Discussion
Finally seen the light and getting rid of my Z3 for a Chim. Been for a couple of test drives and loved it but a 6 foot 4 and size 12 feet had the usual problem getting in and out and finding the right position. Wondering if anyone else could let me know what it's like to live with on long journeys? Not worried about comfort just want to make sure i won't have to cut my legs in half to get out after 30 miles.
Also where to buy. Get the idea that everyone's happy with David Gerald but what about TVR Bodyshop in Bristol?
Also where to buy. Get the idea that everyone's happy with David Gerald but what about TVR Bodyshop in Bristol?
Just contact Rob Ingleby (www.findasportscar.com) 
01280-706332. Have a chat about roughly what you want 
and Rob will sort it. 
For a fixed fee of course
01280-706332. Have a chat about roughly what you want and Rob will sort it. For a fixed fee of course
6ft 4 isn't tall. All TVR's are designed to fit a certain Mr Wheeler, who is no shortarse himself. You shouldn't have a problem, unless you have 5ft of leg and 1ft of body and head!
You'll be less happy as a passenger in a Chim because of the battery box in the passenger footwell, so don't be put off if your first test ride is a chaufferred affair - it'll be ok once you're behind the wheel.
PS I think Rob Ingleby forgot to renew his domain registration, so the link above won't be working!
>> Edited by philshort on Thursday 8th August 22:42
You'll be less happy as a passenger in a Chim because of the battery box in the passenger footwell, so don't be put off if your first test ride is a chaufferred affair - it'll be ok once you're behind the wheel.
PS I think Rob Ingleby forgot to renew his domain registration, so the link above won't be working!
>> Edited by philshort on Thursday 8th August 22:42
Tallboy,
I am 6`6" tall and have no problem in my Chimaera - you just have to ensure that the pedals are wound all the way back - this makes a difference of about 4-5" and providing your seat is right the way back you will be fine!!
Go for it - you`ll love it to pieces!!
All the best
Neal
W9 TVR
I am 6`6" tall and have no problem in my Chimaera - you just have to ensure that the pedals are wound all the way back - this makes a difference of about 4-5" and providing your seat is right the way back you will be fine!!
Go for it - you`ll love it to pieces!!
All the best
Neal
W9 TVR
I'm 6ft 3 and fit in my Chimaera fine. There is a way to lower the seats even more than standard though if you wish.
The front of my drivers seat has 2 adaptor cum spacers that raise the front edge of the seat about 3 cm. Probably to aid the angle of your legs towards the pedals. (I discovered this when I swapped the drivers and passenger seats to even up the wear)
You'd have to drill 2 new holes in the floor for the front seat studs if you wanted to leave the spacers off though!
The front of my drivers seat has 2 adaptor cum spacers that raise the front edge of the seat about 3 cm. Probably to aid the angle of your legs towards the pedals. (I discovered this when I swapped the drivers and passenger seats to even up the wear
) You'd have to drill 2 new holes in the floor for the front seat studs if you wanted to leave the spacers off though!
Long motorway journeys in the Chimaera are a dream due to that low rumble and the low RPM from a big, well geared engine. Not as exciting as a good A/B road, but very relaxed, expecially compared to a high revving commutormobile.
My fiance regularly falls asleep on long motorway drives in my car.
My fiance regularly falls asleep on long motorway drives in my car.
Thanks for all your help. Solves that one then. Anything that'll get my missis sleeping on journeys is a bonus don't suppose it can change her mind on spending my money on a wedding instead can it?
Zippy500 not in Bristol work there sometimes up the M5 in Worcester. TVR Bodyshop have some cars on their website and was interested to see if anyone had bought from them.
Zippy500 not in Bristol work there sometimes up the M5 in Worcester. TVR Bodyshop have some cars on their website and was interested to see if anyone had bought from them.
Tallboy,
Can't help with the height question I tend to have the revesre problem of being too short to get the best view out of the car!
But I bought my Chim from Hamilton Cars (www.hamiltoncarsofbristol.co.uk) they have a lot of cars and a reasonable turnover. Not had any problems with them and have been good on doing work under warranty (Speedo).
Can't help with the height question I tend to have the revesre problem of being too short to get the best view out of the car!
But I bought my Chim from Hamilton Cars (www.hamiltoncarsofbristol.co.uk) they have a lot of cars and a reasonable turnover. Not had any problems with them and have been good on doing work under warranty (Speedo).
I am 6'4 and a half, and have no problems driving my Chimaera hood up or down. I've had the pedals adjusted which makes a slight difference.
However I must say that the chimaera has the most leg room (for the driver) of any car I have driven in the past.
Regarding switching the seats is this....
A)easy?
B)are they the same??
If so I will do this soon.
Cheers,
Jon
However I must say that the chimaera has the most leg room (for the driver) of any car I have driven in the past.
Regarding switching the seats is this....
A)easy?
B)are they the same??
If so I will do this soon.
Cheers,
Jon
I'm 6'4" too, and it's fine. More room than most cars, actually. Passenger seat is more cramped, so don't be put off if you are the passenger on a test drive. Short girls can't see out very easily though...
Get behind the wheel, press the loud pedal, and you'll know you're doing the right thing.
Get behind the wheel, press the loud pedal, and you'll know you're doing the right thing.
I'm 6ft 4.5 inches and have no problems with leg/arm/general body room either. I think you might find it a bit tight if you're a major pie lover though.
One minor niggle: The rear hood section's hoop is frighteningly close to my bonce - I've hit it a few times when I have crashed over a big road bump I didn't notice. I'm a bit worried about what might happen to my head in whiplash mode during an accident. (I have the headrest all the way up BTW.). I find the best solution is to slouch in the seat or even better to drive everywhere with the hood down.
T/.
One minor niggle: The rear hood section's hoop is frighteningly close to my bonce - I've hit it a few times when I have crashed over a big road bump I didn't notice. I'm a bit worried about what might happen to my head in whiplash mode during an accident. (I have the headrest all the way up BTW.). I find the best solution is to slouch in the seat or even better to drive everywhere with the hood down.
T/.
brightyellowtvr
The seats are simply bolted throught the floor on mine and you undo the nuts from underneath.
Only disadvantage of swapping the seats to even up the wear is that the recline adjustors become on the transmission tunnel side and become a bit fiddly to use. (Thought about swapping the adjustors as well but looked a bit complicated)
If you have heated seats, don't forget to disconnect before lifting up the seats or you'll be trying to rip out a loom along with the seat
The seats are simply bolted throught the floor on mine and you undo the nuts from underneath.
Only disadvantage of swapping the seats to even up the wear is that the recline adjustors become on the transmission tunnel side and become a bit fiddly to use. (Thought about swapping the adjustors as well but looked a bit complicated)
If you have heated seats, don't forget to disconnect before lifting up the seats or you'll be trying to rip out a loom along with the seat
My t'pence worth probably re-iterates what most are saying, but nonetheless: I've just completed a 3500 mile holiday to South of France with a jaunt over to Maranello - 10.5 hours straight on the way down and absolutely no issue's with seating (I'm 6'2 BTW) - big trans. tunnel for left elbow, choice of door bin / window open for right elbow perfect steering wheel position and big relaxing torque 3200rpm = 95-100mph. Ventilation is crap though so get that roof down! How many cars can do that in comfort and then whip Caterham butt round Brands a couple of weeks later, and all for £18k Fantastic!
quote:
6ft 4 isn't tall. All TVR's are designed to fit a certain Mr Wheeler, who is no shortarse himself. You shouldn't have a problem, unless you have 5ft of leg and 1ft of body and head!
You'll be less happy as a passenger in a Chim because of the battery box in the passenger footwell, so don't be put off if your first test ride is a chaufferred affair - it'll be ok once you're behind the wheel.
PS I think Rob Ingleby forgot to renew his domain registration, so the link above won't be working!
>> Edited by philshort on Thursday 8th August 22:42
Note www.findasportscar.com is back up and running - just tried it. He's no shortarse either!
Roar on.
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