Highlights
- Extensive history file with thousands in invoices
- Matching numbers example
- Original condition and in excellent mechanical health
The Appeal
Blackpool born, hand-made, high performance widow makers. TVR has always been a car company notorious for doing something a little differently than others, producing some of the most iconic lightweight performance cars that the UK has ever seen. The Chimaera, however, was the one that hit the sweet spot for many, proving itself to be just as much as a usable weekend toy as it was aggressive and unruly.
This particular example has been wonderfully mechanically maintained throughout its life with seemingly no regard to cost, featuring a plethora of paperwork, some with some pretty heavy hitting cost totals. It presents itself in fully original condition with only minor signs of age, the completely fibreglass body has been excellently cared for and the outriggers on the underside have been replaced at some point in the vehicles life and remain in fantastic condition.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 24th of April 1994
- V5C is present and in the current owners name ready for transfer
- The V5 shows 8 former keepers
- MOT has expired on the 9th of June, however the clean MOT history suggests that a new ticket might not be of any headache
- Excellent service history with a mountain of paperwork to back this up
- Countless Aeromotive (TVR specialists) invoices
- Power steering replaced in 2021 by A&J Halliday at the cost of just over £4,000
- Track V Road TVR service checklists show excellent all-round
- Tyres and brakes recently fitted and ready for use
The Interior
- Interior presented in well maintained condition, leather upholstery is free from any rips or tears
- Original TVR steering wheel well presented with small signs of age and use
- Gauge cluster all functional and present no unwelcome warnings on the dash
- Leather covered dash panel is in great condition with intact stitching, a small sign of damage on the thin leather strip just above the stereo
- Floor carpets show some signs of use but no damage present that we can see
- Chimaera sill plates retain good brightwork with some signs of use as to be expected
- Battery cut-off switch mounted in the passenger side footwell
- Both door cards are in good shape, slight scuffs from use but no notable damage on the leather or carpeted areas
- Drop-top functions excellently with no difficulty and the interior lining remains in fantastic condition - the hard top portion could use a little attention and shows a small crack on one corner
- Boot compartment carpets are in fantastic shape with no rips or tears and very little signs of use, could do with a little shampoo to bring it right back to life
The Exterior
- Halcyon Atlantis Pearl paintwork appears to be well maintained with minimal signs of age - TVR’s could be painted any colour you wanted, and this paint looks outstanding in the sun
- Front grill appears to be slightly damaged and pushed out of place on the right side, however the paint and bodywork around it seem unphased
- Fibreglass bodywork is in great condition with no signs of cracks that we can find
- Upgraded sporting headlights from TVR Body Shop at the expense of £842
- Original TVR wheels in silver, showing light signs of age however are in good condition overall
- Front and rear calipers could use a lick of paint to bring them back to life
- Slight delamination on the windscreen just in the lower driver side corner - seems purely cosmetic with no cracks
- Rear light clusters are in excellent shape with no apparent damage throughout
- Aggressive slash-cut twin exit exhaust in true TVR style
The Mechanics
- 4.0 V8 engine, based on the 3.5L Rover V8 with increased displacement
- 5-speed BorgWarner T5 manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- 240bhp and 270lb-ft of torque
- All independent suspension with unequal length double wishbones and coil overs
- Power assisted steering which was replaced in 2021 at an eye-watering expense
- Outriggers have been replaced at some point in the vehicles history and remain in excellent condition as reported by Aeromotive, this is a common and important part of the chassis
- Genuine TVR water pump replaced in 2021
- Airflow meter and modified position sensor in 2022 costing over £600
- Newly fitted tyres and brakes
- Excellent service history with countless invoices present
- Reportedly the vehicles drives fantastic - if you’ve ever been lucky enough to drive a TVR, you’ll know that the faster you go, the better they get
Summary
British Muscle is something we’ve all dreamed of getting our hands on, but few are brave enough to make the leap. A car that drops everyone’s jaw as it cruises past letting out a deep bark, ensuring everyone knows it’s something special.
This Chimaera would make for a fantastic collectors car - as the value of these brutish performance lightweights is slowly on the rise. It would even make for an outstanding weekend toy, ready for some backroad bashing or motorway cruising.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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