Outward journey, it fits!
Recently the Chimaera has been playing up. Nothing too serious but a few of those little things that make TVR ownership different to running a 'normal' car.
Firstly I noticed a tiny oil leak from around the centre of the car as I was fitting the cover one day. It really is tiny, but I contacted a few people, and called the dealer to ask a few questions. It seems to be a rubber seal that costs only a few pounds to replace, but as the leak is so insignificant (the dipstick level remains at a safe level and is checked daily) it can wait until the car is next up on the ramps.
More annoyingly, the engine has started to cut out under deceleration - for instance when lifting off the throttle approaching a junction. Initially it only happened once in a while but it now occurs more frequently. While on holiday recently (more about that in a minute), it happened three or four times a day.
Turning the key, or lifting the clutch sees it fire up instantly but this, along with a now curiously high cold idle speed means the car will be visiting the dealer later this week to get a diagnosis. While it's there, I will have the speedo looked at as that has recently stopped working too. My MPH is given to me via TomTom these days, which is all part of the charm I suppose.
All of this came out of the TVR
This weekend saw me heading to Somerset for a spot of camping, on what was described as a very quiet and rural campsite. Quite why we decided to take the Chimaera and leave the Merc behind was beyond me as I stared at the pile of camping gear we had to get into the TVR. Surprisingly we managed to get a large tent, chairs, table, gas stove, food, bed and bedding and clothes for two people into the car - but only just!
Initially I was worried that the sleeved exhaust would be met with disapproval by my fellow campers seeking rural peace and quiet, but I needn't have worried at all. Not only was the Chimaera a talking point, it was a star attraction. In the local pub people would ask if I was the chap with the TVR before telling me how much they liked it.
Bank Holiday parking in Somerset - eclectic
Touring the Somerset coast in the sun with the roof down was a pleasure. The MPG was more than acceptable and it didn't use anywhere near the amount of fuel I expected it to, and the conversations the car started helped make the experience special too.
The Chim even coped well with the torrential rain we had on Sunday morning, and overall I was very impressed with how practical the car is for touring.
I'll report on the fix for my mechanical issues next time, and don't worry the Merc and the 944 are just fine - in case you were wondering.