1994 TVR Chimaera

Description

• UNSOLD at auction December 2023
• Stamped Service History
• Pearlescent Paint
• Cream leather interior
• Outriggers replaced
• Five speed manual
• 95k miles

The Chimaera, built by the British sports car manufacturer TVR, took its name from a mythical beast in Greek mythology. This Chimaera is no myth; it represents a very affordable route into TVR ownership. If you are a TVR ‘purist’ look away now. This is a useable, lively TVR and our vendor is at pains to stress it’s not a ‘show queen’.

Outside

• Starmist Chianti paintwork
• Alloy wheels
• Black hood replaced in 2019 by Jack Smith Trimmers in Swansea
• LED headlamps

The Chimaera was first released in 1993. It followed TVR’s tried and trusted method of a GRP body wrapped around a space frame tubular chassis, with a powerful engine up front driving through the rear wheels. TVR built the Chimaera in way that was much easier to live with than previous models. It was also more spacious and practical.

In 1996 TVR updated the Chimaera by releasing the Mk2 version. The eagle eyed among you will spot this TVR has the later Mk 2 front end. That modification was carried out by Rob Hancock of Phoenix Automotive in 2008.

There are headlamp covers over the LED front lamps. Like all classics that have been subject to British road networks and British Summertime, this TVR has the usual wear and tear related marks.

The design of the Chimaera is rather clever. Free of external door handles, fuel filler cap and even number plate lights, the smooth lines and lack of sticky-out bits means you won’t tire of looking at it.

Inside

• Polished wooden dash
• Inset classic white dials
• Black and cream interior
• The carpets front and rear are in good condition
• Matching door cards look clean and tidy
• Suede steering wheel with red stitching. Two hundred quid’s worth

Inside, the hand of Peter Wheeler, the man behind TVR in the Nineties and responsible for the Chimaera is obvious. He wanted to dispense with that parts-bin attitude that saw earlier TVRs have all sorts of bits and bobs fitted. The alloy column stalks, switchgear and the gear knob look cleaved out of a solid block of aluminium.

The current seats are believed to be from a Mazda MX5, but do not detract in any way – unless you’re a dyed in the wool purist. In which case, you’ve done well to read this far. The interior has clearly had money spent on it at some point, because let’s be honest, TVRs never lasted and looked this good after nearly 30 years.

Mechanicals

• 3952cc Alloy V8 engine
• 240bhp
• 270lbs/ft @ 4000rpm
• 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds,
• 152 mph
• A recent brake test in 2023 shows this TVR stops as well as it goes

There is a tidy little file of additional images in our extra Gallery for this TVR detailing various mechanical work throughout its life. It includes major items such as:

• Reconditioned gearbox and diff
• New clutch
• New radiator
• Drop links replaced
• Replaced ball joints
• New brake hoses
• New Ram Air upgraded air filter
• Smart Charge System in the boot
• Emergency Boot Release
• All the work is dated, and the mileage recorded when it was carried out.

The TVR still has the factory fitted Thatcham Category 2 alarm system and immobiliser, along with a battery kill switch.

Our view

Blackpool thunder. In a digital world where electronics smother modern vehicles, this TVR Chimaera is an old-fashioned analogue car. The engaging feeling of intimacy when you drive the car is something special; exactly how it should be.

This one might not be for the TVR experts, but it is still a big bold sports car. TVRs have been undervalued for a good few years. Maybe as they are getting scarcer and maybe because the old, tired ones are fading away, that is set to change. This one is very sensibly reserved. The addictive noise of this TVR is worth every penny of that low reserve.

Vehicle Location: Morecambe, Lancashire LA4 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this TVR Chimaera? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.