TVR Chimaera (1993 - 2003) 5.0 2d (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

An individual with an imagination.

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

My college friend spent a week in the car travelling to La Manga...he loved it. A true classic. Another friend is deeply in love with not just the exterior looks, but the swooshing classic lines of the interior. This car was a superstar in Spain and after I was begged repeatedly, I had to spend half an hour taking a Belgian bar owner to see his father and girlfriend in the car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, yes and yes. Eclipsed in the media by the Griffith, but the Chimaera doesn't have that ugly square back end and is much better looking. In 500 form you have the Griffith powertrain but with elegance and practicality.

What are you likely to buy next?

This Chimaera 500 is the very cost effective answer to my craving for a very high performance drop top to complement an Impreza. At sub-£12k this 500 was a total steal for a classic which at the very least should hold its value....not to mention while providing great pleasure on even the shortest of drives. It's heartbreaking that TVR blew themselves up - ironically by trying to build their own power units, discarding third party engines like this car's best feature - the glorious Rover V8.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a true bargain. There were only 600 5-litre Chimaeras ever made - they're rarer than Griffiths and much better-looking. Even though it is yellow, this was a 26k miler with only 2 owners and was worth c.£15k when I bought it. One of the best moves I have ever made - and I was just about to pay £26k on a competent - yet soulless - Boxster.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Owned 3 TVRs (2 x Chimaeras) previously and was seeking high performance convertible.

What was the dealer like?

Alan Harding at JA Autos in Sutton was fantastic. No issues with me sending an expert to vet the car for two hours and Alan was very open and honest, friendly and a pleasure to deal with. Alan totally upended the stereotypical used car dealer image and I was impressed.

What's it like to drive?

Glorious. Life-affirming. You get the hood down and bathe yourself in the V8 symphony of a truly beautiful roadster. Yes, you need to respect the back end but it is more controllable than people say.

What's it like to park?

Silly question, not great, but quite doable in almost all circumstances.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes, needed new exhaust gasket annoyingly, but easily fixed. Took the car straight on the boat to Spain and it drove to La Manga and back without missing one beat. Magnificent.

What's most practical about your car?

Everyone talks about the capacious boot, but I am 6'2" and the cabin is surprisingly spacious, cosy and comfy with a big rear shelf. People don't mention the practical benefits of the V8's monster torque....I can start it in 3rd and you can use the torque of the engine to miss out ratios if you are feeling indolent.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

You must have power steering for resale, but it is also a big benefit for parking. Favourite features are twofold: 1. this is one of the most handsome cars I have ever seen. 2. the engine...it is unbastardised joy backed by the glorious throb of America overlaid by a harder metallic edge of racing at higher revs. The most exciting and inspirational sound; coupled with that sea of torque and this roadster is most addictive.