And another new Chim owner....
Discussion
Hi all,
Well, I finally took the plunge last night, and a 1998 ruby mica red 450 is now mine.
A bit of background……
Back in the late ‘90s I built a kit car to a very high standard (IMHO). This car has been like a member of the family since then, and I never thought I’d sell it. Great fun to drive and very reliable. Then, nearly a year ago, I started thinking that if I sold the kit car, and traded down my company car, I’d be able to get a Chimaera. I’ve always liked TVRs, but never considered that I might actually own one. So, having broken the news to the wife and kids (who were pretty upset to begin with), I then spent months monitoring the Chimaera forum to gather useful information, and keeping an eye on Chimaeras in the classifieds, in Autotrader and on eBay to see what sort of price I’d have to pay. I took the opportunity to test drive a 450 at Fernhurst in early Autumn ‘06, and that just confirmed my decision.
Scroll forward to March ’07……
The kit car was sold last week, to the first person that saw it, and for the full asking price (it was in the PH classifieds for just 11 days; didn’t cost me a penny to sell it). The company car goes in a couple of weeks. The hunt for a nice Chim stepped up a gear (or two). Having looked at some that were well overpriced for their condition, I saw a nice looking 450 on eBay and in the Autotrader on Monday. I contacted the owner immediately, arranged a viewing, went to see it after work yesterday, and bought it. He’s in the army, and had priced it very keenly as he’s just been told he’s off to Afghanistan for 7 months, so needed a quick sale. Consequently there was a great deal of interest in it, and I had to be very persuasive to ensure that I was the first person to see it. It’s a 1998 S-reg. 40,000 miles. Virtually unmarked paintwork (apart from a few of the obligatory stone chips on the front). One small scratch on the edge of one wheel rim, otherwise flawless. Good tyres (Toyos front, SO3s rear). Totally split-free dash. Full TVRSH. Roof and hood very good. Drives well. No sign of overheating. Fans working as they should. All electrics seem to work. Chassis is solid, but would definitely benefit from the POR15 & Waxoyl treatment, which I’ll do myself (already ordered the POR15). Slight damp patch in drivers footwell (possibly needs more sealant around the wires & cables going through the bulkhead). Some of the carpeting has come adrift from the door edge trim (can anyone advise how they should be attached). All in all, I’m generally happy, as it cost around £1100 less than I reckon it would be worth if all these jobs were done. So, the next job is to arrange insurance, as I’m hoping to collect it on Monday – can’t wait!
PS. Does anyone know if the paint colour for my car is from one of the mainstream manufacturers (so that I can get a touch-up kit)?
Well, I finally took the plunge last night, and a 1998 ruby mica red 450 is now mine.
A bit of background……
Back in the late ‘90s I built a kit car to a very high standard (IMHO). This car has been like a member of the family since then, and I never thought I’d sell it. Great fun to drive and very reliable. Then, nearly a year ago, I started thinking that if I sold the kit car, and traded down my company car, I’d be able to get a Chimaera. I’ve always liked TVRs, but never considered that I might actually own one. So, having broken the news to the wife and kids (who were pretty upset to begin with), I then spent months monitoring the Chimaera forum to gather useful information, and keeping an eye on Chimaeras in the classifieds, in Autotrader and on eBay to see what sort of price I’d have to pay. I took the opportunity to test drive a 450 at Fernhurst in early Autumn ‘06, and that just confirmed my decision.
Scroll forward to March ’07……
The kit car was sold last week, to the first person that saw it, and for the full asking price (it was in the PH classifieds for just 11 days; didn’t cost me a penny to sell it). The company car goes in a couple of weeks. The hunt for a nice Chim stepped up a gear (or two). Having looked at some that were well overpriced for their condition, I saw a nice looking 450 on eBay and in the Autotrader on Monday. I contacted the owner immediately, arranged a viewing, went to see it after work yesterday, and bought it. He’s in the army, and had priced it very keenly as he’s just been told he’s off to Afghanistan for 7 months, so needed a quick sale. Consequently there was a great deal of interest in it, and I had to be very persuasive to ensure that I was the first person to see it. It’s a 1998 S-reg. 40,000 miles. Virtually unmarked paintwork (apart from a few of the obligatory stone chips on the front). One small scratch on the edge of one wheel rim, otherwise flawless. Good tyres (Toyos front, SO3s rear). Totally split-free dash. Full TVRSH. Roof and hood very good. Drives well. No sign of overheating. Fans working as they should. All electrics seem to work. Chassis is solid, but would definitely benefit from the POR15 & Waxoyl treatment, which I’ll do myself (already ordered the POR15). Slight damp patch in drivers footwell (possibly needs more sealant around the wires & cables going through the bulkhead). Some of the carpeting has come adrift from the door edge trim (can anyone advise how they should be attached). All in all, I’m generally happy, as it cost around £1100 less than I reckon it would be worth if all these jobs were done. So, the next job is to arrange insurance, as I’m hoping to collect it on Monday – can’t wait!
PS. Does anyone know if the paint colour for my car is from one of the mainstream manufacturers (so that I can get a touch-up kit)?
Good choice on the new purchase, sounds like you have a good one.
As for the damp drivers side foot well, open bonnet and check the clutch master cylinder inspection hatch is fully sealed. On the inner wing looks like half a large black egg shell.
Its held in with a few self tapping screws but requires a little black sealant running round the edges to keep the water out. Also the rivets that hold the ID plates to the inner wing.
Also check the wind screen seal to glass and body, as this can cause water in the foot well.
Above all, enjoy we seem to have the good weather this weekend.
But as always take it easy in the wet, they do bite.
Cheers,
Paul
As for the damp drivers side foot well, open bonnet and check the clutch master cylinder inspection hatch is fully sealed. On the inner wing looks like half a large black egg shell.
Its held in with a few self tapping screws but requires a little black sealant running round the edges to keep the water out. Also the rivets that hold the ID plates to the inner wing.
Also check the wind screen seal to glass and body, as this can cause water in the foot well.
Above all, enjoy we seem to have the good weather this weekend.
But as always take it easy in the wet, they do bite.
Cheers,
Paul
. a bit of super glue carfuly uses should sort any things not sticking right. Apart from that get out in this fine weather and drive!
. Best bet on your paint colour is to get the paint code from the plate in the engine bay and contact Dexter Paints in Preston with the code and away you go! Paul, you are sooo going to enjoy this car (though you didn't state what engine was in your beloved hand-built car).
TVR V8's are all about endless torque balanced by a surprisingly light car (just over 1 metric tonne) and, if set up properly, can show a clean pair of heels to alternative 'sports cars' costing 3- no, make that 4 times the current value of a good Chimaera.
TVR V8's are all about endless torque balanced by a surprisingly light car (just over 1 metric tonne) and, if set up properly, can show a clean pair of heels to alternative 'sports cars' costing 3- no, make that 4 times the current value of a good Chimaera.
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