Chimaera the answer?
Discussion
Hi Everyone, I’m after a few opinions.
I am considering changing the Caterham 21 1.6ss I have driven for the last 6 years for something a little different. Whilst I love the pointyness of the 21 and it is great for the 10 mile drive to work through country lanes I am getting less enamoured by the volume and ride. My other half has never been very keen as it is so very loud on the motorway (probably no more so than a 7) that a conversation is impossible and others find intercoms are the norm. I would also like a little more pace and a little less bounce over bumpy roads. I have adjustable AVOs but even on a soft setting I think the lack of mass works against it. Certainly I can travel faster on these roads in my old 944S which is a substantially slower car. Yes it could just be my driving abilities, I’m not a racing driver.
A choice appears to be a Chimaera. I am going to try a test drive sometime soon (Hamilton cars in Bristol have a selection – any experiences there?) but need to know if a TVR would meet my needs. I do about 7K a year and it seems to be a bit bigger, heavier and faster than the 21. Basically I want a GT car (without a roof) not a sports car – does that mean I’m getting old and soft?
I have got a bit paranoid about cooling (not a K series top point) but it seems the Chimera has a good standard system, do you agree?
Parts, servicing, insurance and fuel will all be more but if it does what I want then probably worth it. David Hendry cars are closeby but any decent indies in N.Wilts?
I drove a Tuscan and wasn’t all that impressed, it shook badly over bumpy roads and didn’t feel significantly quicker than the 21.
I suppose I would like a 5.0 but I imagine a 4.5 wouldn’t seem much different in the real world. Certainly prices seem reasonable 15K would seem to get a 2000 5.0 with 35K+, I don’t want one with no miles as things will drop off when I start to use it, been there once before.
Anyway any thoughts, opinions appreciated.
David
I am considering changing the Caterham 21 1.6ss I have driven for the last 6 years for something a little different. Whilst I love the pointyness of the 21 and it is great for the 10 mile drive to work through country lanes I am getting less enamoured by the volume and ride. My other half has never been very keen as it is so very loud on the motorway (probably no more so than a 7) that a conversation is impossible and others find intercoms are the norm. I would also like a little more pace and a little less bounce over bumpy roads. I have adjustable AVOs but even on a soft setting I think the lack of mass works against it. Certainly I can travel faster on these roads in my old 944S which is a substantially slower car. Yes it could just be my driving abilities, I’m not a racing driver.
A choice appears to be a Chimaera. I am going to try a test drive sometime soon (Hamilton cars in Bristol have a selection – any experiences there?) but need to know if a TVR would meet my needs. I do about 7K a year and it seems to be a bit bigger, heavier and faster than the 21. Basically I want a GT car (without a roof) not a sports car – does that mean I’m getting old and soft?
I have got a bit paranoid about cooling (not a K series top point) but it seems the Chimera has a good standard system, do you agree?
Parts, servicing, insurance and fuel will all be more but if it does what I want then probably worth it. David Hendry cars are closeby but any decent indies in N.Wilts?
I drove a Tuscan and wasn’t all that impressed, it shook badly over bumpy roads and didn’t feel significantly quicker than the 21.
I suppose I would like a 5.0 but I imagine a 4.5 wouldn’t seem much different in the real world. Certainly prices seem reasonable 15K would seem to get a 2000 5.0 with 35K+, I don’t want one with no miles as things will drop off when I start to use it, been there once before.
Anyway any thoughts, opinions appreciated.
David
Given you comments about the Tuscan, I doubt it.
The Chimaera is significantly slower that the Tuscan (though more torquey at low revs), it will not handle rough surfaces at all (it's a very soft setup, and pretty crappy dampers so won't feel sharp or composed!).
I'd look elsewhere given your requirements and Tuscan comments and previous car, to be honest.
D
The Chimaera is significantly slower that the Tuscan (though more torquey at low revs), it will not handle rough surfaces at all (it's a very soft setup, and pretty crappy dampers so won't feel sharp or composed!).
I'd look elsewhere given your requirements and Tuscan comments and previous car, to be honest.
D
Well obviously I love my Chim, wouldn't have bought it else but it's clearly a different kettle of fish than a caterfield. I agree it doesn't handle bumpy surfaces at all well, however there are no rattles. A new set of dampers would probably transform things.
I suggest you drive one, I love my car because it suits my style of driving. Lazy big engine cruising with lots of torque. It's the same reason I don't like high revving cars such as the S2000.
Search the Chimaera forum for posts on what to look out for when buying but just go out for a test drive as soon as you can. I defy you not to fall for the sound of the engine when stood behind the car!
I suggest you drive one, I love my car because it suits my style of driving. Lazy big engine cruising with lots of torque. It's the same reason I don't like high revving cars such as the S2000.
Search the Chimaera forum for posts on what to look out for when buying but just go out for a test drive as soon as you can. I defy you not to fall for the sound of the engine when stood behind the car!
Agree with earlier suggestion to try one. I had a seven for approx 8 years and it was a great car, espeially on B roads etc. Not so much fun on dual carriageways, felt a bit small! Wife also not to keen on lack of doors etc (sign of getting on?). Not uch space for away days. Had my Chimaera for a few years, very different but suits what i want, 7 tended to be me going for a 'blast', Chimaera better suited to longer runs 'with the wife', although still ideal for clearing the cobwebs at the end of the week, or during. Not used every day; noticeably wider, especially in the lanes etc, and just different. Appreciate 21 is not the same as a 7. Chimaera more practical (hate that word) for everyday use, easier to secure and leave (never used roof on 7).
Have a look at a few and see what you think. Mine is a 4 litre, looked at 4.5s and 5.0s (which is what i was after initially), but ended up going for the car i now have, rather than a specific engine size. To be honest, I find the 4 litre is fine, and okay for normal road use (i don't track it).
Good luck
Have a look at a few and see what you think. Mine is a 4 litre, looked at 4.5s and 5.0s (which is what i was after initially), but ended up going for the car i now have, rather than a specific engine size. To be honest, I find the 4 litre is fine, and okay for normal road use (i don't track it).
Good luck
Chimaera could very well be ideal - it's definitely more 'GT' and less of an 'out there' sports car - OK I've never driven a 21 but I also have an S and there's a big difference between that and the chim, and I imagine the 21 is like the S only more so!
The S is exhilerating on short runs/country lanes etc but frankly becomes a pain on motorways - the chim is more of an 'all rounder' without sacfrificing too much of what we enjoy - Would definitely recommend you have a drive in 1 or 2 . . .
The S is exhilerating on short runs/country lanes etc but frankly becomes a pain on motorways - the chim is more of an 'all rounder' without sacfrificing too much of what we enjoy - Would definitely recommend you have a drive in 1 or 2 . . .
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