Chimaera Prices
Discussion
No, just answering points made against my point of view. I've even apologised if I come across as a troll. Not my intention at all.
To be told that others on this thread are a better judge of opinion than me just reinforces my opinion.
But look, let's leave this derailment. I don't want this thread closed and it's drifted off course like the Marie Celeste.
To be told that others on this thread are a better judge of opinion than me just reinforces my opinion.
But look, let's leave this derailment. I don't want this thread closed and it's drifted off course like the Marie Celeste.
I’m not sure what Porsche have to do with the values of Tvr as I think they attract people wanting different things.
What is apparent is a 2001 Boxster can be bought for 5500 easy enough which suggests it’s not much of a car or if you have to entertain repairs uneconomical.
I’d like to think 10 years down the line there will be just as many Tvr about, im not sure you’ll be saying that about Boxsters.
What is apparent is a 2001 Boxster can be bought for 5500 easy enough which suggests it’s not much of a car or if you have to entertain repairs uneconomical.
I’d like to think 10 years down the line there will be just as many Tvr about, im not sure you’ll be saying that about Boxsters.
For what it's worth, Porsche haven't built a car I like.
And TVR haven't built a car I don't like.
A Boxster for £5500 is only worth that little because they've made so many and it's a Porsche. TVR prices hold up because there are a lot less about, and are an ever diminishing quantity. As has been said countless times on this thread, they have reached a point of needing a lot of chassis work, perhaps beyond sensible costs, and already having had a chassis resto. So you see a dog at £6k and a restored option of £14k+ and nothing in between. Other marques don't have that problem.
And TVR haven't built a car I don't like.
A Boxster for £5500 is only worth that little because they've made so many and it's a Porsche. TVR prices hold up because there are a lot less about, and are an ever diminishing quantity. As has been said countless times on this thread, they have reached a point of needing a lot of chassis work, perhaps beyond sensible costs, and already having had a chassis resto. So you see a dog at £6k and a restored option of £14k+ and nothing in between. Other marques don't have that problem.
Classic Chim said:
I’m not sure what Porsche have to do with the values of Tvr as I think they attract people wanting different things.
What is apparent is a 2001 Boxster can be bought for 5500 easy enough which suggests it’s not much of a car or if you have to entertain repairs uneconomical.
I’d like to think 10 years down the line there will be just as many Tvr about, im not sure you’ll be saying that about Boxsters.
Way back in 2001 the Autocar were using the Porsche Boxster as a "like for like" comparison against the Chimaera, but the Boxster came out on TOP then. So, it's looks like the Chimaera has come out on Top now - Value for money and reliability etc.What is apparent is a 2001 Boxster can be bought for 5500 easy enough which suggests it’s not much of a car or if you have to entertain repairs uneconomical.
I’d like to think 10 years down the line there will be just as many Tvr about, im not sure you’ll be saying that about Boxsters.
Boxsters have not worn well.
You buy a Boxter for 5K + and its going to be a shed I know and have witnessed two owners fall for that one (cheap Porsche) I have been fortunate unfortunate enough to view said purchases with a view to bring up to scratch .... cue deep pockets time 
brakes , suspension and other annoying yet time consuming to cure problems was the last I viewed , in both cases they had already let their hearts rule their heads and purchased 
one sold shortly after and the other continued to use with many problems some serious 
brakes , suspension and other annoying yet time consuming to cure problems was the last I viewed , in both cases they had already let their hearts rule their heads and purchased one sold shortly after and the other continued to use with many problems some serious Tyre Smoke said:
You will have missed my post about liking TVRs then. And I'm as qualified as any owner here to judge, or are you lending credence to what I was saying?
The reason people ask about the cars is simply because they've not seen one. They're not exactly as common as a Porsche or Aston are they? I wonder why that is?
Not at all actually, I did notice you mentioning that you liked them and that you'd be "quite happy to buy a cheap ropey Chimaera for a rolling resto", but a lot of the comments you've made don't really give that impression and you can surely see why people might think you're a troll:The reason people ask about the cars is simply because they've not seen one. They're not exactly as common as a Porsche or Aston are they? I wonder why that is?
"Everyone still gets a bit precious about TVR don't they? It's a parts bin w**e at the end of the day. "
"Bottom line is the Chimaera (and most TVRs) is a kit car."
"It's got a very questionable chassis in terms of quality, by now even the most robust of them need major work by now. Couple that with tales of dodgy electrics, the fun of a fibreglass body and lack of decent earth points, etc,etc and you will find only a limited number of people will want to take on a TVR."
"Both my TVRs are clearly a built up kit car made in a shed in Blackpool. Glue on the edges of trim, trim coming loose, velcro, door/boot solenoids not working.... Anyone who says a Chimaera is 'specialist' is a bit of an egotist. "
"My point was, what Porsche buyer will accept from new, globs and smears of glue on the A pillar trim? Control boxes held in place with Velcro, and a powder coated chassis that already has the powder coat lifting?"
"a TVR in no way compares to a Porsche. For a start the build quality of a Porsche... a Porsche doesn't have glue on the leather from the factory, smell of fibreglass, have velcro holding on control boxes or leak rainwater. The build quality of a Porsche far outweighs a kit car built in a Blackpool shed."
"There will always be Friday night Porsches and faultless TVRs. But they are miles apart in quality. The ONLY thing holding TVR prices up is they are an ever diminishing supply. They're not being built any more any they are a curio. ...There isn't and never will be the same kudos owning a TVR as there is a Porsche. They're not in the same 'class'"
"Yep, it's still a Porsche though. To impress your mates with the key fob."
"Not my experience at all. I've found most (not all, granted) to think they are better than everyone else. They have a misplaced sense of superiority. "
"TVR does not and never will have the same class or kudos as a big Healey or E-Type. If you think they do, you are just kidding yourself and massaging your own ego."
"Consequently it will never have the kudos of Porsche or even Lotus (Which largely reinvented itself with the Elise)"
"I think the appeal for a lot of 90s TVR owners is they can gurgle into the car park in their 2 seater, turning heads. When in reality they are in a car with not a huge amount of power that's little more than a kit car. That's the thing about the owners I don't like. Just park up and stop making sure everyone is looking at you."
"Look at the values of big Healeys and compare them with a TVR Tuscan or Griffith of the same era. Miles apart of price, why? Because they don't have the same appeal." Well you've had pointed out a couple of times now that the Griffiths and Tuscans of the same era are generally as, if not more expensive than the Healeys."
Excuse my selective quoting, but it's a bit like going onto a Porridge lovers' forum and saying- yeah I like Porridge, I wouldn't mind a cheap bowl but it's so bloody sloppy and the oats get stuck in my teeth, you can't compare it to Cornflakes, now they never get stuck in your teeth. Oh and most of the people who like Porridge are deluded egoists and the only reason they aren't giving porridge away is that they make more Cornflakes.
As for lending credence to what you've said, If you read my post you'd notice that rather than saying anyone's opinion was better than yours I actually said you were entitled to your opinion; but it's a bit much to insist that anyone who doesn't share your view about TVR's lowly place in motoring history is "deluded", "gets a bit precious", has a "misplaced sense of superiority" or is "massaging their ego".
Oh and as for:
"The reason people ask about the cars is simply because they've not seen one. They're not exactly as common as a Porsche or Aston are they? I wonder why that is?"
To the contrary, most of the comments when I've been out in TVRs have been from people saying they've always loved the cars, or like the look or sound of them. Anyway I've said my piece.
This thread in which TVR and Porsche are consistently compared is quite interesting, having both a Boxster S and Chimaera 500 for a number of years, paid good money for both as solid cars but needing a little TLC around the edges so have learnt a lot about both marques during my fettling
When both were available to buy new they were of similar price and probably at first attracted the same buyer – but just the buying experience would have probably separated the punter into either camp
.
My neighbours just do not understand and just see 2 cars which do the same job, when in reality they are as different as chalk and cheese in everyway possible – I could write a hole new thread about the difference in ownership and driving experience but will focus on the value thread.
The Boxster and Chimaera have both suffered the same unfair criticism from armchair experts for years, this public opinion has over the last decade driven prices to rock bottom. The crazy cheap prices a few years ago has actually allowed a lot of those who were critical to snap up a bargain, and they have gone WOW I did not expect this, and prices have started to rise – and long may it continue
.
The future – well actually both cars again are being slightly influenced by their Manufactures Development of new cars – the Boxster, particularly the S with Hydraulic steering is being sought out, as the new car drops a couple of cylinders and goes turbo, electric power steering etc making a far less drivers car.
I believe the Chimaera, and the TVR range will become more sort after, when / if the new car is launched, one thing the development of the new car has done is create interest and this has had a positive influence on the make.
One thing is for sure, as the mainstream buying public demand more ugly, boring and uninteresting transport to feed this current anti car statement ( I drive a piece of CR-P so its not me harming the planet) all classics will become more appealing to those who love cars and driving.
All IMHO
When both were available to buy new they were of similar price and probably at first attracted the same buyer – but just the buying experience would have probably separated the punter into either camp
.
My neighbours just do not understand and just see 2 cars which do the same job, when in reality they are as different as chalk and cheese in everyway possible – I could write a hole new thread about the difference in ownership and driving experience but will focus on the value thread.
The Boxster and Chimaera have both suffered the same unfair criticism from armchair experts for years, this public opinion has over the last decade driven prices to rock bottom. The crazy cheap prices a few years ago has actually allowed a lot of those who were critical to snap up a bargain, and they have gone WOW I did not expect this, and prices have started to rise – and long may it continue
.
The future – well actually both cars again are being slightly influenced by their Manufactures Development of new cars – the Boxster, particularly the S with Hydraulic steering is being sought out, as the new car drops a couple of cylinders and goes turbo, electric power steering etc making a far less drivers car.
I believe the Chimaera, and the TVR range will become more sort after, when / if the new car is launched, one thing the development of the new car has done is create interest and this has had a positive influence on the make.
One thing is for sure, as the mainstream buying public demand more ugly, boring and uninteresting transport to feed this current anti car statement ( I drive a piece of CR-P so its not me harming the planet) all classics will become more appealing to those who love cars and driving.
All IMHO
I try and avoid the TVR forum generally now because it just makes me a bit sad, I miss my Chimaera that much.
I loved mine, and only sold it because it was a house deposit (and SWMBO didn't really like it). I definitely didn't make money on it, and it was a good 450 with new outriggers, recent respray, new roof etc. Some work I did myself, some at well thought of independent's but I still got back less than I originally paid and it took a year to sell.
Now I have a "cheap" 986 Boxster S that while I do enjoy, is nothing compared to the TVR. The only thing I really prefer on the Boxster compared to the Chim is the roof, the faff of the Chim roof is something I do not miss (emptying the entire boot, just outside Calais, on the way to Le Mans one year to get the roof in and then getting drenched just outside the circuit was definitely memorable and while funny not something I really want to repeat). Air con is nice as well (for those weird weather days).
Otherwise the Chim is twice the car the Boxster is, at least. The noise, the event, the whole feel and acceleration, the Boxster just doesn't come close.
I used to worry about where I parked the Chim, tried to make sure it wouldn't get dinged (it still did) etc, but the Porsche I just park, nobody cares.
Looking at prices now though just makes me very sad. To get back into a similar condition Chim as I had would cost me 1.5x - 2x the amount I paid, and it would never be "approved", especially since mine was so hard to sell originally.
I still have my Wade Chimaera, and that will never go and even matches the colour of my old Chimaera.
I loved mine, and only sold it because it was a house deposit (and SWMBO didn't really like it). I definitely didn't make money on it, and it was a good 450 with new outriggers, recent respray, new roof etc. Some work I did myself, some at well thought of independent's but I still got back less than I originally paid and it took a year to sell.
Now I have a "cheap" 986 Boxster S that while I do enjoy, is nothing compared to the TVR. The only thing I really prefer on the Boxster compared to the Chim is the roof, the faff of the Chim roof is something I do not miss (emptying the entire boot, just outside Calais, on the way to Le Mans one year to get the roof in and then getting drenched just outside the circuit was definitely memorable and while funny not something I really want to repeat). Air con is nice as well (for those weird weather days).
Otherwise the Chim is twice the car the Boxster is, at least. The noise, the event, the whole feel and acceleration, the Boxster just doesn't come close.
I used to worry about where I parked the Chim, tried to make sure it wouldn't get dinged (it still did) etc, but the Porsche I just park, nobody cares.
Looking at prices now though just makes me very sad. To get back into a similar condition Chim as I had would cost me 1.5x - 2x the amount I paid, and it would never be "approved", especially since mine was so hard to sell originally.
I still have my Wade Chimaera, and that will never go and even matches the colour of my old Chimaera.
Monsterlime said:
(and SWMBO didn't really like it).
I am eternally grateful that my other half adores mine almost as much as I do- I'd only had it a couple of months when we met, and I picked her up in it on our second date. We are due to get married this November and from the way she talks I don't think she would let me sell it even if I was that way inclined!* 
- it only came up in conversation as I mentioned it might one day have to make way to fund the start of a GT40 replica build- she essentially said I should just work harder and have both
I loved my Chimaera. My first rag top, my first two seater, my first 'quick' car. And my only car at the time.
Now I have a bit more time and money, I'd love another one in need of some love.
And to the poster who took the time to cut and paste most of my quotes above, bravo! But nor all of them are mine.
With regard to a ropey Boxster vs a ropey Chimaera, I know which is rather work on, if only for the cost of the parts! I only wish I could weld, but it's probably a good thing I can't.
Now I have a bit more time and money, I'd love another one in need of some love.
And to the poster who took the time to cut and paste most of my quotes above, bravo! But nor all of them are mine.
With regard to a ropey Boxster vs a ropey Chimaera, I know which is rather work on, if only for the cost of the parts! I only wish I could weld, but it's probably a good thing I can't.
Classic Chim said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Pucker Do you miss it or wonder where it is, it’s like an old girlfriend or something
I did 60,000 miles in her in my 2 years of ownership.
Just to put a spanner in the works.
We all like to think our cars are worth £X but a chassis refurb new suspension, roof, interior retrim, manifolds etc still only makes it worth £X.
It makes it easier to sell, but very difficult to recover your outlay.
The reality is HHC a TVR dealer has a yellow MGB with a 4 cyl B series engine & pram hood folding roof for sale & it cost more than the Chimaera's they have in stock.
Why, because there is a bigger market for a well know MGB & they cost less than a TR6.
One day TVR's will be the flavour of the month.
In the mean time you have a bargain buy to enjoy.
My own view is the TR6 is no match for a TVR & i dont even want to drive another MGB.
We all like to think our cars are worth £X but a chassis refurb new suspension, roof, interior retrim, manifolds etc still only makes it worth £X.
It makes it easier to sell, but very difficult to recover your outlay.
The reality is HHC a TVR dealer has a yellow MGB with a 4 cyl B series engine & pram hood folding roof for sale & it cost more than the Chimaera's they have in stock.
Why, because there is a bigger market for a well know MGB & they cost less than a TR6.
One day TVR's will be the flavour of the month.
In the mean time you have a bargain buy to enjoy.
My own view is the TR6 is no match for a TVR & i dont even want to drive another MGB.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff