1998 TVR Chimaera

Guide price: £6,000 - £7,000

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● 240hp naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive, BW 5-speed manual 61,000 miles

● Chassis outriggers described as sound

● Will benefit from a bodywork refresh

● Great rolling restoration project

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Let’s start with a couple of sweeping statements. One, not many dull people have owned a TVR. And two, if it was possible to bottle motoring character, very few people dull or otherwise would be likely to object to the idea of putting ‘TVR’ on the label.

TVRs have never been for shrinking violets, but the modern age of truly mad TVRs began with the radically styled Griffith of the early 1990s. The Chimaera joined it in the range in 1993, modifying the basic Griff proposition with slightly softer suspension, a roomier cabin and a bigger golf-bag sized boot. Small surprise that the ‘Chim’ quickly became TVR’s best seller.

None of these changes added much weight. There was still little more than a tonne for the 240hp/270lb ft 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 to push along. As a result, the Chimaera was an electrifying drive long before anyone thought of plugging a car into the mains. The acceleration was supercar-quick for the time and its mid-four second 0-60mph time will still put a healthy breeze up your kilt.

The car we’re auctioning here was first registered on 29 May 1998. The current owner has had the car for nearly half of its life having bought it in 2011, and it’s now ready to celebrate the next quarter century with a new custodian.

Essentially what you’re looking at here is a freshly-MOT’d Chimaera with a temptingly low reserve price. If you’ve got some undercover space, are reasonably adept with the spanners and have an understanding partner, this could be the rolling restoration project of your dreams. Parts are readily available, and just as importantly so is the wealth of knowledge that’s been amassed by TVR owners down the years. It’s a brilliant community that will welcome you to its bosom and provide guidance and support in your journey.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The recent MOT test (9 August 2023) was passed with one minor defect, damage to the nearside windscreen that didn’t adversely affect the driver’s view. The tester also noticed some slight damage to all four tyre valves and some non-excessive corrosion on both of the front suspension mounting points, not unusual for the model.

The HPI check comes up clear on ID, theft, finance, write off for theft or damage, and the National Mileage Register. New instruments were fitted in August 2004 at around 40,000 miles explaining the mileage discrepancy on the MOT certificate, and the car has only done 20,000 miles in the 19 years since then having been SORN’d (taken off the road) for the last three years. The actual combined mileage at the time of writing in early September 2023 is 60,795.

A private registration plate was applied in September 2005, the original R379 ALC number going back on the car in May 2008. The seller, who is the fourth owner, has had the Chimaera since November 2011 during which time it has always been garaged.

All the early servicing was done at HR Owen and Henley TVR, then at other TVR specialists such as TMS TVR, Silverstone TVR and Top Kats Racing.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

This Chim’s cream hide, royal blue carpeting and soft top have all stood the test of time very well. As far as we are aware, everything in the cabin works.

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

Our 1998 car is a facelift model with ‘invisible’ door buttons below the door mirrors, a horizontal bar in place of the mesh grille, and revised rear light and numberplate styling. It’s seen its share of action over the last quarter of a century and the Cobalt Blue bodywork will need some attention if you want to get it up to showroom condition. The owner is very open about the various scrapes, scratches and blisters, the most obvious imperfections being on the wings, wheel arches and door mirrors, but he also tells us that the chassis outrigger tubes which are weak points on these cars are in good shape.

In 2017 work was carried out to remove and strip the nearside door and exterior mouldings and trims to the nearside front wing and rear quarter, to repair damage in those nearside areas and to blend in the repaired panels. There’s an invoice for £1,334 to back that up.

We’re told that the car has never been kerbed in the current owner’s twelve years of custodianship.

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

The drivetrain is in good health. The non-excessive oil leak noted in the August ’23 MOT is par for the course for these engines. As a 1998 car it has the Borg Warner T5 five-speed manual gearbox.

The engine bay is pleasingly clean and the Toyo tyres all round are described as being in good condition.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

If you need more excitement in your motoring life, ownership of a TVR is almost certain to supply it. The wonder of the Chimaera is that it combines the full-fat TVR experience with a remarkable level of practicality. That’s not a dirty word. We all need to do our shopping after all. What fun it would be to do it in a TVR.

This completely standard example comes with a service history, the original TVR owner’s handbook, and two keys with alarm fobs. Its condition is categorised as fair with no damage, just wear and tear. The bodywork requires attention, which is reflected in the reserve and viewing is advised. With that work done, you’ll have a TVR to be proud of and to enjoy – and you’ll have done your bit to keep the legend alive.

To arrange a viewing, please call our concierge partner on 01332 913070. All viewings will be held at Donington Park from Monday to Friday between 9AM and 2PM.