Why Are Our Cars So Undervalued?
Discussion
A simple question really that struck me this evening as I pulled up after yet another deeply rewarding run out in my Chimaera.
I appreciate I am preaching to the converted here, but lets think about this for a minute.
What else is there that delivers like an RV8 TVR for the money?
I come from a classic car background and have been lucky enough to drive some very special vehicles.
I chose my Chimaera because I am addicted to real British sports cars infused charm & character, sadly I find myself priced out of the default Healey & E-Type market.
Two years into TVR ownership and I can honestly say that what I ended up with was way better than I ever could have hoped for.
Sure just like a classic you need to fettle the old girl from time to time, but isn't that half the fun?
Easily an equal for a Big Healey at MGB money, I ask you again.
WHY ARE OUR CARS SO UNDERVALUED?
I appreciate I am preaching to the converted here, but lets think about this for a minute.
What else is there that delivers like an RV8 TVR for the money?
I come from a classic car background and have been lucky enough to drive some very special vehicles.
I chose my Chimaera because I am addicted to real British sports cars infused charm & character, sadly I find myself priced out of the default Healey & E-Type market.
Two years into TVR ownership and I can honestly say that what I ended up with was way better than I ever could have hoped for.
Sure just like a classic you need to fettle the old girl from time to time, but isn't that half the fun?
Easily an equal for a Big Healey at MGB money, I ask you again.
WHY ARE OUR CARS SO UNDERVALUED?
Edited by Chimpafrolic on Friday 1st April 22:07
Chimpafrolic,
I totally agree. Up until about two years ago when I was in between TVR's I had a near concourse MGBGT V8...which was a lovely car, don't get me wrong. But for several thousand pounds less money than I sold that for I picked up a 450SE- one of only 35 made. Now rarity alone, would tend to make you think that this car was worth around the same as the MG- but in reality it's worth equates to above average/ good (non-concourse) examples of non V8 chrome bumber B's which I find quite extraordinary.
I still say that for the money, you would struggle to find a more satisfying car to drive than the 450. And as for the growl of that V8.......
I totally agree. Up until about two years ago when I was in between TVR's I had a near concourse MGBGT V8...which was a lovely car, don't get me wrong. But for several thousand pounds less money than I sold that for I picked up a 450SE- one of only 35 made. Now rarity alone, would tend to make you think that this car was worth around the same as the MG- but in reality it's worth equates to above average/ good (non-concourse) examples of non V8 chrome bumber B's which I find quite extraordinary.
I still say that for the money, you would struggle to find a more satisfying car to drive than the 450. And as for the growl of that V8.......
AllezWasps said:
Chimpafrolic,
I totally agree. Up until about two years ago when I was in between TVR's I had a near concourse MGBGT V8...which was a lovely car, don't get me wrong. But for several thousand pounds less money than I sold that for I picked up a 450SE- one of only 35 made. Now rarity alone, would tend to make you think that this car was worth around the same as the MG- but in reality it's worth equates to above average/ good (non-concourse) examples of non V8 chrome bumber B's which I find quite extraordinary.
I still say that for the money, you would struggle to find a more satisfying car to drive than the 450. And as for the growl of that V8.......
Precisely.I totally agree. Up until about two years ago when I was in between TVR's I had a near concourse MGBGT V8...which was a lovely car, don't get me wrong. But for several thousand pounds less money than I sold that for I picked up a 450SE- one of only 35 made. Now rarity alone, would tend to make you think that this car was worth around the same as the MG- but in reality it's worth equates to above average/ good (non-concourse) examples of non V8 chrome bumber B's which I find quite extraordinary.
I still say that for the money, you would struggle to find a more satisfying car to drive than the 450. And as for the growl of that V8.......
I think the mistake is to compare the RV8 Tivs with their contemporaries.
Forget the Boxster & S2000 comparisons, that's missing the point.
For me my Chimaera is a more practical Healey at a third of the cost, look at it like this and you have to agree its a bargain.
Personally I like to use my cars not just look at them, last year I popped down to the Cote D'Azure in the Chim.
It never missed a beat, devoured the miles, gave an average of 26mpg and parked next to Ferraris & Lambos in Monaco it got all the attention.
I've done the same trip in a few nice classics, I have to say the TVR was the better car for the job delivering the same quirky charismatic charm and attention from the general public as any E-type or Healey would.
Boxters & Z3's just don't even come close, people walk right past these cars because they are completely camouflaged by their ubiquitous nature.
A sports car should give you a sense of occasion, a feeling of adventure when you embark on a big trip.
A classic does this every time, it makes you feel special in a way something modern simply can't even come close to.
Only my TVR has the same effect for me, and it does it for so much less.
When others catch on to this I can only see values rising in the next 10 years, by that time we will all be feeling nostalgic about the naughty nighties and TVR will be the classic of choice.
Enjoy the accessibility while it lasts folks, it can't last for ever.
I think it's a matter of time. Using the example of the Healey they've slowly crept up in value over the years until they've become regarded as a classic. TR6's are starting to climb in value in the same way now as they start to approach that age.
The last of those was built sometime in the late 60's whereas our cars will still be regarded as 'current' by people so I think we need to be patient and wait anther 20 or so years and then we'll own cars that will be sought after and the values will then reflect that.
Meantime we know that everyone's missing a trick.
The last of those was built sometime in the late 60's whereas our cars will still be regarded as 'current' by people so I think we need to be patient and wait anther 20 or so years and then we'll own cars that will be sought after and the values will then reflect that.
Meantime we know that everyone's missing a trick.
Prices are pretty firm now. I really think they're sleeping at the moment and one day, they'll rocket. When you compare them to the likes of MG's and Healeys I think that TVR's are like the last proper type of this kind of British sportscar.
Every car magazine in the last year has recognised this. The longer time goes on, the more people will realise that they can't be bad as they're still on the road creating big noise and offering amazing performance. As a marque, I reckon they've probably got the most fanatical set of owners out there, fettling away and keeping these cars in top condition. The reward is forthcoming for all TVR owners IMO.
Every car magazine in the last year has recognised this. The longer time goes on, the more people will realise that they can't be bad as they're still on the road creating big noise and offering amazing performance. As a marque, I reckon they've probably got the most fanatical set of owners out there, fettling away and keeping these cars in top condition. The reward is forthcoming for all TVR owners IMO.
First. They are too young. Prices usually spike when those who were young when the cars were new reach middle or old age and start buying the toys they've always wanted.
Second. Racing pedigree.
Third. Global Market. It's not the English pushing up the prices of classic English cars it is foreign money.
This is why an Allegro is worth less than an MG for example.
Now, there is no doubt that in layer years we will see increased demand for them as classics but as there is no racing heritage, the 90s were not iconic like the 60s and there is no global demand then prices will never go mental.
At the end of the day it is not souch that Tivs are undervalued but that other cars are carrying hefty premiums for one reason or another.
Second. Racing pedigree.
Third. Global Market. It's not the English pushing up the prices of classic English cars it is foreign money.
This is why an Allegro is worth less than an MG for example.
Now, there is no doubt that in layer years we will see increased demand for them as classics but as there is no racing heritage, the 90s were not iconic like the 60s and there is no global demand then prices will never go mental.
At the end of the day it is not souch that Tivs are undervalued but that other cars are carrying hefty premiums for one reason or another.
Speaking as someone who would consider a TVR when funds allow, the only thing putting me off is the usual concerns about reliability and perhaps being fragile compared to others; but the similarly-priced Boxsters and Z4s are a completely different proposition and somewhat soul-less, the former not exactly having a great reputation for reliability.
I am sorely tempted to buy a Chimaera or Cerbera one day - it's just a question, rightly or wrongly, of being nervous about it breaking all the time.
I am sorely tempted to buy a Chimaera or Cerbera one day - it's just a question, rightly or wrongly, of being nervous about it breaking all the time.
Just do it. I had the same fear every time I changed car (usually lotus) wondering whether I had just been really lucky so far. So I took the plunge and bought a car made of carpet and held together, it seems, mainly by wood screws.
Have a look at all the areas people don't usually look (under the steering wheel, behind the seats under the boot carpet. Compare it to a (shudder) Porsche, and you'll see why. Would I swap my sagaris with the other halfs porker? Not on your life.
Buy it for the way it makes you feel. When the roads are clear and there's no one else around, or driving down a busy high st, there is no comparison!
Have a look at all the areas people don't usually look (under the steering wheel, behind the seats under the boot carpet. Compare it to a (shudder) Porsche, and you'll see why. Would I swap my sagaris with the other halfs porker? Not on your life.
Buy it for the way it makes you feel. When the roads are clear and there's no one else around, or driving down a busy high st, there is no comparison!
parvs said:
Just do it. I had the same fear every time I changed car (usually lotus) wondering whether I had just been really lucky so far. So I took the plunge and bought a car made of carpet and held together, it seems, mainly by wood screws.
Have a look at all the areas people don't usually look (under the steering wheel, behind the seats under the boot carpet. Compare it to a (shudder) Porsche, and you'll see why. Would I swap my sagaris with the other halfs porker? Not on your life.
Buy it for the way it makes you feel. When the roads are clear and there's no one else around, or driving down a busy high st, there is no comparison!
I agree, when I had my chimaera I hated it! It was unreliable, always something wrong with it and was slow (a 400) for a v8. I used to post on here about how crap it was but god I wish I had another now! A tuscan or cerbera when I'm rich again to satisfy the speed need!Have a look at all the areas people don't usually look (under the steering wheel, behind the seats under the boot carpet. Compare it to a (shudder) Porsche, and you'll see why. Would I swap my sagaris with the other halfs porker? Not on your life.
Buy it for the way it makes you feel. When the roads are clear and there's no one else around, or driving down a busy high st, there is no comparison!
Its a case of u don't know what you've got til its gone!
DonkeyApple said:
First. They are too young. Prices usually spike when those who were young when the cars were new reach middle or old age and start buying the toys they've always wanted.
Second. Racing pedigree.
Third. Global Market. It's not the English pushing up the prices of classic English cars it is foreign money.
This is why an Allegro is worth less than an MG for example.
Now, there is no doubt that in layer years we will see increased demand for them as classics but as there is no racing heritage, the 90s were not iconic like the 60s and there is no global demand then prices will never go mental.
At the end of the day it is not souch that Tivs are undervalued but that other cars are carrying hefty premiums for one reason or another.
Some excellent points here.Second. Racing pedigree.
Third. Global Market. It's not the English pushing up the prices of classic English cars it is foreign money.
This is why an Allegro is worth less than an MG for example.
Now, there is no doubt that in layer years we will see increased demand for them as classics but as there is no racing heritage, the 90s were not iconic like the 60s and there is no global demand then prices will never go mental.
At the end of the day it is not souch that Tivs are undervalued but that other cars are carrying hefty premiums for one reason or another.
Its certainly true that the global market has an influence, but don't forget how the Germans & Dutch go crazy for TVR's and that they are often prepared to pay a premium to get hold of one.
As cars become safer they become significantly more boring, car designers spend millions these days on isolating you from the experience of driving.
People who truly love driving are starting to crave the raw back to basics experience, a TVR gives you this every time.
I can just remember when a sixties car was a bit of an embarrassment, this situation started to slowly change in the 1980's and within a ten year period prices exploded.
What we do know is nostalgia is consistently proven to be a big driver of prices.
It may be hard for us to accept it but the time will come when men of a certain age will look back at the 1990's with rose tinted spectacles.
Fashions always come full circle, just take a look at what the current crop of teenagers are wearing & the music they are listen to.
Music is full of electro Gary Newman references, the haircuts & cloths look like a modern twist on the 1980's "New Romantic" movement to me.
I took a walk in Shoreditch the other day and felt very old, all the young fashion victims looked just like I did in 1985
Its not long before we reach a point the 1990's will be nostalgic.
Look out for an Oasis revival, the return of warehouse parties & yellow smiley faces.
With this nostalgia will come the desire to own an iconic car from the period, and what could be more iconic than a mid nineties TVR Chim or Griff?
So get ready to put your hands in the air & shout...........ACIIIID!!!!!!!!!!!
forget the money side of things, i parked up yesterday in Stevenage inbetween 2 R8's whilst having a coffee, and there were as many if not more people stopping, pointing and talking about my cheap lonely plastic little piece of british engineering than the two huge euro fighters by the side of me.
Got to love us, we hold on so dearly to whats left of the "Great British" Time, and unfortunatly this seems to be fading away.
Going back to the OP, In my eyes they are currently the best value for money sports car's currently out there, but then i am a little bias!!! as for fettling, mine just sailed through its MOT with not a single advisory, yet the reliable Volvo set me back 300 quid, bloody rubbish these TVR's!!!!!
PigFilth said:
Speaking as someone who would consider a TVR when funds allow, the only thing putting me off is the usual concerns about reliability and perhaps being fragile compared to others; but the similarly-priced Boxsters and Z4s are a completely different proposition and somewhat soul-less, the former not exactly having a great reputation for reliability.
I am sorely tempted to buy a Chimaera or Cerbera one day - it's just a question, rightly or wrongly, of being nervous about it breaking all the time.
You do not know what you are missing,,these cars do not conk out every time you drive them, if you dont drive them, THATS when they conk out.......Go on, be a man a get one while you can...I am sorely tempted to buy a Chimaera or Cerbera one day - it's just a question, rightly or wrongly, of being nervous about it breaking all the time.
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