TVR Chimaera: PH Fleet

MOT time beckons as the Chimaera gets promoted to main Garlick vehicle

Without any planning or thought the TVR has become the only car I own (the Mazda has gone, long story), meaning that whatever the weather/ journey I need to travel using a fibreglass covered 4.0 V8 two-seater. Fun in principle but it has cons as well as pros, not least me using it in weather I would not have ventured out in previously and not being able to carry large items or more than one passenger. But still, one mustn’t grumble as a result of problems I have created for myself.

Out in all weathers these days

Since moving the car from the draughty garage to a warm and dry (as well as being safe and well lit) underground car park the battery on the Chim has remained strong, even after almost three weeks of inactivity (funny how temperature can affect battery life) but now I’m relying on it that reliability is good to know, and still it provides turnkey transport as we enter our fifth year together. Another thing I’m grateful of is that, as a 1999 car, I can still take advantage of (relatively) cheap road tax. When the reminder popped through the door I had, moments earlier, been looking at a friend’s status update on Facebook where he had shown a pic of his tax renewal starting with a 4, whereas 12 months for me still starts with a 2. I’m grateful for small mercies like that as it keeps running costs on the affordable side of sensible.

While mechanically the car is strong I have had two small things to deal with only this week. Firstly the OS electric window ‘up’ switch failed leaving the window stuck in the down position. A quick swap with the NS switch meant I could raise the window again, but I need to get a new switch (a Vauxhall item I believe) ordered to fix the problem I have created for passengers (DON’T lower the window is a new instruction to anyone getting a lift). In addition the heater fan switch has failed meaning no hot air flow when static (and I spend a lot of time going nowhere in my corner of Surrey).

Used daily once again

And now a confession. I was happily burbling about during November when all of a sudden I remembered that my MOT was due to expire in early December. That night I checked to see when that expiry was only to find it actually expired in early November, about two weeks earlier to be exact. Whoops (why don’t we get reminders?). That meant I had gone from one car to no car until I could get a test booked. Throughout the year at various meets and events (as well as through Twitter) a PHer named BlackpoolRock (or Calvin to his friends) had mentioned that he could look after my car and was located not too far away from me over in Bracknell.

I dropped him a line and he was able to get the MOT sorted swiftly and a few days later I was at his workshop ready to leave the car with him for a few days (I couldn’t return to collect any sooner). I was over the moon when I got the pass, sure I needed some front tyres (and bought the obligatory Toyos) but aside from that I had a new test certificate, and enjoyed the feeling you get when your wallet survives an MOT relatively unscathed.

While the car was there Calvin had a look at my chassis (at my request, these things keep me awake at night) and said that it was in remarkable shape for a 1999 car (a weak year he tells me) with only some light flaking on the rear wishbones. Music to my ears, but I’ll be back next month for a chassis clean and retreat using some Dinitrol products I am currently carrying around in the boot. He was also kind enough to compliment the overall condition of the car too saying it was in the top 5 of Chimaeras he had seen come through the workshop. Chuffed. While it’s there for the chassis work I’ll ask him to service it too, a job that is two months overdue now. I’m a bad owner, but time is running away with me these days.

Object of desire

While that’s about it for the TVR I must give an honourable mention to the gorgeous 550hp Jaguar XFR-S I was lucky enough to have over the Christmas period. It really was my sort of car; big, comfy, British and ridiculously fast. An average of 23mpg over my two weeks was costly, but when you consider the power and performance (0-60 in just over 4 and a limited top speed of 186mph) it’s not bad at all. I want one, a lot. Dan has the car in again next week and will deliver the official PH verdict, but for me it ticked all the boxes and I can’t wait for depreciation to bring it down to a level I might be able to afford.

FACT SHEET:
Car: 1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0
Run by: Garlick
Bought: December 2009
Purchase price: £12,995
Last month at a glance: MOT, wet weather use, clean bill of health, service looms

TVR pondering ... sounds expensive
Winter hacks, daily use, new exhausts and thoughts of selling
Summer suits the TVR and Garlick has been making the most of it

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