In the market for a Chimaera

[mikea4tdi]

Assuming my kit car actually gets collected in the week I'll be back in the market for a TVR. I've rebuilt a couple of S series before and nearly bought a Chim 10 years ago but ended up going the caterham copy route. After 3 years on the road the total lack of refinement has got to me. I'm in no rush and only have budget for a entry level Chim at the min so I might save a bit more over winter if there is nothing worth having on the market.

I've spotted this at Bure Valley that looks good value and has some mods that appeal as I would be tempted for a couple of fun track days each year.

http://www.burevalleyclassics.co.uk/listings/tvr-c...

So at the minute I'm after a solid earlier car with less than 80k, that's been well looked after but not mint, I'm happy to tinker and improve cosmetics but would like to avoid a body off.

I'm not sure if the Northamptonshire TVR meet is still going, we use to get together at Sywell Aerodrome but I dropped out of the scene, also what are teh Facebook, Whatsapp groups now?

Thanks

Mike

[QBee]

There are loads of busy Faceache groups, names mainly begin with TVR.
I don't know how you join them, but I guess I or someone else could invite you in.

There is:
TVR Chimaera Owners & Enthusiasts
TVR Chimaera and Griffith Technical Group
TVRs For Sale

and many more. Those are the correct names if you want to search them.

[Belle427]

The Facebook groups are well worth joining, some people choose to advertise their car there first.
A very nice 500 came up in there a few weeks ago for sensible money, just needed a little tlc.
It’s sold now but worth watching there as it seems to be more active than pistonheads forums.

[TVR TELL]

Morning

I have sent you a PM

[Dougal9887]

If you wish to avoid a body off job, be aware that the majority of cars, particularly earlier ones, will have rotten outriggers if they have not been replaced. You would need some proof of replacement as the parts that rust through cannot be seen with a body on visual inspection. Search on here for plenty of examples!

[JFReturns]

The blue 400 for sale in Sidcup is my old one and is lovely

[mikea4tdi]

There's a few really nice ones around at the minute for good prices. I've just sold my kit car and the market is tough, I probably got a grand less than what it was worth.

Terry's is very nice (I think that's the one in kent?)

This blue one near Cheltenham looks great and was refurbed in 2016
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008042...

Nearest to me and closed to my price range is this one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...

But no details on work done. If anyone knows the above cars drop me a pm.

Thanks

Mike

[andrewcliffe]

Mines for sale - gold 400 Chimaera in the PH classifieds.

[LLantrisant]

i dont understand why sellers (incl. dealers) are not able to advertize a car showing at least 1 or 2 chassis pictures?

i would not drive anywhere and view a car without having seen several chassis pics before.

chassis, chassis, chassis...those are THE most important points!! MOT says NOTHING!!!!

would not be the first car with full retrim, new paintjob, new clutch, new camshaft and partial engine overhaul which was all done on a rotten base...."the car drives well, the car has a new MOT"... low mileage cars often have still their first chassis underneath and thse are most likely definately rotten.

with budget of 12k i would only buy a car with a COMPLETE chassis refurb done within the last 5 years and NOT covered in waxoyl!!

[Classic Chim]

LLantrisant said:

i dont understand why sellers (incl. dealers) are not able to advertize a car showing at least 1 or 2 chassis pictures?

i would not drive anywhere and view a car without having seen several chassis pics before.

chassis, chassis, chassis...those are THE most important points!! MOT says NOTHING!!!!

would not be the first car with full retrim, new paintjob, new clutch, new camshaft and partial engine overhaul which was all done on a rotten base...."the car drives well, the car has a new MOT"... low mileage cars often have still their first chassis underneath and thse are most likely definately rotten.

with budget of 12k i would only buy a car with a COMPLETE chassis refurb done within the last 5 years and NOT covered in waxoyl!!

Crickey I’d someones spent a fortune doing re trim and paint jobs I’ll happily buy the car and replace riggers,,, that’s a small job in comparison.
With 12k go find that car forsale that’s had a COMPLETE chassis refurb as We all want that car! Regardless of cost to others if all it is is buying as cheap as possible then the likely result will be rotten cars everywhere with no inclination to repair then due to the pathetic resale costs,,,,,
12k with refurb chassis,,, ave a word son!

It’s possibly worth noting even the Chimaera was a low production model and not many remain of those. The pool to chose from is always a small one especially if you like a colour or engine type.

My view is very simple. Buy a mega fixed modernised TVR for 20k will be cheaper than buying one needing a lot of work for 12k . It’s that simple. Now if your handy with the spanners and have the facilities you can save a lot of money but you still won’t get change out of 20k if you want a full on top line sorted fantastic car that goes like stink and reliable as a clock. Thay are out there,,,,,

Most owners won’t part with them though,, all the best cars are rarely sold.
So if you have to buy one needing work it’s not just chassis you should be considering if it’s a tired car.
I think you take an overview, if it’s got good this and that but suffers a few poor areas ok, but if a car really needs a full resto to be like new then it’s 20k + so always work on that principle.

You can’t have a great car unless it’s been constantly cared for, money spent so if it lacks new riggers but otherwise checks out well then it’s really not a problem anymore, nothing 2.5k won’t sort out so as other aspects of these cars are just as expensive to repair keep your eye on those too. If the mechanics of a car are nice and tight and feel good I’d not be overly bothered about outriggers other than it being reflected in the price which at 10-12k basically is taking that into account. Most cars with new riggers or even better refurbed chassis always fetch around 15k minimum and as with other mods or engine rebuilds and nice interior 6k paint jobs etc the prices can rise well into the 20s

Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 13th August 08:26

Edited by Classic Chim on Thursday 13th August 09:43

[mikea4tdi]

Thanks for your feedback, having owned two S Series TVRs i'm fully conversant with Chassis issues. There is a bit of lull in the market at the moment so there might be a couple of bargains out there. I've also built two kit cars from scratch including chassis fabrication, I'm no pro but can weld competently, so although not ideal and I'm getting to the point where I don't want to be under a car more than in it. I'll probably enjoy the search and in the background save up a bit more if the right cars don't come up. Thanks to everyone who's pointed me in direction of their cars for sale.

[Classic Chim]

mikea4tdi said:

Thanks for your feedback, having owned two S Series TVRs i'm fully conversant with Chassis issues. There is a bit of lull in the market at the moment so there might be a couple of bargains out there. I've also built two kit cars from scratch including chassis fabrication, I'm no pro but can weld competently, so although not ideal and I'm getting to the point where I don't want to be under a car more than in it. I'll probably enjoy the search and in the background save up a bit more if the right cars don't come up. Thanks to everyone who's pointed me in direction of their cars for sale.

Great stuff and I think there’s a TVR out there crying out for you one way or another.

I’d defo try a good standard 450 as a comparison against any 400 cars, the 500 being slightly grungier again than the 450 but the 450 as you probably well know is a great compromise between the two.
By the way I’ve been blown off by a 400 so they can be a bit quick especially if your mate takes you by stealth ( Simon) And a massive Cam
Great cars as you know then, I had a fabulous S so you won’t be disappointed in a tidy Chim. Goodluck and enjoy the search, Maybe some local Tvr groups are starting to meet up, easily the best place to go look over and even sample the cars at a pub meet so look out for those on FB and the TVRCC website I’d expect as it’s a great way to get upto speed or just get a few rides in good cars for comparison sakes.
Or do what the rest of us do, just find one buy it then start scratching your head
Goodluck

[mikea4tdi]

This is a good case in point regarding chassis done vs cost of other things
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154043412850?ul_noapp=t...

If you happy running a chim thats probably mechanically solid it will cost more than an outrigger repair cost to get the rest up to scratch. If the owners on here, its a good price for the car and well described and perfect as an ongoing restoration (i'll talk myself into buying it in a minute)

[CanoeSniffer]

I could be tempted to part with mine for less than five figures, needs cosmetic work but has had new outriggers, Gaz Gold Pros, brakes upgraded, awesome track car. Interior currently in bits, few gremlins to tackle but could get there with some work and is not likely to throw you a major bill, engine in good health with less than 50k on it. Part service history in dribs and drabs, a few big bills from specialists but most little things done myself in the last few years.

Fastidiously serviced as long as it was being used on track, I know some people feel funny about buying a car that has track history.



Wiltshire based if you fancy having a poke around it.

[ukdj]

I know Terry's car (Avus blue 400 in Kent) very well, having serviced & maintained it regularly during Terry's ownership.

PM if you have specific questions not covered in Terry's advert

[Adam205]

Whats a bargain to one person is a money pit to the next, it depends what you plan to use the car for and what you're happy to live with. I went to look at 4 cars at different price points with different issues. For me, being mechanically sound and original with good history was more important than immaculate paint and interior as I wanted to enjoy the car from the outset. If I was looking to do a full resto I would probably have chosen differently. I also decided the 450 engine to me was more important than a car with PAS within my budget and decided I would rather bank a reserve fund to sort any issues myself rather than pay a premium for a dealer backed, which is wouldn't be for everyone.

[skiver.]

mikea4tdi said:

Assuming my kit car actually gets collected in the week I'll be back in the market for a TVR. I've rebuilt a couple of S series before and nearly bought a Chim 10 years ago but ended up going the caterham copy route. After 3 years on the road the total lack of refinement has got to me. I'm in no rush and only have budget for a entry level Chim at the min so I might save a bit more over winter if there is nothing worth having on the market.

I've spotted this at Bure Valley that looks good value and has some mods that appeal as I would be tempted for a couple of fun track days each year.

http://www.burevalleyclassics.co.uk/listings/tvr-c...

So at the minute I'm after a solid earlier car with less than 80k, that's been well looked after but not mint, I'm happy to tinker and improve cosmetics but would like to avoid a body off.

I'm not sure if the Northamptonshire TVR meet is still going, we use to get together at Sywell Aerodrome but I dropped out of the scene, also what are teh Facebook, Whatsapp groups now?

Thanks

Mike

That's my old car.
Pm sent.

[TJC46]

This could be worth a look. [i have no personal interest in the sale, just think it looks a good car]

Seems a very nice car with plenty of work done mechanically at a TVR specialist.[powers performance]

Would definitely need outriggers in the future by the sounds of the advert, but still worth a look.

Maybe haggle a bit on price to reflect on the chassis works in the future.

With an 11k budget, i would go and have a look at it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10757163?c...

[Shinyfings]

LLantrisant said:

i dont understand why sellers (incl. dealers) are not able to advertize a car showing at least 1 or 2 chassis pictures?

i would not drive anywhere and view a car without having seen several chassis pics before.

chassis, chassis, chassis...those are THE most important points!! MOT says NOTHING!!!!

would not be the first car with full retrim, new paintjob, new clutch, new camshaft and partial engine overhaul which was all done on a rotten base...."the car drives well, the car has a new MOT"... low mileage cars often have still their first chassis underneath and thse are most likely definately rotten.

with budget of 12k i would only buy a car with a COMPLETE chassis refurb done within the last 5 years and NOT covered in waxoyl!!

The decent specialists will usually send pictures or videos when asked. I’m a cynic and suspect many private sellers know what they’re selling so might want to be a little vague re:chassis or like a lot of people assume an MOT means a totally 100% car when it of course means no such thing. I gave up looking and got an Elise. Much slower (Well mine is) and not a V8 but not the same buying challenge!

[Crumpet]

If you can stretch the budget a bit I’m planning I’m putting my 500 up for sale shortly (when I get time to take some photos and draw up an ad!). I’m losing my garage soon and with two small children it just doesn’t get used.

It’ll be sub £15k and had a full body off refurb in 2011, £6k spent on it last year and many, many thousands spent on upgrades and maintenance over the years!

It’s just that it’s Halcyon Midas with a red interior!