Thinking of taking the plunge !
Discussion
Hi folks, I've been thinking of taking the plunge and looking for a usable Chimaera 400. Budget wise I will be unfortunately towards the lower end of the scale hence looking at a 400 that's in usable condition which I can enjoy and improve as I go along.
I've owned and run loads of classics over the years including MG, Triumph, Rover, Jags and a kit car in the past so I'm used to the challenges that such hobby type vehicles can throw up !
Some quick research suggests chassis outriggers are important to check out along with general condition and any mechanical issues. I'm not expecting a mint vehicle but just wondered if you guys and girls out there have any other buying advice.
Also ball park figures that I should be expecting to pay. Completed items on eBay throws up a couple of cars needing tlc an under 7k and the sky seems to be the limit upwards from there. I've seen the black car linked below which seems somewhere in the middle but some googling suggests it's been on the market a good long while and the asking price seems to be rather optimistic. Just wondered again what your thoughts are !
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-/2816160776...
I've had a look at the TVR club website. You can't get on the forum or very far in without membership but it seems a great outfit, any members in here and would you recommend joining up. I'm based in Leeds if there is any local group that's active?
Aside from that, Merry Christmas and a happy new 2016 !!
I've owned and run loads of classics over the years including MG, Triumph, Rover, Jags and a kit car in the past so I'm used to the challenges that such hobby type vehicles can throw up !
Some quick research suggests chassis outriggers are important to check out along with general condition and any mechanical issues. I'm not expecting a mint vehicle but just wondered if you guys and girls out there have any other buying advice.
Also ball park figures that I should be expecting to pay. Completed items on eBay throws up a couple of cars needing tlc an under 7k and the sky seems to be the limit upwards from there. I've seen the black car linked below which seems somewhere in the middle but some googling suggests it's been on the market a good long while and the asking price seems to be rather optimistic. Just wondered again what your thoughts are !
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-/2816160776...
I've had a look at the TVR club website. You can't get on the forum or very far in without membership but it seems a great outfit, any members in here and would you recommend joining up. I'm based in Leeds if there is any local group that's active?
Aside from that, Merry Christmas and a happy new 2016 !!
Big Fella,, take up that offer, that's a proper Tvr right there in Peters car,, you'll be housed with all the knowledge you'll need,
I think that black one you linked is very good value, chassis looks mint,, if that's been done right there's big value and years of use to come,,,
The 4.0 cars are seriously under valued in my opinion, get a very good one now and you'll be a happy chap,,, but get the best you can, it's far better to buy a car that's been properly sorted than buying one and undertaking the work yourself,,
It's just cheaper and you can get on with enjoying the car,,
I think that black one you linked is very good value, chassis looks mint,, if that's been done right there's big value and years of use to come,,,
The 4.0 cars are seriously under valued in my opinion, get a very good one now and you'll be a happy chap,,, but get the best you can, it's far better to buy a car that's been properly sorted than buying one and undertaking the work yourself,,
It's just cheaper and you can get on with enjoying the car,,
ianwayne said:
That black one on ebay has been on there about 3 months I think. So maybe not such a good one or it would have gone by now?
Mind you, winter is not the time many are looking to buy one.
Longer than that I believe. Think I saw it for sale towards the end of the summer - was tempted to go and look at it when I was changing cars.Mind you, winter is not the time many are looking to buy one.
Seems odd that it hasn't sold
I too will be looking next year but not settled on model, probably Tuscan. Have joined the club to get as much info on the cars.
Don,t know if you watch Wheelers Dealers but there is one episode where they do up TVR, a Cerbera I believe, which has rust issues from the powder coated chassis.
I also believe most early cars need an engine rebuild as there were issues. I am sure people on here can fill this bit in with their knowledge
Don,t know if you watch Wheelers Dealers but there is one episode where they do up TVR, a Cerbera I believe, which has rust issues from the powder coated chassis.
I also believe most early cars need an engine rebuild as there were issues. I am sure people on here can fill this bit in with their knowledge
Thanks gents that's great. I took up Peters kind offer and went over for a guided tour and chat around the cars. Lovely example and the advice is invaluable so extremely grateful for that !
Definite knowledge booster and thanks again Peter !
The black car has been on the market I think for possibly a year or so which doesn't bode particularly well. The chassis work looks like outriggers only and the weld quality in those photos seems a bit "spattered". Difficult to tell without seeing in the flesh though. TBH I'd see it at about 8k for it to make sense to me at the moment.
I'm over 220 miles away as the car is based in Benfleet, Essex so nipping over to view isn't that easy at the moment otherwise I'd be having a look to scope it out.
Will keep my eyes peeled and see what comes along........
Definite knowledge booster and thanks again Peter !
The black car has been on the market I think for possibly a year or so which doesn't bode particularly well. The chassis work looks like outriggers only and the weld quality in those photos seems a bit "spattered". Difficult to tell without seeing in the flesh though. TBH I'd see it at about 8k for it to make sense to me at the moment.
I'm over 220 miles away as the car is based in Benfleet, Essex so nipping over to view isn't that easy at the moment otherwise I'd be having a look to scope it out.
Will keep my eyes peeled and see what comes along........
The chassis job on the black car looks horrific to me, chronic welding and what is going on with the first picture? Where the tubes join just doesn't look right at all, surely that weld with the porosity shouldn't even be there. That car has been for sale for a lot longer than 3 months as well more like getting on for 12 months. It was originally up before the chassis work was done.
t about cars bigfella70 said:
Thanks gents that's great. I took up Peters kind offer and went over for a guided tour and chat around the cars. Lovely example and the advice is invaluable so extremely grateful for that !
Definite knowledge booster and thanks again Peter !
The black car has been on the market I think for possibly a year or so which doesn't bode particularly well. The chassis work looks like outriggers only and the weld quality in those photos seems a bit "spattered". Difficult to tell without seeing in the flesh though. TBH I'd see it at about 8k for it to make sense to me at the moment.
I'm over 220 miles away as the car is based in Benfleet, Essex so nipping over to view isn't that easy at the moment otherwise I'd be having a look to scope it out.
Will keep my eyes peeled and see what comes along........
So, you've given up with the SD1 Vitesse already then? (I had the black South African one when you were looking on the SD1 club - Vulcan- remember?)Definite knowledge booster and thanks again Peter !
The black car has been on the market I think for possibly a year or so which doesn't bode particularly well. The chassis work looks like outriggers only and the weld quality in those photos seems a bit "spattered". Difficult to tell without seeing in the flesh though. TBH I'd see it at about 8k for it to make sense to me at the moment.
I'm over 220 miles away as the car is based in Benfleet, Essex so nipping over to view isn't that easy at the moment otherwise I'd be having a look to scope it out.
Will keep my eyes peeled and see what comes along........
I'm in Wakefield if you recall and have a 400 with a turbo . You are welcome to experience some real grunt...
Good luck with finding one - be patient.
Re joining the club - you'll get mixed responses to it. Personally I like it, there is a very good monthly magazine and the monthly regional meetings are a great way of meeting local people who can point you to recommended local specialists and will help with any questions you might have. They might also know of local cars up for sale. There are some good events that go on throughout the year too.
Might be worth asking for more information about the black car - I'd want to know who the specialist was who did the chassis work. If possible contact the previous owner and see if there are any photographs of the work in progress, I would expect to be able to see that for major work like that.
There are a couple of Facebook groups where cars come up occaisionally
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrchimaera/?ref=b...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrbuysellswap/?re...
Re joining the club - you'll get mixed responses to it. Personally I like it, there is a very good monthly magazine and the monthly regional meetings are a great way of meeting local people who can point you to recommended local specialists and will help with any questions you might have. They might also know of local cars up for sale. There are some good events that go on throughout the year too.
Might be worth asking for more information about the black car - I'd want to know who the specialist was who did the chassis work. If possible contact the previous owner and see if there are any photographs of the work in progress, I would expect to be able to see that for major work like that.
There are a couple of Facebook groups where cars come up occaisionally
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrchimaera/?ref=b...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrbuysellswap/?re...
N7GTX said:
So, you've given up with the SD1 Vitesse already then? (I had the black South African one when you were looking on the SD1 club - Vulcan- remember?)
I'm in Wakefield if you recall and have a 400 with a turbo . You are welcome to experience some real grunt...
Hi again Iain ! Yes I remember your Black SA car, very nice indeed ! I think she's advertised with Spurr Classics at present? I went for a series 1 3500 SE manual rather than a Vitesse and am definitely keeping it ! The Chim will be a stablemate to keep the SD1 company ;-)I'm in Wakefield if you recall and have a 400 with a turbo . You are welcome to experience some real grunt...
Here's the old Rover for perusal :
Would love to see your 400 turbo - sounds amazing and thanks for the offer :-))
Will send a PM.
Edited by bigfella70 on Monday 28th December 16:18
Colin RedGriff said:
Good luck with finding one - be patient.
Re joining the club - you'll get mixed responses to it. Personally I like it, there is a very good monthly magazine and the monthly regional meetings are a great way of meeting local people who can point you to recommended local specialists and will help with any questions you might have. They might also know of local cars up for sale. There are some good events that go on throughout the year too.
Might be worth asking for more information about the black car - I'd want to know who the specialist was who did the chassis work. If possible contact the previous owner and see if there are any photographs of the work in progress, I would expect to be able to see that for major work like that.
There are a couple of Facebook groups where cars come up occaisionally
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrchimaera/?ref=b...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrbuysellswap/?re...
Thanks for the heads up Colin, will take a look at those Facebook pages. I did like the Black car but there's a few alarm bells ringing and I doubt there will be much flexibility price wise from the dealer. Coupled with the long distance to travel for viewing and assessment I'm tempted to steer clear at the moment although I will keep it on a back burner in my mind as I look at what's on the market. I'd like to buy from a private owner / enthusiast if possible and I think not rushing is a great idea :-)Re joining the club - you'll get mixed responses to it. Personally I like it, there is a very good monthly magazine and the monthly regional meetings are a great way of meeting local people who can point you to recommended local specialists and will help with any questions you might have. They might also know of local cars up for sale. There are some good events that go on throughout the year too.
Might be worth asking for more information about the black car - I'd want to know who the specialist was who did the chassis work. If possible contact the previous owner and see if there are any photographs of the work in progress, I would expect to be able to see that for major work like that.
There are a couple of Facebook groups where cars come up occaisionally
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrchimaera/?ref=b...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrbuysellswap/?re...
I might well join the club, seems well regarded and should be a good source of info and possible feed into a good car !
Cheers :-)
bigfella70 said:
Lol don't temp me - my mind is weak 
Ah, don't be fooled by these two girlies who keep coming on the Chim forum. Now, ask yourself why they would spend so much time on the Chim forum. Remember, there are far more Chims and far more helpful friendly Chim owners - just check the Griff section. 
If you need advice PH is far quicker for responses and help than the club. Don't forget to check Carandclassic as the ads are free so tight owners list them there.
P.S.the SD1 looks very nice - I prefer Mk1s too.
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