What did you think when you bought your first Chim?
Discussion
I have a few questions about a possible Chimera purchase. My girlfriend is five foot exactly. For anyone who is around five foot, how was your seating position in relation to the pedals, and how did you find visibility in general?
A question for those who had not driven a Chim (or similar low slung/sporty V8 prior to purchase) what do you remember feeling the first time you drove it? Or got into one, closed the door and started her up? Im not worried my GF wont want one, she more or less agreed on the spot when I showed her one and asked her tonight, but I do remember first getting into my old Cerb, and thinking "Wow, space ship! Seating position! A wonderfully confined/cocooned feeling! Do I need special piloting lessons for this?" and am trying to equate that initial feeling to my very petite and little GF who hasnt so much as driven an MX5 by comparison
Also, are there any upgrade mods for the standard handbrake?
Final question - how much is she likely to grin, if we buy one?
A question for those who had not driven a Chim (or similar low slung/sporty V8 prior to purchase) what do you remember feeling the first time you drove it? Or got into one, closed the door and started her up? Im not worried my GF wont want one, she more or less agreed on the spot when I showed her one and asked her tonight, but I do remember first getting into my old Cerb, and thinking "Wow, space ship! Seating position! A wonderfully confined/cocooned feeling! Do I need special piloting lessons for this?" and am trying to equate that initial feeling to my very petite and little GF who hasnt so much as driven an MX5 by comparison
Also, are there any upgrade mods for the standard handbrake?
Final question - how much is she likely to grin, if we buy one?
Simon says said:
Claustrophobic 
but now I don't notice 
best feel good car I've owned 
As a bloke, didnt you find the claustrophobia a plus, and something which made the car seem more exciting? I did. But am not so sure a woman would have the same initial response, in the same way I did! but now I don't notice best feel good car I've owned You get used to it quickly. But most normal every day cars feel like being perched on a high up good visibility barstool, compared.
ks!Chilliman said:
Why do you guys marry midgets? and wots it got to do with them anyway? Drive it like you stole it, and don't let the chicks near it... they're totally clueless when it comes to anything automotive.... Right? hello? guys? 
She is cute and slim and... miniature-ish, that makes 'em cuter!Don't you have a foot fetish, man? Tall girls (ive had a few leggy ones) have feet like steam-rollered abominable snowmen.
She was also with a spanner monkey for a while, so knows plenty about cars.
She would probably rather I drove her like I stole her, than the car.
I've got a mate with a Griff - is the seat/peddle arrangement fairly similar to the Chim? We could pop her in it and see.
Hi, Have just bought my first Chimaera 450 after a very long break from low slung sports cars. First one I looked at I asked the owner if I could sit in it as at 6'2'' I was worried I would not fit, no problem , though he must have thought I was mad. I looked at another 5 before buying this one. The problem was that their insurance would not cover me driving their cars. I did drive the last one viewed before the one purchased but this was on a dealers insurance and it broke down!! There was a horrid noise coming from underneath and there were more than a few advisorys on the MOT. But it was worth it to hear his excuses and explanations for the faults, classic dealer poo straight from the text book. To get back to your question my first drive although in a knackered one I was p--ing myself and then bringing my new purchase home 20 miles with my 10 year old son next to me was nerve recking. What I would say is just take it easy for the first few miles until you get used to it as there is an awful lot of power there and it will turn round and bite you. Every time I drive now it just gets better and better fantastic cars despite the well written about problems.
dickythediver said:
What I would say is just take it easy for the first few miles until you get used to it as there is an awful lot of power there and it will turn round and bite you.
Congrats on the new purchase! 
I forgot to mention that Ive had a few TVR's in the past - Concern was mainly about GF's reaction, having never driven anything similar, especially being so short. My last GF wouldnt dare drive the Cerbera. Well, she did once, but never again
Mobsta said:
I've got a mate with a Griff - is the seat/peddle arrangement fairly similar to the Chim?
Identical, I believe.I reckon she'd be okay. I'm only 5'10 or so and I drive with the seat pretty much full back. God knows how Peter Wheeler fitted into one.
As for first impressions, it depends what you're used to. The torque is addictive and they are quick, but at about 250bhp/ton in the real world for a standard 500 they won't rip your face off to quite the degree people sometimes suggest if you're used to other performance cars. They're also not as nimble as the real lightweights (Caterfields, Elises etc.) and the clutch and steering add to that feeling of substance.
But... steering feel is superb, they're fundamentally pretty well balanced, traction is good, the noise is fantastic and they feel really special. There are bona fide supercars which don't offer the same sense of occasion as a (comparitively affordable) TVR! They're also great long distance cruiser and really very practical, with a boot about the size of a Ford Focus's.
Do drive lots - they vary immensely, and not always in accordance with their asking price. Also, make sure you've sorted out the sensible stuff before you start the engine - you will be hooked.
As to the original question. Well, having owned an older TVR in the past, my first reaction when I sat in a Chim was 'it's good to be back'.
They really are that addictive. If I had the money I'd work through the whole range...Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff