RE: Chimaera - end is nigh
Wednesday 20th February 2002
Chimaera - end is nigh
The limited edition Griffiths that marked the end of production of the classic car have now sold out and no more examples of the stunning car will ever be made.
Coinciding with that news, we're now told that you can no longer buy a Chimaera 500. If you do still want a Chimaera, the 450 is still available although this is by 'special order' only.
It's the end of a very special era in TVR's history. The Griffith and particularly the Chimaera were responsible for production levels never seen before in Blackpool. The sheer number of cars burbling about the streets provided TVR with even more sales as they let the cars market themselves.
The debate over the new vs old models has raged throughout the company's chequered past, with the latest 'new' models -including the originally controversial and now acclaimed Tamora - now defining the marque. Long may the debates continue!
Discussion
What is meant by "special order" anyway?
All TVRs, including dealer demos, are built to order. What's the difference?
TVR will make them until no-one orders them. That is what happened to the Griffith - it took about 16 months to sell the last 100.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of job losses at TVR Power though.
All TVRs, including dealer demos, are built to order. What's the difference?
TVR will make them until no-one orders them. That is what happened to the Griffith - it took about 16 months to sell the last 100.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of job losses at TVR Power though.
According the Charles at Mole Valley, TVR have gone to Rover looking for 25 of the 5L kits for the last 15 Griffiths and other 5L orders and Rover have gone a said that they only have 15 left, hence the demise of the Chim 500.
A sad day indeed
and no wonder British Manufacturing Industry is going up the creek, if this is how they communicate with their customers.
Anto
A sad day indeed
and no wonder British Manufacturing Industry is going up the creek, if this is how they communicate with their customers. Anto
I know it sounds like sacrilege to say that this was inevitable once the Tamora reached production, but it's true. I went to pick up my Tamora last week, and my Chimaera was in the showroom. My initial reaction, before I had time to think about it, was how old-fashioned it looked! Weird, because I love the shape and styling. I think it may have been the relatively small wheels, and the interior trim, because the shape, I think is timeless. My judgement may also be cluoded by the freshness of the Tamora, it's clean,. modern interior, and the feeling of compromise I always had in the Chimaera. TVR have to move on, and though it's sad to say, these two beauties (Griff/Chimarea) are becoming part of TVR's glorious history, just as the wedges, 'S' etc. have become. At least they will be around a lot longer than many "old" styles of car, because we all love them and current owners will look after them, and keep tham running. I wonder how many TVR's are still running, out of the total production over the years?
quote:
I think TVR are facing tough times ahead. Whatever it drives like, the Tamora looks pants and the Tuscan is too expensive.
Don't know what you drive now Alex as you haven't updated your profile, but this is just more negative cobblers. TVR have to move away from the Rover V8 engine - no option. Therefore either re-engineer an old design (Chim or Griff) to take an in-house engine or focus on new models.
The Cerbera has been a success, the Tuscan is a great car (inc the engine, now the relatively early problems were sorted) and the Tamora is generally felt to be a huge step forward compared to earlier TVRs, and not just by TVR enthusiasts.
Let me pose a few questions to you;
Have you seen a production Tamora in the 'flesh'?
Have you driven a Tamora?
If so how does it compare to your current car?
Why has much of the motoring press been taken in by the Tamora when you can easily see that it is so pants?
But it plainly does look pants! We all know they had to move on. I am sure it will grow on me (but I am not sure). I didnt like the Tuscan initially but now love its shape. But there are a lot of cynical people out there who dont want to own a car that could have some big engine bills, has a poor reputation, doesnt have the famouse TVR V8 rumble, cant be relied on as every day transport , is no good for short trips every day..... I use my Cerb every day but wouldnt dream of using it for the 2 mile trip to my local station (but happily did this in my Chim 450). That would kill the engine. So I assume it is the same for Tuscans and Tamoras. Who are TVRs customer base for these cars? I cant think who they might be? I also cant see people sticking with the marque for years on end as used to be the case. A number of people have had 3 , 4 or 5 TVRs in succession. I cant see that sort of customer anymore.
quote:
According the Charles at Mole Valley, TVR have gone to Rover looking for 25 of the 5L kits for the last 15 Griffiths and other 5L orders and Rover have gone a said that they only have 15 left, hence the demise of the Chim 500.
A sad day indeed
Anto
so where do people like rpi, John earles ect get there bits to build brand new 4.6 5.0 5.2 engines from then ?
and isnt there also the wildcat version of the rover engine ?
>> Edited by Graham on Wednesday 20th February 12:03
It's just the same new vs old discussion that's been had before.
TVR have brought us a new generation of cars that sound diffent to the Rover engined cars. The Tamoras on full song sound almost Ferrari like now which is no bad thing. They've got to keep moving and that's what they're doing. To expect every car that rolls out to be a stunner is expecting a lot of the designers.
The cars do grow on you. I didn't like the Tuscan to start with but do now. I hated the Tamora initially but (particularly having driven one), I'd seriously consider getting one if I had the readies.
TVR have brought us a new generation of cars that sound diffent to the Rover engined cars. The Tamoras on full song sound almost Ferrari like now which is no bad thing. They've got to keep moving and that's what they're doing. To expect every car that rolls out to be a stunner is expecting a lot of the designers.
The cars do grow on you. I didn't like the Tuscan to start with but do now. I hated the Tamora initially but (particularly having driven one), I'd seriously consider getting one if I had the readies.
Must say (and this is probably not going to be too popular) I'm actually glad to see the back of the Chimp. Unlike the Griff (which I was very sad to see go) I really think Chimaeras having been looking more and more dated. TVR are moving forward and I reckon the Tamora will be a success.
OK rambling thoughts from a mechanical numpty.
Why does it have to be the Rover/Buick V8? For instance I remember the Pontiac TransAm had a 7.6 litre V8 - imagine that in a Chimaera
Ok, so perhaps the chassis/drive train would struggle but you get my drift, there must be another V8 manufacturer out there willing to supply?
Am I talking kak?
Why does it have to be the Rover/Buick V8? For instance I remember the Pontiac TransAm had a 7.6 litre V8 - imagine that in a Chimaera
Ok, so perhaps the chassis/drive train would struggle but you get my drift, there must be another V8 manufacturer out there willing to supply? Am I talking kak?
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