Last Chimaeras
Discussion
The last Chimaeras had faired-in headlights and Cerbera type seats, possibly 16" wheels all round[?] and appear to have been produced circa 2001-2. I recall a late friend saying that he wanted a 500 but at the time of his order in 2002 the factory would only supply the 450. Anyone know how many of these late Chimaeras were produced? Are they worth any more than any other Chimaera in similar condition? The last 100 Griffiths were designated Special Edition and command a substantial premium but I am not aware that these last Chimaeras had any special designation. Anyone out there shed any light?
According to 'how many left', there were 84 TVR Chimaera registered in 2001, 41 in 2002 and 9 in 2003.
There are now many other out there that have had the faired in headlights fitted, and a number of different seats fitted, as well as several on here that have fitted 16" wheels all round. Since they were not specifically marked or badged as LE or Special editions, I doubt they will be worth more per se.
Unless you definitely have the last one registered that is, but even then Strattons had 2 unregistered 4.0 litre cars for sale in 2013 that were sold on '13' plates! I remember hey had to have a high level brake light fitted at the base of the rear window to comply with current regs.
There are now many other out there that have had the faired in headlights fitted, and a number of different seats fitted, as well as several on here that have fitted 16" wheels all round. Since they were not specifically marked or badged as LE or Special editions, I doubt they will be worth more per se.
Unless you definitely have the last one registered that is, but even then Strattons had 2 unregistered 4.0 litre cars for sale in 2013 that were sold on '13' plates! I remember hey had to have a high level brake light fitted at the base of the rear window to comply with current regs.
ianwayne said:
According to 'how many left', there were 84 TVR Chimaera registered in 2001, 41 in 2002 and 9 in 2003.
There are now many other out there that have had the faired in headlights fitted, and a number of different seats fitted, as well as several on here that have fitted 16" wheels all round. Since they were not specifically marked or badged as LE or Special editions, I doubt they will be worth more per se.
Unless you definitely have the last one registered that is, but even then Strattons had 2 unregistered 4.0 litre cars for sale in 2013 that were sold on '13' plates! I remember hey had to have a high level brake light fitted at the base of the rear window to comply with current regs.
Well, try buying one and you will find out what they sell for. You might be in for a surprise.There are now many other out there that have had the faired in headlights fitted, and a number of different seats fitted, as well as several on here that have fitted 16" wheels all round. Since they were not specifically marked or badged as LE or Special editions, I doubt they will be worth more per se.
Unless you definitely have the last one registered that is, but even then Strattons had 2 unregistered 4.0 litre cars for sale in 2013 that were sold on '13' plates! I remember hey had to have a high level brake light fitted at the base of the rear window to comply with current regs.
fullpull said:
Well, try buying one and you will find out what they sell for. You might be in for a surprise.
There have been Chimaeras for sale on here between £5k and £35k over the last few years. The vast range of conditons, spec, history etc set the price. I wouldn't pay extra for a late one just because it is. Being newer, they should be in better condition than one that is 20 yrs old of course, but not necessarily.Fernhurst want more for a 1998 and a 1999 Chimaera 500 than is wanted for a 2002 500 at Great British Classics.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...
Edited by ianwayne on Tuesday 10th November 20:51
halcyongriff500 said:
Many thanks Ian. I have just sold my faithful Griff and was considering a 34000 mile 2001 Chim 450 For Sale at £17990 - specialists apart that might be expensive for a 450 Chim unless these late cars command a premium?
Out of interest what colour was this 450 was it a very light brown colour ? 
You are quite right guys the Chim concerned is the one For Sale with Ashtons in Devon, over 5 hours each way from me excluding comfort breaks so viewing has got to be serious. Since selling my Griff a few weeks ago, I've come to the realisation that: 1. I sold the Griff too cheaply 2. all TVRs are increasing in price especially Griffs and better Chimaeras particularly 500s - not sure about 450s 3. most of the better sounding cars seem to be with dealers who charge accordingly 4. there seem to be quite a few good value Chim 400s advertised privately 5. Later T series cars may be better value but I worry that the SP6 engine may be an expensive experience. Looking at some advertised prices being without a TVR feels like falling off the property ladder, wait too long and you may struggle to get back om - unless you are trying to sell one of course! A new MX5 anyone?
I enquired about this Chim on Monday.The power steering rack is leaking, they are putting a refurbished one on.Their is a crack in the walnut dash and a lot of scratches on the boot edges,from putting targa roof in boot.
If anybody is interested in the car,i can email you the extra photos when im back from work.
If anybody is interested in the car,i can email you the extra photos when im back from work.
I was still on my first Chimaera when this was going on. As I recall, the 500 engine had stopped being offered by then as the block or something equally vital was no longer available from Rover. The faired in lights were already a feature of the latest Chimaeras but were not part of any LE run-out per se. The Chimaera never had an official run-out limited edition like the Griffith although extra bits like seats and wheels were offered (most likely because they had run out of the originals!).
I always thought that the 500 engine had dried up by the time the faired in headlight model came out. But I have seen some 500 models so perhaps 'you had to know someone' in order to get one of the last Chims with a 500 engine.
I always thought that the 500 engine had dried up by the time the faired in headlight model came out. But I have seen some 500 models so perhaps 'you had to know someone' in order to get one of the last Chims with a 500 engine.
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