Unused Chimaera- Opportunity or Suicide?

[octane83]

Hi All,
After several years of owning some nice cars, I seem to be stuck in a rut and almost lost my love of driving.

I'm looking for something to remind me what I've always loved about driving, and I've zeroed in on a TVR as the ideal candidate for this. Along the way I don't mind a bit of spannering and fettling, its again something that I've lost touch with and would like to get into once more.

Now the car in question is a Chim that has been lying unused for around 5 years exposed to the elements except for a car cover. I believe the engine isn't in a running condition either as a hose has perished (and leaked coolant presumably).

Do Chimaeras take kindly to this sort of treatment? What are the main things to look for? Might I end up throwing good money after bad to the point where the car is worth far less than what I've had to spend on it?

Finally, what is the most a car like this would be worth?

Thanks all.

[over_the_hill]

That will depend on many other factors - here are a few
Engine Size
Mileage
Chassis and outrigger condition
Any other issues you are aware of

[octane83]

over_the_hill said:

That will depend on many other factors - here are a few
Engine Size
Mileage
Chassis and outrigger condition
Any other issues you are aware of

Agreed, its a 4.3 done approx 75k miles with a rebuild around 300 miles ago (been unused for 5 years since the rebuild).

I don't know how the chassis or outriggers are and the only other issue I'm aware of is that the engine is not running.

[over_the_hill]

Well the 4.3 is quite a rare variant

Two currently in the Classifieds

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...

[ClassiChimi]

Who re built the engine, get as much info as you can, your potenually going to save this car from the dead but take lots of pics of the outriggers, wishbones, suspension joints, engine bay, interior, the lot, go away and have a serious think,
It will most likely cost thousands to re commission, but maybe not!
Overall condition and wether you can save most the parts etc are key to cost,, engine not running,, alarm bells,,

If it's your first Tvr I'd maybe look at cars at the top of your budget and look at as many as possible.
If you have a well equipped garage and you have the many skills and patience required, it might be a great buy,, if things are in need of re build etc costs escalate?

What mileage is the car ?

[AceOfHearts]

How much does he want for it? For £3k it would be worth a punt.

[octane83]

Thanks all. The car was up for £5500 an it sold before I could go up to see it. Someone has bagged a bargain (or a lemon)!

[chimp427]

The cars are not hard to work on but most jobs are awkward with very little access space for large shovel like hands!
A body lift has been tackled in a single garage but its not something id consider unless i had a double with suitable lifting equipment.