What to replace a TVR Chimaera 500 with?
Discussion
I went from a Chimaera 4.0 to the V8 Vantage 4.3. These cars can be had for the upper end of your budget and would fit the bill for what you want. They are fast (but not Chimaera 500 fast) but a nicer place to spend time on a longer journey. They do the GT thing very well and still look incredible today. It’s the car I regret selling the most.
I went from a Tuscan to a Lotus Evora n/a - Lotus show you how quick a car can be point to point with less power!
I enjoyed driving the Evora much more. The Evora S on your list is probably the car to go for IMO, Similar power, better handling, more comfortable and in my experience more reliable.
I enjoyed driving the Evora much more. The Evora S on your list is probably the car to go for IMO, Similar power, better handling, more comfortable and in my experience more reliable.
I went from a modified griff 500 to a diesel SLK 250 amg, surprisingly good car and performance. Kept if for a two year lease and saw
More SLK than fiesta! Then bought a mustang gt auto convertible, in my area never seen another. It has every single extra, has been 100% reliable in two years and love it. It’s quicker than my griff was, that was NOT reliable. Looking for a replacement mustang at the moment, just can not find the same unless I buy new and have to wait a year ! Do not wish to part with 50k.
More SLK than fiesta! Then bought a mustang gt auto convertible, in my area never seen another. It has every single extra, has been 100% reliable in two years and love it. It’s quicker than my griff was, that was NOT reliable. Looking for a replacement mustang at the moment, just can not find the same unless I buy new and have to wait a year ! Do not wish to part with 50k.
ollyh1988 said:
I went from a Chimaera 4.0 to the V8 Vantage 4.3. These cars can be had for the upper end of your budget and would fit the bill for what you want. They are fast (but not Chimaera 500 fast) but a nicer place to spend time on a longer journey. They do the GT thing very well and still look incredible today. It’s the car I regret selling the most.
Agreed on the V8 Vantage 4.3. Had one for a year and just sold a couple of months ago. I would certainly get another but would want the twin plate clutch, Bamford Rose headers, maybe sports cats and suspension upgrade. Loved it and awesome sound with a remote fob Fuse 22 valve control 
blueg33 said:
I went from a Tuscan to a Lotus Evora n/a - Lotus show you how quick a car can be point to point with less power!
I enjoyed driving the Evora much more. The Evora S on your list is probably the car to go for IMO, Similar power, better handling, more comfortable and in my experience more reliable.
An Evora is definitely on my list to look at.I enjoyed driving the Evora much more. The Evora S on your list is probably the car to go for IMO, Similar power, better handling, more comfortable and in my experience more reliable.
David Beer said:
I went from a modified griff 500 to a diesel SLK 250 amg, surprisingly good car and performance. Kept if for a two year lease and saw
More SLK than fiesta! Then bought a mustang gt auto convertible, in my area never seen another. It has every single extra, has been 100% reliable in two years and love it. It’s quicker than my griff was, that was NOT reliable. Looking for a replacement mustang at the moment, just can not find the same unless I buy new and have to wait a year ! Do not wish to part with 50k.
A Mustang is also on my list to look at. I know someone who just gave back after having for 2 years and he loved it. Great VFM.More SLK than fiesta! Then bought a mustang gt auto convertible, in my area never seen another. It has every single extra, has been 100% reliable in two years and love it. It’s quicker than my griff was, that was NOT reliable. Looking for a replacement mustang at the moment, just can not find the same unless I buy new and have to wait a year ! Do not wish to part with 50k.
Looking at your list Dean, there are a couple of similar cars to what you have. Not so much torque but similar never the less! I have had the 987 and now the 996 and to be fair, I think the 996 slightly has the edge if you prefer the older car. The Porsche can be proper expensive if they go wrong. Some of the numbers I have seen people spending on them makes a Tuscan seem cheap.
rockits said:
geeman237 said:
I might get some stick for suggesting this, but what about a late Lotus Esprit? Either 4 cyl or V8.
I had a 1992 4.0 Griffith and also have a 1984 Turbo Esprit. The Esprit is a far better driving machine in my opinion.
Some have removable roof panels for the open air experience.
Just a thought.
Always loved the Esprit but got a feeling the build quality is on par with TVR or worse.I had a 1992 4.0 Griffith and also have a 1984 Turbo Esprit. The Esprit is a far better driving machine in my opinion.
Some have removable roof panels for the open air experience.
Just a thought.
geeman237 said:
I dare you to try a later one anyway...….
I think this is a marvellous idea as they are fantastic cars but I fear you need to be a bit more than a diy spanner man to feel confident with one as a useable piece of kit. If you go high end well sorted example I’m sure that would be very similar to the equivalent TVR and probably a very good car.
If you are talking 50k motors well nothings cheap including services so actially something like this with a slush fund for the odd rainy day could become a realistic idea if it’s just an occasional car.
One of my favourite motors as it’s a supercar with basic engineering. Not sure how electrics fair but like Peter Wheeler once said about Tvr, I don’t believe a good Lotus would be any more unreliable than any other sportscar of a similar description.
I’m pretty sure driving one would get me hooked . Handling must be fantastic surely?
rockits said:
A Mustang is also on my list to look at. I know someone who just gave back after having for 2 years and he loved it. Great VFM.
If you get a car less than three years old you can extend the exact original warranty for 20 quid a month, for ten years ! Although mine has been totally reliable, the puddle lights no longer showed a mustang, more a donkey, no problem, warranty. rockits said:
ollyh1988 said:
I went from a Chimaera 4.0 to the V8 Vantage 4.3. These cars can be had for the upper end of your budget and would fit the bill for what you want. They are fast (but not Chimaera 500 fast) but a nicer place to spend time on a longer journey. They do the GT thing very well and still look incredible today. It’s the car I regret selling the most.
Agreed on the V8 Vantage 4.3. Had one for a year and just sold a couple of months ago. I would certainly get another but would want the twin plate clutch, Bamford Rose headers, maybe sports cats and suspension upgrade. Loved it and awesome sound with a remote fob Fuse 22 valve control Classic Chim said:
geeman237 said:
I dare you to try a later one anyway...….
I think this is a marvellous idea as they are fantastic cars but I fear you need to be a bit more than a diy spanner man to feel confident with one as a useable piece of kit. If you go high end well sorted example I’m sure that would be very similar to the equivalent TVR and probably a very good car.
If you are talking 50k motors well nothings cheap including services so actially something like this with a slush fund for the odd rainy day could become a realistic idea if it’s just an occasional car.
One of my favourite motors as it’s a supercar with basic engineering. Not sure how electrics fair but like Peter Wheeler once said about Tvr, I don’t believe a good Lotus would be any more unreliable than any other sportscar of a similar description.
I’m pretty sure driving one would get me hooked . Handling must be fantastic surely?
Yes, the handling is in another league compared to the TVR. Its a real sense of occasion just getting in an Esprit. Big 'wow' factor for sure. Once you start driving one, you really feel the sense of the handling (if that makes sense). I have tracked mine once, and it was very confidence inspiring. The ride on the road is very supple and comfortable. I have driven mine for a few hours and felt no discomfort. Its not a harsh, "crashy" sportscar ride. The steering at lower speeds has a slightly odd feel, but its the way they are set up apparently. I am 6' 3", age 51 and slim build and find it a bit of a tight squeeze in the knee area and getting in and out is not dignified. The later cars had, I believe, better ergonomics and more room. In my '84 the seats don't actually recline, but the later cars do.
Anyone else driven and Esprit and care to comment?
geeman237 said:
As I said in my previous post, I have owned a '92 Griffith and I still own an '84 Esprit. My seat of the pants feel would give the edge to the Esprit for build quality. It was in production a long time so you'd think they sort of nearly got it right by the end of production. Access for maintenance in the Esprit can be a bit challenging for sure, especially the dash area. There are several specialists for parts and the Esprit community is active and very helpful with a good camaraderie.
Yes, the handling is in another league compared to the TVR. Its a real sense of occasion just getting in an Esprit. Big 'wow' factor for sure. Once you start driving one, you really feel the sense of the handling (if that makes sense). I have tracked mine once, and it was very confidence inspiring. The ride on the road is very supple and comfortable. I have driven mine for a few hours and felt no discomfort. Its not a harsh, "crashy" sportscar ride. The steering at lower speeds has a slightly odd feel, but its the way they are set up apparently. I am 6' 3", age 51 and slim build and find it a bit of a tight squeeze in the knee area and getting in and out is not dignified. The later cars had, I believe, better ergonomics and more room. In my '84 the seats don't actually recline, but the later cars do.
Anyone else driven and Esprit and care to comment?
It sounds wonderful. Yes, the handling is in another league compared to the TVR. Its a real sense of occasion just getting in an Esprit. Big 'wow' factor for sure. Once you start driving one, you really feel the sense of the handling (if that makes sense). I have tracked mine once, and it was very confidence inspiring. The ride on the road is very supple and comfortable. I have driven mine for a few hours and felt no discomfort. Its not a harsh, "crashy" sportscar ride. The steering at lower speeds has a slightly odd feel, but its the way they are set up apparently. I am 6' 3", age 51 and slim build and find it a bit of a tight squeeze in the knee area and getting in and out is not dignified. The later cars had, I believe, better ergonomics and more room. In my '84 the seats don't actually recline, but the later cars do.
Anyone else driven and Esprit and care to comment?
I’m a member of a Lotus Esperit FB Page with many fine examples and often in the US.
Some of those cars travel long distances regularly.
My friend owns a totally restored and rebuilt Renault Alpine A 610 Turbo car from the mid nineties
I’ve driven that and after many hours driving carts years ago I immediately felt at home in it. It’s the nearest thing to a full race car configuration similar to any formula race car. Like a big F1 car but more seats lol. GT Tourer
Possibly the most memorable drive I’ve had in many years. Smooth, pretty fast although leggy, turns in like a proper car, just lovely and such balance with the long wheel base and then grip when coming off a corner with that engine pressing the rear tyres into the road. I think this configuration pleases the driver in you more than any other can ever hope to achieve.
It’s the ultimate in handling really.
My mates A610 completed the Gumball Rally Across europe at some blindingly fast time for public roads, often sitting at 150 mph for hours, lots of speed tickets etc, some Arab chap enjoying himself
Edited by Classic Chim on Friday 25th September 14:32
Classic Chim said:
geeman237 said:
As I said in my previous post, I have owned a '92 Griffith and I still own an '84 Esprit. My seat of the pants feel would give the edge to the Esprit for build quality. It was in production a long time so you'd think they sort of nearly got it right by the end of production. Access for maintenance in the Esprit can be a bit challenging for sure, especially the dash area. There are several specialists for parts and the Esprit community is active and very helpful with a good camaraderie.
Yes, the handling is in another league compared to the TVR. Its a real sense of occasion just getting in an Esprit. Big 'wow' factor for sure. Once you start driving one, you really feel the sense of the handling (if that makes sense). I have tracked mine once, and it was very confidence inspiring. The ride on the road is very supple and comfortable. I have driven mine for a few hours and felt no discomfort. Its not a harsh, "crashy" sportscar ride. The steering at lower speeds has a slightly odd feel, but its the way they are set up apparently. I am 6' 3", age 51 and slim build and find it a bit of a tight squeeze in the knee area and getting in and out is not dignified. The later cars had, I believe, better ergonomics and more room. In my '84 the seats don't actually recline, but the later cars do.
Anyone else driven and Esprit and care to comment?
It sounds wonderful. Yes, the handling is in another league compared to the TVR. Its a real sense of occasion just getting in an Esprit. Big 'wow' factor for sure. Once you start driving one, you really feel the sense of the handling (if that makes sense). I have tracked mine once, and it was very confidence inspiring. The ride on the road is very supple and comfortable. I have driven mine for a few hours and felt no discomfort. Its not a harsh, "crashy" sportscar ride. The steering at lower speeds has a slightly odd feel, but its the way they are set up apparently. I am 6' 3", age 51 and slim build and find it a bit of a tight squeeze in the knee area and getting in and out is not dignified. The later cars had, I believe, better ergonomics and more room. In my '84 the seats don't actually recline, but the later cars do.
Anyone else driven and Esprit and care to comment?
I’m a member of a Lotus Esperit FB Page with many fine examples and often in the US.
Some of those cars travel long distances regularly.
My friend owns a totally restored and rebuilt Renault Alpine A 610 Turbo car from the mid nineties
I’ve driven that and after many hours driving carts years ago I immediately felt at home in it. It’s the nearest thing to a full race car configuration similar to any formula race car. Like a big F1 car but more seats lol. GT Tourer
Possibly the most memorable drive I’ve had in many years. Smooth, pretty fast although leggy, turns in like a proper car, just lovely and such balance with the long wheel base and then grip when coming off a corner with that engine pressing the rear tyres into the road. I think this configuration pleases the driver in you more than any other can ever hope to achieve.
It’s the ultimate in handling really.
My mates A610 completed the Gumball Rally Across europe at some blindingly fast time for public roads, often sitting at 150 mph for hours, lots of speed tickets etc, some Arab chap enjoying himself
Edited by Classic Chim on Friday 25th September 14:32
Come on OP, give one a try.....
Look, this one's very nearly Ocean Haze.....https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1228941
Personally I love the G-Body versions. The later revised body-style just doesn't quite do it for me.
The issues here are the weather and our roads which are now so clogged up as to not be worth driving a car like a Lotus Esperit on.
I don’t think they cope well with the cold damp climate so maintenance becomes a big old job.
Most the pictures from the states have a thing called blue skies,, you have a 6 week window here for such pictures
It just puts people off but if I wanted anything but a TVR and keep with a classic theme it would be any series XJ6 jaguar or a Lotus Esperit.
Agreed the later cars with rounded edges loose some style but any Esperit is better than not.
Sorry Dean higacking the thread but you never specified a year or exact type of car.
I don’t think they cope well with the cold damp climate so maintenance becomes a big old job.
Most the pictures from the states have a thing called blue skies,, you have a 6 week window here for such pictures
It just puts people off but if I wanted anything but a TVR and keep with a classic theme it would be any series XJ6 jaguar or a Lotus Esperit.
Agreed the later cars with rounded edges loose some style but any Esperit is better than not.
Sorry Dean higacking the thread but you never specified a year or exact type of car.
Classic Chim said:
The issues here are the weather and our roads which are now so clogged up as to not be worth driving a car like a Lotus Esperit on.
I don’t think they cope well with the cold damp climate so maintenance becomes a big old job.
Most the pictures from the states have a thing called blue skies,, you have a 6 week window here for such pictures
It just puts people off but if I wanted anything but a TVR and keep with a classic theme it would be any series XJ6 jaguar or a Lotus Esperit.
Agreed the later cars with rounded edges loose some style but any Esperit is better than not.
Sorry Dean higacking the thread but you never specified a year or exact type of car.
I'm originally from the UK, so know the UK weather and roads. Mind you, I was in the UK last month and visited the Forest of Dean/Hereford area and there were some nice clear roads to enjoy there. Weather wasn't bad either. I live in South Carolina, the summer heat and humidity make driving an older British car a bit of a sweaty ordeal for a few months, so swings and roundabouts. Oh, and Esprits have galvanised chassis afaik.I don’t think they cope well with the cold damp climate so maintenance becomes a big old job.
Most the pictures from the states have a thing called blue skies,, you have a 6 week window here for such pictures
It just puts people off but if I wanted anything but a TVR and keep with a classic theme it would be any series XJ6 jaguar or a Lotus Esperit.
Agreed the later cars with rounded edges loose some style but any Esperit is better than not.
Sorry Dean higacking the thread but you never specified a year or exact type of car.
OP - You've gone quiet.....out doing some test drives? Keep us posted.
Thanks all. Sorry for the lack of updates. Work has been hectic to say the least and relentless.
Had some brief dialogue with Ross who is selling the Yellow Cerbera Speed Six featured on Jay Emm's YT channel. An option to swap my Chimaera plus cash or my Alfa GT 3.2 V6 plus cash but we are miles apart on numbers so no dice there.
Really struggling with time at the moment due to work but hoping it subsides a smidge so I can get some more time to move forward.
Had some brief dialogue with Ross who is selling the Yellow Cerbera Speed Six featured on Jay Emm's YT channel. An option to swap my Chimaera plus cash or my Alfa GT 3.2 V6 plus cash but we are miles apart on numbers so no dice there.
Really struggling with time at the moment due to work but hoping it subsides a smidge so I can get some more time to move forward.
So a little step forward on my Chimaera 500.
I've got it going to Bespoke Performance, Ware for an annual service/check up and MOT next week. It will be staying there to be sold.
If anyone is interested in a quick private sale at a lower price be quick as it will be going to Bespoke Monday week.
I've got it going to Bespoke Performance, Ware for an annual service/check up and MOT next week. It will be staying there to be sold.
If anyone is interested in a quick private sale at a lower price be quick as it will be going to Bespoke Monday week.
So dropped my Chimaera 500 at Bespoke this morning. Always hard looking at all that glass fibre sitting there staring at me 
Will get the MOT, service and inspection done and then ready it for sale. Makes sense I think for Bespoke to sell it for me as I have zero time to sell a car at the moment.
If anyone is interested in a swap deal for anything interesting I am all ears. Not sure what I will replace it with yet so keeping an open mind. Just looking for something possibly still TVR but maybe a notch down from this Chimaera 500 I have. It drives really well and I am sure some would drive it and love it 110% as it is fast, raw and everything a TVR should be. Just looking for something half a notch turned down.
Will get the MOT, service and inspection done and then ready it for sale. Makes sense I think for Bespoke to sell it for me as I have zero time to sell a car at the moment.
If anyone is interested in a swap deal for anything interesting I am all ears. Not sure what I will replace it with yet so keeping an open mind. Just looking for something possibly still TVR but maybe a notch down from this Chimaera 500 I have. It drives really well and I am sure some would drive it and love it 110% as it is fast, raw and everything a TVR should be. Just looking for something half a notch turned down.
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