1998 TVR Chimaera

This model is the 4.0, which refers to the volume of its Alloy V8 engine which produced 240BHP and 310lbs/ft of torque. The Chimaera came with a high compression engine in the same 4.0litre guise, however, there have been reports by owners that they would cause issues to the car if not properly maintained, so the 4.0 is seemingly the one to have. At the time, the performance was electrifying, with 5.1 seconds to 60 mph, and 152 miles per hour being claimed as achievable in the right circumstances.

The exterior of the TVR is in good condition with the paint not fading or crazing anywhere, there are the usual stone chips but nothing outside of the usual expected wear for this age of vehicle. It has been kept in very good condition during its time with the current owner. The paintwork is ‘Rosso pearl’ and it still has its deep shine and glossy appearance, the red paint contrasts beautifully with the black mohair roof. All the lights are in good working order throughout as are the rest of the electrics, the wiper motor which has been an issue in the past is working well ensuring you can see where you’re going in the inevitable wet whether the UK throws at us. Keeping you in contact with the road in all conditions are the tyres, which look in good condition with plenty of tread depth with no cracking or splitting of the rubber. The wheels themselves are also in good condition, giving the red and black exterior theme more attention adding some silver.

The hood is in great condition with no rips, tears or damage at all, it looks as though its near new with the removable mohair section having its own storage bag. The rear window is free from any damage or sections that aren’t see through and the fit is tight and consistent. The small sections we have identified on the exterior are a slight scuff on the rear bumper, this is small and on the edge of a panel so isn’t noticeable straight away. There is a small dent on the rear passenger quarter, just above the rear light but this has been filled in with paint to prevent any further damage being caused. There is a minor area around the front passenger headlight which appears dented, perhaps from something being dropped on it.

Other than these small issues though the exterior of the TVR is in great condition and a real credit to the care it has received from its owners.

In the cabin of the TVR, the half hide magnolia trim is in great condition with no rips, tears or discoloration. The seats are both in good condition with the driver’s side bolsters being in good condition and not collapsing or having any rips. The wrap around dash houses the cream-coloured dials set against the wood veneer to add a touch of luxury into British sports car. The steering wheel is in good condition and has no rips tears or fraying of the material.

The carpets are Ruby red wool affairs and they have lasted very well indeed, there is really very little to suggest this car is 24 years old. There are no areas of excessive wear, no stains or damage to the carpets at all and they still look as though they have retained, their deep pile design. The dash is in great condition also and the red trim that covers it extends around to the door cars and is free from cracks or splits.

Starting in the engine bay, the 4.0 Litre unit looks in good health, there are no signs of fluid leaks, all the rubber hoses and metal pipework looks to be in good condition with no splits or cracking. The major visible components look free from damage or any lost paint work, the plastic components even look to be relatively fresh and not degraded from multiple heat cycles. Even the metal work of the bay is as clean and shiny as the exterior. It’s safe to assume then that this unit is in great health and that’s evidenced by the paperwork which corroborates the story we see.

Underneath the car now then, and aside from some minor road salt residue and some paint overspray from the factory, the underside of this Chimaera appears to be in exceptional order. There is no damage at all from any road debris or jacking up of the car in the wrong area, there is little to no surface rust underneath and the various components that make up the suspension set up all look to be in good health too. There is clear evidence of extra rust prevention methods at work and the paperwork again confirms that the TVR has had extra waxoyling since leaving the factory, which helps to explain the overall condition of the underside and chassis. This is excellent news for the longevity of these sometimes-fragile sports cars. Even the plastic undertrays are in good condition with little cracks or splits in them. The underside of this car is just as good as the top side.

The TVR comes with a full suite of paperwork including the V5 and the dealer books including owner’s manual and service manual complete with lots of service stamps. There are stacks of MOT certificates, tax discs, in car entertainment manuals, technician reports and a ring full of keys.

Service stamps are summarised below.

- Customer handover stamp - 19 miles – Hawthorns SHG-TVR – 20/11/97

- 1000-mile service – 1084 miles – Hawthorns SHG-TVR – 23/03/98

- 6000-mile service – 5950 miles – Henley Heritage TVR – 03/12/98

- 12,000-mile service – 10,935 miles – The Chequered Flag – 26/07/99

- 18,000-mile service – 14,595 miles – TVR Specialists Hammersmith – 12/07/00

- 24,000-mile service – 20,000 miles – Offord limited TVR specialist – 19/11/01

- 30,000-mile service – 23,786 miles – Motorvation motorsport – 17/01/03

- 36,000-mile service – 26,043 miles – TVRfix – 02/11/04

Service history and invoices are summarised below.

- Service, clean out and wax oil chassis gussets, renewed wiper relay – Elmwood Vehicle Services – 03/11/2004

- New starter motor and cabling – Techniques – 20/09/2019

- Security system install – Solutions – 02/09/2019

- New clutch slave cylinder, power steering pump – MTR vehicle repairs – 15/07/2021

- Technician inspection pre trackday, new fuel hose, PAS fluid top up – Prestige performance cars – 27/03/2018

- Replacement 12V fitting, waxoyl applied to underside, replacement passenger sealbelt mechanism, alarm system fault remedied – Techniques – 20/11/2017

- Wiper motor upgrade kit – Techniques – 22/11/2017

- TVR inspection – Techniques – 21/09/2017

- New fuel pump – Powerspark ignition – 21/05/2012

- Rear driveshaft CV boot – Racetech TVR – 13/04/2009

- Upper ball joint – TVR supplies – 21/03/2009

- Front brake disc – Rimstyle – 23/01/2008

- Goodridge hose kit – TVR Supplies – 21/07/2008

- Exhaust manifold left and right, clutch master cylinder - Austec racing – 28/03/2003

TVR was a proud British sports car manufacturer, and they created some truly great cars during their time, the Chimaera can definitely take its place amongst some of the most important and influential models for the brand.

Beside that heritage and prestige, it was a lightweight body housing a big burbling V8 powerplant giving the car the credibility to back up its styling’s claims. The story of the Chimaera’s design, the usability of the long-distance tourer mated to the thundering V8 engine and head turning looks make this TVR one to put firmly in the list for a usable classic, especially one that’s been taken care of this well.

Our estimate for this car is £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.