The Chimaera was a landmark car for TVR. The Griffith that came before it heralded a clear change in design direction for the marque in the Peter Wheeler era, and that was the model which shifted TVR from the realm of sports cars to supercars. The closely-related Chimaera, when it launched in 1992, built on this performance prowess to create a new framework of production: whereas TVR had once been a low-volume producer of bespoke curiosities, the Chimaera proved they were serious about series production. And the buying public lapped it up (in relative terms, at least) – over an 11-year production run, over 5,000 of them were sold.
In Greek mythology, the slightly-differently-spelled Chimera was a creature made up of parts of different animals, and that sort of makes sense here as this model is powered by a Rover V8 – but it’s not in the sensible-ish 3.5-litre form you’d find in an SD1, or the rumbly 3.9 from the Range Rover. No, at launch the Chimaera offered a full-fat 4.0-litre version producing 240bhp and 270lb.ft. In a car that only weighs around a tonne, that’s good for a 0-62mph run of 5.1-seconds. It also has one of the most delightful interiors you’ve ever seen, with a practicality and usability that’s truly impressive given its diminutive proportions – so it makes an excellent high-speed grand tourer. A TVR for the masses? Well, if such a thing could be said to have existed, you’re looking at it right here.
This is a Chimaera that’s been loved throughout all of its quarter-century life. The current owner has had it for a little over five years, and there were four former keepers before that: its first owner kept it for nine years, the second for a year, the third for a further nine-year stint, and the fourth also for a year. The TVR was in beautiful condition when the present owner acquired it, requiring only minimal attention: the differential had a minor leak, but this was simply because someone had over-filled it so it was leaking oil through the breather – something he fixed with ease.
Four years ago, he set about stripping all of the waxoyl preservative from the chassis, cleaning it all and painting it in red oxide before giving it a coat of Hammerite; the chassis was in excellent condition when he started so it needed no restoration, and now it’s been thoroughly future-proofed.
What’s most interesting to note is how the car has been cherished and pampered throughout his tenure. It’s been used very sparingly, really only taken out to be exhibited at classic car shows in the north-west of England. The total mileage on the clock is an impressively low 24,750, and only a thousand of those have been put on by the current owner in the last half-decade. Indeed, it’s this low usage that’s now led to the decision to sell, combined with the desire to buy a caravan with which to enjoy his recent retirement.
The original manuals and handbooks are present, as well as the Steve Heath workshop manual. (If you’re into TVRs, you’ll know that this is essentially the bible.) There’s a full service history up until 2016 when the current owner bought the Chimaera – all completed by TVR specialist Hexham Horseless Carriages who supplied the car – and since then he’s been servicing it himself. There are also numerous receipts for work that’s been carried out over the years, and a sheaf of old MOTs. The current MOT runs until 23/03/2022.
When it came to interiors, TVR had truly got into their stride by the mid-1990s. The Chimaera’s seats are supportive enough to hug you tight in the twisties, yet sufficiently comfy to allow you to put the hood down and head for the Riviera without having to worry about the state of your vertebrae on arrival. The design of the dash is unashamedly driver-focused, with the artful lozenge shapes angled directly at the pilot with neatly and logically laid-out dials, and the stubby gear lever a mere hand-span away on the chunky transmission tunnel. It’s all beautifully designed and sumptuously trimmed.
The cabin of this Chimaera is in superb condition throughout, with only very minimal wear of the type you’d expect to find in a car of such low mileage. It’s all in standard specification too, aside from some tasteful aluminium trim upgrades from Leven Technology; the dash fascia was replaced, and at the same time was treated to new aluminium bezels, to match the new handbrake stem.
The design of the Chimaera has aged so well; while some other TVRs that followed were radical and mould-breaking (like the Sagaris, for example, and the Tuscan), the Chimaera was designed in a more classical style; sure, it’s got the deliberately outlandish stylistic flair that marks it out as a TVR, but at the same time it still appears contemporary rather than a relic of its era.
The condition of this car really is superb too, as you’d expect of a pampered example that’s only been used for display in shows over the last five years. The bodywork is excellent, with no evidence of damage, scuffs or scrapes; it’s never had to be repaired, and the original Starmist Chianti paint (a metallic deep red wine colour) has a deep lustre and positively gleams in the sunshine Aside from a few very, very minor blemishes that can only be picked up on close inspection, it’s a splendid finish throughout. And thanks to the current owner’s fastidious efforts to protect the chassis, it’s just as good underneath as it is up top.
The drivetrain of the Chimaera sounds good on paper, but you really have to drive one to appreciate quite how good it is; surfing on endless swells of torque, it positively catapults the lightweight roadster up the road, with a sound like giants gargling gravel as the revs rise.
The engine in this car is in very fine fettle, starting with ease and pulling like a train. The only non-standard modification is a Clive Ford Y-pipe, and this gives the exhaust an awe-inspiring sound.
The current owner is fastidious about servicing and carries out all of this work himself; in April of this year the engine was treated to an oil change with Valvoline VR, and the gearbox oil was also changed with Penrith Pro Gear. At the same time, the sump gasket was replaced. The gearbox shifts smoothly, the brakes are strong and even, and there are no reported issues with the suspension setup or the power steering.
The case for owning a Chimaera really makes itself. The design is frankly stunning, looking every bit as stylish and exotic as it did back in the 1990s, while also not being overly extrovert. The interior is similarly splendid, mirroring the chic nature of the body lines and ensuring that the driver feels pampered and special on every journey. The powertrain is outstanding, with a sonorous and muscular V8 mated to a slick and precise gearbox, and the poised and balletic chassis encourages you to exploit all of that power at any given opportunity, while also being comfortable enough to act as a cosseting grand tourer when required. And this Chimaera? This is among the best you’re likely to find. Having been so well looked after throughout its life, it’s an original, solid, beautifully presented and eminently usable example, and what’s most attractive of all is that incredibly low mileage. It’s up to you how you choose to write the next chapter of this TVR’s life – it could continue to be a show car, or it could readily fulfil its potential of pan-European touring. Whichever way, you’ll be driving a sports car of unparalleled flair and panache.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1996 TVR Chimaera 4.0
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