The last Chimaera?
The last Chimaera?
Author
Discussion

Eva

Original Poster:

33 posts

237 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
quotequote all
Hi

I'm new on here but I have always loved the Chimaera.

I would love to find the very last Chimaera ever made. I assume it would have been a 450 with the faired in headlights.

There seems to be plenty of info on the last of the Griffiths BUT when and to what spec, etc. was the last Chimaera produced? Where is it now?

eva

anonymous-user

84 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
quotequote all
This one is billed as the last one.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/120936.htm
Very late on an 03 plate.


The Chim production seemed to fizzle out rather than go out with a limited run like the Griff.

There was not much publicity when the last ones rolled out, and there was a rumour for a short while afterwards that they would still build them if they got orders for six cars.

I believe the only minor differences on the run out models were 16inch wheels all round (as per normal Chimaera 450 rears). The ones on the ad appear to be more like the early Tuscan wheels, although most were the normal 5 spokes. Cerbera style seats and faired in headlights were also on the last Chims. I don't think there were any other differences over the normal Chimaera though.



oggs

8,817 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
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I wouldn't touch that one due to only 6000 miles done

900T-R

20,406 posts

287 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
quotequote all
Look, a Chim that costs almost as much as a Sagaris...

So when were the first ones built then? In buying guides et al '92 is mostly mentioned as the start of Chimaera production - I've always seen this as a bit of a red herring as the start of Chimaera production was after the last batch of pre-cat Griffs (the ones of which the chassis' were registered 31 Dec '92 )were out the door. Anyone has one that was built earlier than say, April/May '93?

BoyzToyz

370 posts

240 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
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Were the later ones built in Malaysia? I seem to recall reading that somewhere?

hut49

3,544 posts

292 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
quotequote all
"...never been left outside overnight..."

Oh bless!

But 6k mileage with proper servicing and driving care wouldn't concern me. Nice colour too!

jim hobbs

117 posts

291 months

Monday 8th January 2007
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There is still an unregistered Chimaera 500 here for sale in Hong Kong. I believe that it was the last one from the Malaysian factory. Circa 2003. Unfortunately for you Brits it is a left hooker.

K4TRV

1,819 posts

282 months

Monday 8th January 2007
quotequote all
Eva said:
Hi

I'm new on here but I have always loved the Chimaera.

I would love to find the very last Chimaera ever made. I assume it would have been a 450 with the faired in headlights.

There seems to be plenty of info on the last of the Griffiths BUT when and to what spec, etc. was the last Chimaera produced? Where is it now?

eva

I suggest, if it is still posssible, to contact the Company/Factory in Blackpool.

On a Factory visit in 2004 the Factory Price List still reflected Chimaera - Special Order, minimum number 6-off.

I believe therefore you will find a small number of 04/05 Chimaeras languishing in someones heated carpeted garage.

Trev McM

cloggy

4,959 posts

239 months

Monday 8th January 2007
quotequote all
hut49 said:
"...never been left outside overnight..."

Oh bless!

But 6k mileage with proper servicing and driving care wouldn't concern me. Nice colour too!


Yes, I bought a 1999 one in October, 1 owner who lived in Spain (car in garage in UK) with only 6280 miles on the clock but with very good service history. It looks and smells new and have done 800 miles now. No problems whatsoever. But £29K seems a bit high for the one offered though.

225

1,331 posts

256 months

Monday 8th January 2007
quotequote all
I rememebr seeing a few 02 plates around when I was looking and one 03 I think, but ended up with a 51.
They have 16"" std 5 spokes all round, cerb seats, different suspension, faired in head lights, alloy pack and thats pretty much it. I do think the headlights make a real difference and make it even more timeless.