There (probably) won't be a new TVR again...
... so how about buying the next best thing?
While the saying implies that no news is good news, it’s hard to be too sure of the adage when it comes to TVR. There was the new merger announced last year, and details promised early in 2026, so perhaps we’re just being impatient - but this saga has been running an awfully long time. And while there hasn’t really been a great time in the past decade to launch a new, V8-powered sports car, the introduction of Euro 7 is surely going to make the task a whole lot harder. We’d all love a new TVR Griffith to make it onto the road, of course. Let’s hope (perhaps beyond hope) it can happen.
Until then, a secondhand TVR continues to appeal. Sports cars barely exist as a genre anymore, and those that do tend to be sullied with unnecessary weight and complexity. Certainly not a criticism that could ever be levelled at any car made in Blackpool. Raw, simple and thrilling, the charm needs less explanation than ever. Moreover, it is mid-February now, the clocks go forward in just a few weeks, and before you know it everyone will be wanting a drop-top two-seater with a big engine.
Choosing a TVR is not the work of a moment, of course. The decision between six-cylinder or eight is a big one, before thinking about coupe or convertible, classic wedge or 21st-century hellraiser. Colour is another world of choice that not many others can rival, especially when the flip paints are considered.
Though a Chimaera like this one might not be the most overt TVR ever created, there’s a lot to like. Speed and sound will be in ample supply from the Rover V8, it still looks cool 30-something years after launch, and there’s even a bit of boot space for longer trips away. Maybe not consideration number one for a summer sports car, though always handy for whoever you're justifying the purchase to (yourself included).
The real appeal of this 400, however, is its barely believable mileage. Since first registration almost 26 years ago, it’s been driven only 4,282 miles. They were all very early in its life, too, before going into storage, so this Chimaera has never actually had an MOT. Its second owner bought the car in January 2003, and it went into storage soon after that (see the August ‘03 tax disc as evidence). The Chimaera’s first test is going to be done by the selling dealer for the new owner, which is pretty remarkable.
It looks even better than you might expect for such little use, with an interior that’s essentially factory fresh (right down to the tape player), a pristine engine bay and seemingly flawless paint. This Chimaera even still features the original TVR screenwash it was sold with, plus whatever TVR Super Lube is for. It’s an incredible example. And although £30k is towards the upper end of Chimeara asking prices, that’s an entirely normal amount of money to spend on a TVR. Even with some gentle use over the coming years, it’s going to remain a really low-mileage car that’ll still appeal to collectors. And whether a new TVR happens or not, there’s never going to be much to match the charisma of a great Chimaera. All the best for that first MOT…
So it s at least doubled in real terms, and the roads are at least twice as rubbish!
Anyhow, lovely car and seems sensibly priced in this day and age.
Overprived IMHO, even for a garage queen. For over £10k (33%) less, you can get one that can be driven and will have had some maintenance, that one is probably on its original tyres.
The original induction is poor too.
Very similar car for half the price, still low mileage and probably wouldn't need garage queen recommissioning.
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