TVR Chimaera (1993 - 2003) 4.3 2d (1993/K) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm a bit crazy, probably. ;) People smile at you a lot, will drive alongside and give you the thumbs up, approach you at the pumps to say what a lovely noise the car makes, etc.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Invariably, they love it and are happy for me to drive something that I enjoy so much. They love the way it looks and sounds although most will say it's not for them. ;o).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - if TVR were around today I'd probably have saved up to buy a new one to keep 'forever'. Now I'll be keeping this one as my daily car until some bureaucrat says I'm not allowed to anymore...

What are you likely to buy next?

... in which case, and assuming I'll be a lot older by then, I'll probably buy an Aston (with 10 years' worth of depreciation, of course) and keep the TVR as a hobby car.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,900

When did you buy the car?

December 1993

Did you get a good deal and why?

High mileage and some minor cosmetic issues, most of them eradicated with a thorough detail - hence low price. My reasoning was that if a TVR has covered 18,000 miles between the last two MOTs it can't be 'that' unreliable. ;o).

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something to involve and immerse me in the driving experience without having to go flat out - I need my licence :).

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

This car is very special in that it's the most involving and hardcore drive this side of a Caterham, but on the other hand comfortable enough to do 800 miles in a day - which I have done on quite a few occasions (day trips to Goodwood FoS/Tunnel Runs etc.). Cruising at 80-90, the engine burbling away, is pure joy. It now has 300hp and weighs 1,010kg or so - in other words it does shift a bit. :).

What's it like to park?

Physical. No power assisted steering (which I very much like on the open road as you can really tap into the dynamics without having to moderate your inputs) and with the roof down, it's hard to see what's behind you even when you're 6'2.5"... It's got a small footprint though. :).

Have you had any problems with the car?

Leaky radiator and water pump leading to both headgaskets failing - decided on complete engine rebuild/enhancement given high mileage. This in turn promoted car from 'toy' to 'main car' status, which I haven't regretted for a moment since.

What's most practical about your car?

Big boot, hardtop roof section means cabin is as snug and comfortable as a coupé's when the roof is up. I prefer having the roof down - it doesn't get uncomfortable even at speeds that I'd better not mention here. :).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The soundtrack of course! :o).