1995 TVR Chimaera

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• A lovely 1995 TVR Chimaera which is presented British Racing Green

• Powered by a 4-litre naturally aspirated 240hp Rover-sourced V8

• Just 49k miles from new with extensive history

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Hailing from the Peter Wheeler era, regarded by many enthusiasts as ‘peak TVR’, the Chimaera represents a refreshingly old school approach to car design. A tuneful Rover V8 drives the rear wheels via a manual gearbox, with nothing in the way of driver aids.

Rated at 240hp when it was new and weighing in at around the same as a modern MX-5, it was no slouch either, covering the 0-60 sprint in 4.6 seconds. Featuring some interior ergonomics that take a little getting used to (but soon become second nature), this hand-built sports car is in many ways an antidote to modern mollycoddling motoring.

While in largely standard specification, this one features a couple of useful upgrades: a fully Waxoyled chassis and polybushed suspension. Having covered few miles over the last five years, it’s recently been treated to a fresh battery and is now ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Registered in 1995, it’s had 6 owners in total and has been in current ownership since 2015

A large folder of history accompanies the car with invoices that show the Waxoyl treatment which was applied in 2014, an engine gasket set plus differential front seal and gearbox rear seal at 45,922 miles in 2015, new brake callipers in 2017 and the latest service in 2019 at 49,118 miles

The seller also tells us that the car had a new battery in April this year

The MOT history shows no advisories in the last 5 years and the current MOT is valid to 7 April 2024

In addition to a correct V5, the car is supplied with two keys

No stolen, write-off or finance warnings on HPI check

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

The green leather seats are nicely patinated, while the carpet trim appears very fresh in the cabin aside from a little fraying in the passenger footwell

The wood veneer dashboard is generally very well preserved, with just a couple of small cracks near the radio, and contains a suitably sporting set of TVR-branded white faced dials

A radio and CD changer are present, though why anyone would choose to use it when you could simply enjoy the exhaust note is beyond us

The boot contains a spare wheel and tool kit and is generally clean and tidy

Overall, while the interior shows a few areas that could be improved cosmetically, there’s nothing to get in the way of enjoying the drive

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

Metallic British Racing Green shows off the lines of the car very nicely

The paintwork presents well, though has a few stone chips and scratches consistent with the car’s age here and there and the door mirrors show some minor scrapes

The alloys are 15” at the front (with the offside showing some minor kerbing) and 16” at the rear

Tyres are Toyo Proxes all round, and the vendor tells us that they have 90% of tread remaining on the fronts and around 80% on the rear

At the rear of the roof section, the black hood looks to be in very good order with a screen that is clear and free from significant creases

The targa roof section shows a few exterior marks but appears to be a good fit

In summary, roof up or down, it really looks the part

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

Under the front-hinged bonnet, the engine bay looks tidy and very original

We’re informed that the car starts, goes and stops just as it should, which means that it should be a riot to drive

A spare fan belt is provided

Given the time since the last service, it’s probably prudent to budget for an oil and filter change

That aside, with an MOT expiring in April next year, the car looks ready to go

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

The Chimaera’s combination of British muscle, mechanical simplicity and a timeless design mean that its appeal has never faded. Indeed, there’s still a large community of keen TVR fans who have been dedicated to their preservation. This car could be a great way to join them.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Blairgowrie, Perthshire.