Thinking of buying a Chimaera

[Scott_86]

Hello everyone! I’m sure this question must have been posted on here hundreds of times before, but…. Here goes anyway.

I’ve been looking at getting a ‘weekend’ car for myself for some time now – in fact, I have come up with a shortlist of contenders, but, my heart keeps drawing me towards a 4.0 Chimaera.
What appeals to me, is the Chims individuality, stunning looks, and of course the prospect of hearing that V8 soundtrack. It’s in a completely different class from every other 2-seater sports car I can think of.

I have never driven a car quite like this before, in terms of shear rawness / rear wheel drive, so my main concern is just how different, or difficult is a Chimaera going to be?
I consider myself to be a good, sensible driver; I have a couple of years worth of experience driving Bentley GT’s, Flying Spurs, and Arnage’s (although, I do realise these are completely different beasts in every sense).

Is it simply a case of being sensible, and getting to know the car? Would you recommend track days, for instance, to get to know my / the cars limits?
Is a Chimaera really going to bite back at the first available opportunity?

Your advice, and comments would be very much appreciated!
Thanks.

[jev]

I don't reckon the 4l is that raw - one of the reasons I went with it. It is just being sensible. If you floor it when the car isn't straight and the road is a little damp...

Just do track days for the factor anyway - you can't push it on the road anything like you can on a track.

I don't think you will regret it - I took the plunge almost 5 years ago now and haven't!

Jev.

[hut49]

It's a light weight rear wheel drive sports car that's really very easy to drive and provides really good road feel.Properly set up geometry (and many sadly aren't) and correct tyres/pressures are essential. In the wet normal caution is required with any rear wheel drive car delivering this level of power. Do not use heavy engine breaking, especially in the wet - the transfer of weight off the rear wheels can easily cause the wheels to lose traction and the raod camber is all it needs to move the back-end out of line, quickly. Driving technique is paramount and I'd recommend a Ride-Drive course - it's great fun, very involving and highly instructional.

Whatever you do don't miss the opportunity to experience Chimaera ownership either 400, 430, 450 or 500. Whichever you chose (and get some good advice along the way from one or more "TVR-cogniscenti" before you part with your folding) you'll have oodles of fun and total involvement.

[Nuggs]

Provided you're sensible with it (corner on a neutral throttle, don't hoof it till your wheels are straight and feed in power progressively), the 400 will remain friendly and tractable.

In short:

JFDI!

[Red V8]

Very easy to drive IMHO, just need to be a little careful as mentioned previously and as long as you don't treat it with contempt, it won't bite.

[jellison]

They are pussy cats - get the biggest most powerful one you can get / afford

[spend]

Nuggs said:

Provided you're sensible with it (corner on a neutral throttle, don't hoof it till your wheels are straight and feed in power progressively), the 400 will remain friendly and tractable.

In short:

JFDI!

Less of the F word old boy

Look at plenty, they vary an awful lot..........................
Take your time buying, a second opinion helps stop your heart ruling your head IMHO.

Dave

[e2djh]

Scott_86 said:

but, my heart keeps drawing me towards a 4.0 Chimaera.

So go ahead and do it
You will love it, and find reasons to go out for a drive at every opportunity.
I'll second teh Ride Drive suggestion above , and add to it an Ultimate Car Control Course too.

What are you waiting for?

Oh, and welcome to PH