TVR Chimaera 4.0 HC
Discussion
I've had this a few months now so thought it's about time I posted some pics.
Ever since I was taken for a ride in a TVR Tamora when I was much younger I'd promised myself a TVR. However, every time I got close to buying one I'd always get concerned about the reliability issues and whether or not I could run one as an only car; hence I ended up with two Porsche Boxsters instead. But last year I spent many months overseas and browsing pistonheads in my spare time would always see me looking at TVRs for sale. So, when I came home I decided to get the urge out of my system by hiring one instead. A weekend away in a Griffith and then a Tuscan didn't get rid of the urge, instead it made me certain I needed to bite the bullet and finally go for a TVR.
I initially set a £15k budget with the idea being to get a perfect condition Chimaera for my first entry into the world of TVR ownership. However that plan went out the window with each example I found either selling before I could see it or just being slightly above my budget. I then found this car through ebay and it turned out to be the right one for me - the first TVR I ever had a ride in was this exact same colour.
It's a 97 P in Halcyon Pearl and blue interior, with just over 60k miles on the clock. It's had upgraded alloys and a better stereo system, as well as a new hood. The chassis has been sorted and it has uprated GAZ suspension. Since owning it I've had the brakes uprated with new discs and calipers.
Things I love about it:
- The looks, especially in this colour. I wasn't after one with after market wheels but I think they work really well with the colour.
- The noise - it just makes me grin even turning the car on!
- The space - I'm 6'3 and have found some sports cars tight, but there is no problem fitting in here.
- The fact it's a TVR - it's great having people come up to me to say how much they like the car. Every time I go to fill it up I always find people come and ask questions.
Things I don't like so much:
- It hasn't been totally headache free to own. A few weeks after buying it one of the manifolds started blowing, which led to the car being in the garage for over a month (having this sorted, handbrake and brake upgrade). The car also cut out sometimes at junctions as soon as the clutch was dipped. This was traced to an over-voltage problem which as since been sorted - meaning the car idles perfectly.
- The roof is a nice simple system, but even with this one being relatively new the fit isn't perfect, with small gaps around the window seals.
- I'm not a fan of the red seatbelts that one of the previous owners installed - red does not go in a yellow car (IMO)
Overall it's everything I thought owning a TVR would be. I can't say it's a better car to drive than the Boxsters I owned, but it's much more of an event and much more fun to own.
Ever since I was taken for a ride in a TVR Tamora when I was much younger I'd promised myself a TVR. However, every time I got close to buying one I'd always get concerned about the reliability issues and whether or not I could run one as an only car; hence I ended up with two Porsche Boxsters instead. But last year I spent many months overseas and browsing pistonheads in my spare time would always see me looking at TVRs for sale. So, when I came home I decided to get the urge out of my system by hiring one instead. A weekend away in a Griffith and then a Tuscan didn't get rid of the urge, instead it made me certain I needed to bite the bullet and finally go for a TVR.
I initially set a £15k budget with the idea being to get a perfect condition Chimaera for my first entry into the world of TVR ownership. However that plan went out the window with each example I found either selling before I could see it or just being slightly above my budget. I then found this car through ebay and it turned out to be the right one for me - the first TVR I ever had a ride in was this exact same colour.
It's a 97 P in Halcyon Pearl and blue interior, with just over 60k miles on the clock. It's had upgraded alloys and a better stereo system, as well as a new hood. The chassis has been sorted and it has uprated GAZ suspension. Since owning it I've had the brakes uprated with new discs and calipers.
Things I love about it:
- The looks, especially in this colour. I wasn't after one with after market wheels but I think they work really well with the colour.
- The noise - it just makes me grin even turning the car on!
- The space - I'm 6'3 and have found some sports cars tight, but there is no problem fitting in here.
- The fact it's a TVR - it's great having people come up to me to say how much they like the car. Every time I go to fill it up I always find people come and ask questions.
Things I don't like so much:
- It hasn't been totally headache free to own. A few weeks after buying it one of the manifolds started blowing, which led to the car being in the garage for over a month (having this sorted, handbrake and brake upgrade). The car also cut out sometimes at junctions as soon as the clutch was dipped. This was traced to an over-voltage problem which as since been sorted - meaning the car idles perfectly.
- The roof is a nice simple system, but even with this one being relatively new the fit isn't perfect, with small gaps around the window seals.
- I'm not a fan of the red seatbelts that one of the previous owners installed - red does not go in a yellow car (IMO)
Overall it's everything I thought owning a TVR would be. I can't say it's a better car to drive than the Boxsters I owned, but it's much more of an event and much more fun to own.
I've got a BMW 330 convertible that is an everyday car but is too good for what I'm using it for really - so hopefully I'll trade/sell/swap this for a 3 series estate or something similar. The TVR lives in my garage and used when it's going to be sunny all day or I just fancy a blast. Took the car from the end of Cornwall to Somerset which was really tiring; half deaf at the end of that!
I'm sure some do use them as every day cars, but I feel happier with it being a second car.
I'm sure some do use them as every day cars, but I feel happier with it being a second car.
Quick update on the car:
After a winter hibernation, I had some fairly big jobs carried out on the car to get it running as good as possible. The jobs included a new camshaft and followers, various small bits of work on the engine, a new roof, seatbelts, steering wheel, exhaust repair to make quieter(!) etc.
It now drives like a different car and I'm thrilled with it. Still not sure if making it quieter was the right decision, but I wanted to try it to see if I can use the car for some longer journeys. After collecting it I did a 750 mile trip through the UK and this time I didn't come back deaf! But I do miss the pops and crackles...
After a winter hibernation, I had some fairly big jobs carried out on the car to get it running as good as possible. The jobs included a new camshaft and followers, various small bits of work on the engine, a new roof, seatbelts, steering wheel, exhaust repair to make quieter(!) etc.
It now drives like a different car and I'm thrilled with it. Still not sure if making it quieter was the right decision, but I wanted to try it to see if I can use the car for some longer journeys. After collecting it I did a 750 mile trip through the UK and this time I didn't come back deaf! But I do miss the pops and crackles...
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