Description
TVR Chimaera 400 HC; very rare car; one of the very few imported in Italy when new with original plates from 1996 and one of the very few originally produced with left-hand drive (the chassis number contains the prefix LHD which indicates left-hand drive). Car registered with ASI and CRS (reduced historic car tax).
Third owner since new; in my possession continuously for about 18 years (since January 2006). The TVR Chimaera is a true 'Instant Classic' that is almost impossible to find; my car was the subject of an article in the Italian magazine 'Ruoteclassiche' in December 2006, when I had just bought it.
The colour is the classic and iconic dark green typical of British sports cars (British Racing Green) with a very well-preserved, elegant original magnolia-coloured leather interior. I have driven this TVR over 60, 000 km in the last 18 years without any major problems.
The car has only ever been used with great care and attention to attend historic car rallies or for short weekend trips during the summer. It has never participated in races or psta races! My Chimaera has always been kept jealously in the garage. The bodywork can be converted to three positions: from fully closed to the 'targa' position (by removing only the hard top above the seats) to the fully open position by opening the rear 'soft top'.
Very powerful 4000 cc V8 engine, here in the Rover-derived "HC" (High Compression) configuration for 275 hp on only 1060 kg of weight and about 260 km/ h. The body is made of fibreglass and the chassis is composed of a sophisticated tubular structure (the car has never been damaged in any way). I reluctantly give it up for scarce use due to changed needs and life requirements. I am a lover of English cars and in particular of the lesser-known and 'niche' ones, at least here in Italy. In 1996 I was looking for a Daimler saloon dream of my childhood, but when I came across this stupendous TVR, with left-hand drive and always Italian registered, I couldn't resist and I bought it.
I have been the third owner for 18 years; I personally knew the two previous owners (also the first one) who had bought this car for sightseeing and not for sporting events; therefore never exploiting the mechanics to the full and never stressing the tubular chassis with exaggerated driving.
I truly believe that a TVR Chimaera like this one, which has always been Italian, left-hand-drive, regularly maintained and jealously guarded and running perfectly without any problems, is almost unobtainable. The car, although only 10 years old at the time, had, as mentioned, the honour of being published in the Ruoteclassiche magazine in December 2006. Ruoteclassiche is Italy's best-known and most popular magazine for historic cars. Unfortunately, changed needs and family requirements now prevent me from using and enjoying this car as it certainly deserves.
