely been used since.
The RV8 in the Chimaera does sound better than the Speed-6 more of the time (except at higher revs), but to me the Tuscan just feels a better car in pretty much every other aspect;
-bonkers performance
-bonkers styling (and looks great roof on or off)
-much more space inside
-better interior (seats etc)
-rev hungry nature of the engine
-better pedal feel, plus floor-hinged is great
-feels a whole generation newer, despite the just 5 years between our cars
I've said it elsewhere but the Tuscan also feels much better put together than the Chimaera. It isn't, but it feels it.
Downsides:
-doesn't sound as good as the RV8 at idle
-increased servicing costs
-strict warm-up procedure
-maddening battery access (although still arguably better than the Chim- but I'd had mine modified to make it easy)
-need to wear grippy shoes for the shiny floor-hinged pedals
We kept the Chim alongside on the basis that they do have unique characters, but in reality they still get used for the same things which meant that 9 times out of 10 we took the Tuscan, for all of the reasons mentioned above. I wanted to keep the Chimaera at least a year to let the novelty wear off with the Tuscan, but after 12 months I've no regrets putting the Chim up for sale.
If we had the space, the time, and the money to devote to both TVRs long term then I'd definitely have kept the Chim (particularly after everything I have spent on it!), but with 3 other cars and at least one other classic destined to come our way eventually I just can't see it getting anywhere near enough use to justify it.
Felt this thread needed pictures
12 months later and the Chimaera is now up for sale as it has barely been used since.
The RV8 in the Chimaera does sound better than the Speed-6 more of the time (except at higher revs), but to me the Tuscan just feels a better car in pretty much every other aspect;
-bonkers performance
-bonkers styling (and looks great roof on or off)
-much more space inside
-better interior (seats etc)
-rev hungry nature of the engine
-better pedal feel, plus floor-hinged is great
-feels a whole generation newer, despite the just 5 years between our cars
I've said it elsewhere but the Tuscan also feels much better put together than the Chimaera. It isn't, but it feels it.
Downsides:
-doesn't sound as good as the RV8 at idle
-increased servicing costs
-strict warm-up procedure
-maddening battery access (although still arguably better than the Chim- but I'd had mine modified to make it easy)
-need to wear grippy shoes for the shiny floor-hinged pedals
We kept the Chim alongside on the basis that they do have unique characters, but in reality they still get used for the same things which meant that 9 times out of 10 we took the Tuscan, for all of the reasons mentioned above. I wanted to keep the Chimaera at least a year to let the novelty wear off with the Tuscan, but after 12 months I've no regrets putting the Chim up for sale.
If we had the space, the time, and the money to devote to both TVRs long term then I'd definitely have kept the Chim (particularly after everything I have spent on it!), but with 3 other cars and at least one other classic destined to come our way eventually I just can't see it getting anywhere near enough use to justify it.
Felt this thread needed pictures
Reading this thread with interest as I'm on the lookout for a sorted Griffith (4.3 precat please) or Tuscan. My focus has been on a Griff as I think it might be easier and cheaper to live with.
Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
SFTWend said:
Reading this thread with interest as I'm on the lookout for a sorted Griffith (4.3 precat please) or Tuscan. My focus has been on a Griff as I think it might be easier and cheaper to live with.
Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
TVR entry level Griff or Chim , hardcore move on to the Tuscan Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
Gordon Johns said:
I made the same switch 20 years ago, and have never regretted it one little bit. The Tusk is such fun and has reliably taken me from John o Groats to the middle of France. 155k so far, with a few refinements such as a full engine rebuild, new chassis, rebuilt gearbox, etc. What an experience.
Triggers broom comes to mind.😄 Sounds like you have a good one though.SFTWend said:
Reading this thread with interest as I'm on the lookout for a sorted Griffith (4.3 precat please) or Tuscan. My focus has been on a Griff as I think it might be easier and cheaper to live with.
Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
Most definitely cheaper to live with but then that depends on the Griff and being pre cat will be many years older so 6 of one half a dozen of the other but then a problematic Tuscan could cost way more to keep alive. Not driven a Tuscan but as a passenger I was somewhat disappointed with the noise compared to the RV8. However a ride in a precat Griff had me laughing out loud and a brief drive left me wanting one.
How do the handling characteristics differ for each model, properly set up with modern dampers, when pressing on a bit? I guess neither will be very forgiving, and the more modern Tuscan will have higher limits, but how satisfying and manageable are each on bumpy country roads?
Electrics are much simpler on the Chim/Griff which for many is a bonus and nothing like the cost involved when it comes to repairs.
The sound of the RV8 is timeless and enjoyable at any revs and maintained well can go on forever.
Rebuilt ones using modern Ecu tech and decent induction are right up there with 320 Bhp + and often over 360 ft of torque and provide more grunt so it’s a simple choice between revving to get power or just letting the torque of the V8 throw you up the road which for me is much more fun and feels more effortless.
No question the Tuscan will be faster but by how much in the real world is a very good question.
Considering both cars use the same suspension, virtually the same chassis which all stem from the Tuscan race cars which is based on an S2 then if the Tuscan Chassis is that much better, I’d like to know how that is? There is slightly more rigidity by the changes made but that’s to hold a longer taller engine in the later cars. The RV8 sits low almost mid front positioning and is naturally balanced within the chassis due to having two equal banks. It’s a perfect fit.
I’m splitting hairs because in truth they are all rather marvellous with the same gearbox same Dif, just don’t be fooled into thinking the later cars are somehow more sophisticated because they are not. They just look it
Edited by Classic Chim on Tuesday 11th May 23:04
Belle427 said:
Not heard a S6 in the flesh but they sound pretty good in some videos I've seen.
The Tuscan for me edge's it purely on the looks, it is hard to justify the £30k needed to get a decent one though.
The Chim is somewhat of a bargain in comparison.
The S6 does sound incredible, and I find the nature of the engine makes it a much more involving (and exciting) drive. Obviously the downside is that it isn't as relaxed as the RV8, but it depends what you prefer. The performance is on an entirely different level to my freshly rebuilt 400hc.The Tuscan for me edge's it purely on the looks, it is hard to justify the £30k needed to get a decent one though.
The Chim is somewhat of a bargain in comparison.
For what it's worth we paid £23.5k for our Tuscan (pictured above), and that came with a Power's engine rebuild, Nitron suspension, recent full geo, overhauled dash pod, refurbished wheels, and a load of other stuff. Slightly higher mileage at 64k and had some small paint blistering on the scuttle panel (as many do).
For £30k I'd be wanting one of the absolute best Mk1 Tuscans out there- equivalent to a £19k-£20k Chimaera.
It's certainly a jump, but not such a big one as it may seem.
I'd say the Chimaera and the Tuscan are both bargains for what you get, when compared to cars of similar excitement / performance.
It would be well worth getting a drive of one at some point- as an existing TVR owner that will make your mind up one way or the other pretty much instantly I'd have thought.
DAKOTAstorm said:
Agree completely with this. I don’t think I ever went fast in the Chim, happy rolling through the countryside with the roof down listening to the car. In the Tuscan, as soon as the road opens, missile mode is engaged.
This is what I love so much about the Chim, Scott! Thought about a Tuscan many times, I just can’t bring myself to say goodbye. By far the longest I’ve ever kept a car at almost 7 years now! Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff