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1997 TVR Chimaera 5.0 V8
Highlights
- Numerous TVR Tuscan upgrades
- Less than 50k miles from new
- Runs well with no known faults
- Presents well overall
- Very clean underside
The Appeal
TVRs have always held somewhat of a cult appeal in the motoring world.
Designed with outright performance in mind and usually sitting a long way from conventional design standards (who needs door handles anyway?) these are cars that have always been bought by drivers who want to stand out, who want a truly visceral experience with no aids or nanny systems, and who don’t mind drawing a little attention to themselves.
This particular Chimaera features the desirable 5.0-litre V8 engine, and was in regular use during its time with its former keeper, who sadly has had to sell-up purely due to age restricting his mobility, making it hard to get in and out of the much-prized vehicle.
History and Paperwork
- V5 registered keepers document, showing six former owners
- Strong history compromised of servicing receipts, maintenance invoices, MoT certificates and other miscellaneous documentation
- The latest service was carried out in November 2021 at 47,199 miles by marque specialist TVR101 in Surrey, which was a ’12,000 mile’ service
- Prior to this, the car was serviced in November 2019 at 46,583 miles, November 2018 at 46,240 miles and November 2017 at 45,208 miles, all of which were also performed by TVR 101
- Alongside servicing and maintenance, this Chimera also benefits from fitting of TVR Tuscan seats, Tuscan wheels and hub conversions, and Tuscan headlights
- A hand-written note states that the car was serviced at 38,398, 40,944, 41,124, 41,425, 41,665 and 41,781 miles between September 2007 and December 2014
- There is no current MoT certificate for the car, but the vendor states they are willing to sort a fresh MoT prior to sale, should this be requested
The Interior
- Inside, the cabin is in generally very good condition throughout, but would benefit from a thorough detailing and valet
- The upgraded Tuscan seats show no signs of any rips or tears, though the outer bolsters are commensurately worn from years of use
- The carpets are in good condition throughout, whilst the chrome door sill covers are lightly worn and patina’d
- The wooden dash inlay remains undamaged, whilst the vendor states that all of the gauges and switchgear works as it should with no known faults
- There are two small holes either side of the dash top, seemingly from a previously-fitted handsfree phone system or similar.
- The nearside door speaker is loose
- Up above, the removable roof panels is in excellent shape, and the folding mechanism works as intended for the rear portion of the roof
The Exterior
- Presents in generally fair condition overall, with signs of commensurate wear consistent with regular use
- Scuffs noted on the leading edge of the front bonnet/grille area, nearside front corner, and rear bumper
- There is a small crack visible above the offside external boot hinge
- It would appear that the car has been previously re-sprayed, with evidence of paint runs and overspray visible around the vehicle, including - but not limited to - on the mirror caps, lower edges of the bumper, and around the tail light units
- The original light units have been converted to TVR tuscan-style items
- The vendor states that a new hood was installed recently in the car’s history.
- All four wheels are in very good condition, with only minor marks and imperfections noted
The Mechanicals
- 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Starts easily and runs well, showing around 30psi oil pressure at cold idle
- No sign of any mechanical issues noted during our photo shoot, and no reported faults from the vendor
- The engine bay itself would benefit from a good valet and tidy-up, and there are a few stains and oil misting marks noted, which are shown in the gallery below
- A number of underside photographs have been included below, showing the condition of the chassis
- There is no current MoT certificate for the car but the vendor states they are willing to sort a fresh MoT prior to sale, should this be requested.
Summary
A true modern classic, the TVR Chimaera blends British design quirkiness with a brutal and visceral driving experience with no safety systems other than the driver sat behind the wheel. Not for the faint of heart, the TVR Chimaera rewards skilled and respectful drivers with a fantastic soundtrack and a driving experience that few other cars from the era can match.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1997
- Make TVR
- Model Chimaera 5.0 V8
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 47,250 Miles
- Engine size 4997
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Royal Wootton Basset…
- Location Wiltshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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