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TVR Chimaera 400 1999

General description : Model History

TVR is an independent British manufacturer of lightweight sports cars with powerful engines. The company was, at one time, the third-largest specialised sports car manufacturer in the world. The abbreviation TVR stems from the name of the company's owner Trevor Wilkinson.

The Chimaera was first produced in 1993. The name was derived from Chimera, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology, which was made of the parts of multiple animals. The car was designed by Peter Wheeler, John Ravenscroft, and Peter's dog Ned who, rumour has it, aided in the design of the front indicator recesses.

The Chimaera was based on the Griffith’s running gear and chassis but was fitted with a slightly softer suspension set up, with Bilstein dampers and a rear anti-roll bar. The car was originally provided with a 4-litre or 4.3-litre version of the Rover V8, as fitted to the Griffith, but with catalytic converters to meet 1993 regulations. The initial reviews of the car were very favourable and it soon became TVR's biggest selling car, remaining in that position until 1998. There were about 6,000 produced in total. The first modification took place in 1994, when the Rover SD1 gearbox was replaced with a Borg-Warner T5 gearbox.

Equipment

Antigua Blue Pearlescent paintwork, Magnolia hide upholstery, Blue folding soft-top with removable carbon fibre centre panel, Power steering, TVR/Personal leather-trimmed steering wheel, Walnut fascia trim, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable door mirrors, Dash clock, Oil pressure gauge, Pioneer cassette player, Pioneer speakers, CD changer, Cigar lighter, Ash trays, Tailored Chimaera floor mats, Chimaera door sill covers, Spare key, Original order form and bill of sale, Original sales brochure.

Exterior

The Chimaera’s sculpted Antigua Blue exterior looks marvelous in our studio, the lustful pearl finish pleasingly free from any swirl marks or unsightly scratches. On closer inspection the paintwork retains a deep and uniform shine all round with only an expected dusting of light frontal stone chips to report, further evidencing the car’s honesty. The lights are all perfectly clear and free from signs of moisture ingress, and the folding blue soft-top also remains in great order. Being a facelift model this example boasts the later Cerbera-style front grille, updated rear lights, wing mirror door buttons, etc.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The seats are upholstered in soft Magnolia hide. The supple leather presents in excellent condition with no major wear to report, even to the driver’s bolster. The Magnolia finish extends to the centre console, lower dash and carpets, while the upper dash, gearshift gaiter, and tops of the doors are trimmed in contrasting blue. The glossy walnut fascia is a thoroughly British touch and really adds to the sense of occasion, especially with the aluminium-bezeled dials and original Pioneer cassette player.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 4-litre V8 sounds great through the car’s twin pipes. Barely run-in with a mere 32k miles on the clock, the engine idles up to temperature without fuss and performs really well on test. Despite its modest 235hp output the Chimaera can shift from 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds, and on to 152mph! The 5-speed gearbox remains feeling tight and precise.

The accompanying paperwork shows the TVR to have been well maintained throughout its life, with nine stamps present in the original service booklet. The car saw regular use up until mid-2007 when it was taken off the road and placed into storage by the first owner, thus preserving its amazing original condition and low mileage of just 32k. The car now benefits from a recent service and MOT and will receive a full mechanical inspection prior to sale for the new keeper’s peace of mind.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The staggered five-spoke alloys are well suited to the Chimaera’s pint-size proportions, all presenting in great condition with only two small curb marks to report. The wheels are shod in matching Toyo tyres at the front, with quality Bridgestone Potenzas at the rear.

History File

This facelift Chimaera 400 was first registered in April 1999; it was supplied new by Kerridges TVR in Ipswich. The original TVR order form and Kerridges sales invoice show the car’s build spec to include cost options such as pearlescent paint, power steering, and a CD changer. The History File is complete with a raft of maintenance invoices, Chimaera sales brochure, spare key, owner’s manual, and service booklet with nine stamps. Following on from a lengthy period in storage the car recently benefits from a fresh service and MOT with no advisories. A full mechanical inspection by our trusted classic car specialists will be carried out prior to sale.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/tvr-chimaera-400-for-sale/

1999 TVR Chimaera 400 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £17995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : TVR Model : Chimaera Model Version : 400 Engine size : 4.0 Model Year : 1999 Location : Hampshire

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About TVR
TVR, a quintessential British cottage industry and master sports car manufacturer, has a rich and storied history that spans several decades. Known for its distinctive and high-performance vehicles, TVR has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.

TVR's history can be traced back to the early 1950s when Trevor Wilkinson founded the company in Blackpool, England. Initially, TVR focused on producing affordable and lightweight sports cars that offered exhilarating driving experiences. One of their early models, the TVR Grantura, gained popularity in the 1960s and set the tone for what would become a legacy of sporty and characterful cars.

Throughout the years, TVR produced a series of memorable models, each known for its unique style and impressive performance. Some of the notable models include:

TVR Griffith: Introduced in the 1960s, the Griffith was a powerful and lightweight sports car that gained a reputation for its speed and agility. It featured a V8 engine and distinctive styling.
TVR Tuscan: The Tuscan series, starting with the Tuscan V8 in the late 1960s, continued TVR's tradition of creating high-performance sports cars with bold design elements. The Tuscan line evolved over the years, with each iteration offering improved performance.
TVR Cerbera: Introduced in the 1990s, the Cerbera was notable for its unique design and the use of in-house developed engines. It was one of the fastest sports cars of its time.
TVR Sagaris: The Sagaris, launched in the 2000s, was a lightweight and aerodynamic sports car known for its aggressive styling and impressive track performance.
TVR Tuscan S: A modern version of the Tuscan, the Tuscan S featured a straight-six engine and modernized styling while staying true to TVR's sports car heritage.
TVR also gained a reputation for its "no-nonsense" approach to sports car manufacturing. Their cars were often devoid of electronic driver aids, focusing on the pure driving experience.

However, TVR faced financial challenges and ownership changes over the years, which led to periods of inactivity. The company's production ceased for some time, but TVR enthusiasts remained passionate and hopeful for a revival.

In 2020, TVR announced its comeback with the Griffith, a modern interpretation of the classic model. The new Griffith retained the essence of TVR's legacy while incorporating modern engineering and design.

In summary, TVR is an archetypal British cottage industry and a master sports car manufacturer that has consistently delivered exciting, high-performance vehicles with unique character. Despite its challenges, TVR's legacy remains alive, and its return to the automotive scene with the Griffith marked a new chapter in the company's storied history.