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TVR Chimaera 4.0

Mileage: 16,648 Top Speed: 152 Year: 1998 0 - 60: 4.7 MOT Expiry: Aug 14 BHP: 240 Tax Expiry: Jan 14 Transmission: 5 speed manual Exterior Colour: Cherry pearl Engine Capacity: 3952cc Interior Colour: Butterscotch hide Engine Configuration: V8

TVR Chimaera 4.0 | £16,995

Mileage: 16,648

Model History

Founded in 1949 by Trevor Wilkinson, TVR was renowned for building light weight powerful sports cars using a steel tubular frame chassis and a fibreglass body. Based in the UK sea side town of Blackpool the company enjoyed success through the decades under its original owner and Peter Wheeler, a chemical industrial consultant and TVR enthusiast who took charge of the company in 1980 and notably was instrumental in body design managing a design team that produced a number of acclaimed and resolved body designs including the Chimaera, Griffith, Cerbera, Tuscan, Tamora, T350, Typhon and Sagaris.

 

In July 2004, 24-year-old Nikolay Smolensky bought the company from Wheeler, for a rumoured £15 million. Despite his Russian nationality, Smolensky said he intended TVR to remain a British company. Sadly with falling demand the company has had a turbulent recent ride and as of 2006 has not made any new cars.

 

The TVR Chimaera was first produced in 1992, alongside the Griffith production. It was presented as a GT version of the Griffith, using the same chassis and derivatives of the Rover V8 engine. It was also longer, making for a larger boot space and had slightly softer suspension than its sister car.

 

The name was derived from Chimaera, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology.

 

Equipment

Immobilizer system, Electric mirrors, Pioneer sound system with rear speakers, Electric windows, Air conditioning, Removable targa roof, Cigarette lighter, Space saver wheel and Jack.

Exterior

This Chimaera is finished in the beautiful Cherry pearl paintwork which looks stunning under our showroom lights with a sharp metallic flake and a deep glassy shine. The paintwork is in excellent condition with very few stone chips to report in the common areas. The Grenadine colour soft top looks fantastic against the Cherry pearl paintwork and remains free from any tears or damage. The plastic rear screen has recently been replaced, as such it is completely clear with no cracks or fading. All of the window rubbers and seals are in fine order throughout the car. On the underside the car was treated to a full wax oil in December 2012.

Interior

Opening the door on the TVR (using the button situated under the wing mirror) you are presented with beautiful upholstered Butterscotch hide, a lovely contrast to the rest of the car. All of the leather and stitching remains in excellent order with no cracks or damage to be found. On close inspection the only damage to be found is a small crack in the wooden dashboard trim. The spotless Cherry red woollen carpet adorns the foot-wells, door cards and rear shelf section and remains free from any wear.

Engine & Transmission

This Chimaera is equipped with the 4.0 litre V8 TVR engine and has only covered a mere 16k miles in its life time. At the turn of the key the mighty V8 bursts into life and idles up to temperature correctly with a very pleasing soundtrack. The most recent service was carried out by Sussex Sports Cars in August 2012 at 16,330 miles. It flew through its most recent MOT test in August 2013 with no advisories to report.

 

The 5 speed manual gearbox feels tight and precise to operate with short mechanical shifts between the gears.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The standard 15" Chimaera alloy wheels are in fine condition all round with no kerb marks to be found. The wheels are shod in set of new Bridgestone Potenza tyres, all with the correct level of tread remaining. With a new set of hoses and pads fitted to the car in December 2012, the brakes feel strong and help to pull the car up quickly in a smooth straight line.

History File

The TVR was first registered in July 1998, its supplying dealer was Portfield Sports & Classics. The pre-delivery inspection is stamped in the booklet at 24 miles. The next two services were also carried out by the supplying dealer. The first at 5k miles in November 1998 and the second at 7k miles in 1999. The next service was carried out by Queens Park Garage at 11k miles in 2003, and the most recent service was at 16k miles in 2012. There is also an invoice from Sussex Sports Cars in 2012 for various work carried out totaling over £2,500.

 

The original black leather TVR handbook containing the owners manual and service booklet is still present.