Build discrepancy - possible purchase car

[mike220]

Hi guys, after some advice really. Looking at a Chimaera (remotely for now before I travel), it's an October 1996 car but has the facelift front end. The rest of the car seems to be '96 spec. (eg. door open button on the rear quarter by the hood) but front end is '97 spec. As far as I'm told the car is original and hasn't had any work / damage to the front, and seems to HPI ok.

Is this usual to have some discrepancies in build spec when approaching model change time ? Would you expect this to affect value (price as pre-facelift or facelift etc. ?)

It's a nice colour combo too - can post a pic if needed.

All opinions appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[Hut49]

Transitions between versions were blurred and probably dependent on what pieces were in the bins or lying around the yard. So don't be surprised to find a mixture around the cusp. Always check through the history and ask on here if you want to find previous owners so you can be satisfied with the info the seller is giving you. It might be valuable to have your first choice checked over by a TVR specialist - it's amazing how useful it is to have a list of things requiring attention when you negotiate.

[L33]

If you post a link to the car you are thinking about, perhaps someone on this forum knows the car and might be able to advise you further?

[mike220]

Good idea - known to anyone ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Mike

[bigdods]

Just read the ad

Waxoyled last September so you won't have to worry about that for another 5 years.

[Zippee]

mike220 said:

Is this usual to have some discrepancies in build spec when approaching model change time ? Would you expect this to affect value (price as pre-facelift or facelift etc. ?)

Quite common - especially around 96/97 when a lot of the facelift changes were gradually brought in.
I've seen a couple of Chims with facelift front end and the old style door openers.
Make sure you HPI it and if at all worried take it along to a TVR garage near the seller to have it checked over - not sure of any around Sheffield way but I'm sure some people will be along soon to advise further.
Also - may be worth checking where he's had the car serviced in the past, if he's a regular somewhere they may be able to fill you in further on the background.
Good luck though - vry nice colour combo!

[mike220]

Serviced at mole valley in Redhill (Surrey) for most of it according to the owner.

Waxoyl done by RT racing in Sheffield, which apparently is a TVR specialist ?

Agree - colour combo is excellent, that's what's drawing me to it even though ideally I want a 450 !

Well I think you've settled my mind a bit ref. the build mix on the car. I thought that may be the case, but had to ask. I may go take a look at this one then

Cheers,

Mike

[Zippee]

mike220 said:

Waxoyl done by RT racing in Sheffield, which apparently is a TVR specialist ?

If you do go to have a look at it then get it booked in with them for an inspection. Richard Thorpe is pretty well respected on here!

[mike220]

I may ring them then to speak to him about the car ? If I don't get the chance to go and see it tomorrow (unlikely) then its worth a call on Monday I guess.

Thanks,

Mike

[Aubrey]

Yes mine is a 97 and has the facelift dash and door buttons, but old style rear lights and button boot hinge. They'll soon change