TVR Chimaera (1993 - 2003) 4.5 2d (2000/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Noisy? My 21 year old son looks amazingly cool driving it.

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

Everybody loves it. Strangers gather in discreet groups to listen to the engine fire up - I kid you not.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely would

What are you likely to buy next?

Nothing. Will keep this one and carry out a nut and bolt ground-up rebuild & retrim in 2010

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

June 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not a particularly good deal as prices dropped sharply three months after I purchased - but the car came with FSH and a guarantee which gave peace of mind

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always wanted one

What was the dealer like?

Excellent.

What's it like to drive?

Awesome. Fantastic acceleration, incredible grip. You need the huge grin surgically removed from your face after every trip.In the wet it is very easy to lose control. It will do 360 deg spins at the drop of a hat. Treat it with a great deal of respect - even fear - and you will be OK. My only complaint is that the seat does not go back far enough for me. The noise is electrifying... but at the same time it is built to cover long distances in reasonable comfort.

What's it like to park?

You have to concentrate very hard as there will always be an audience - an some of them will want to see you make an idiot of yourself.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing, not even the expected electrical gremilns

What's most practical about your car?

Practical? On reflection I guess the massive boot is the most practical feature.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It deserves a set of bespoke alloys to update the looks, and a fob-operated remote control boot release.