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FOR SALE

1995 TVR Chimaera 400

£10,950

Good History File | Iconic '90s Sports Car | New Windscreen

  • Mileage~95,097 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.9-litre
  • LocationNottingham

£10,950

1995 TVR Chimaera 400

Premium Classified Sale

Introduction

Ashley Dawson
Professional Consigner

Few British sports cars capture the raw, analogue spirit of driving quite like the TVR Chimaera.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the Chimaera quickly became one of TVR’s most successful models, combining dramatic styling with thrilling V8 performance. Powered by the Rover-derived V8 engine and built around TVR’s lightweight philosophy, it delivered serious pace alongside the unmistakable soundtrack that has made the marque legendary among enthusiasts.

The Chimaera’s long sweeping bonnet, muscular rear arches and compact roadster proportions give it a presence that remains unmistakable today. Simple, fast and engaging, it represents everything enthusiasts love about classic British sports cars, a driver-focused machine built purely for enjoyment.

Coming from just over a year with our vendor, this particular 1995 Chimaera 400 presents beautifully in a deep metallic red, paired with a contrasting cream leather interior. With its timeless design, charismatic V8 engine and open-top driving experience, it offers a fantastic opportunity to own one of TVR’s most celebrated models.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Frank the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior

The exterior of this TVR Chimaera presents as a striking and well-kept example, finished in a deep metallic red that suits the car’s muscular curves perfectly.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on the original TVR five-spoke alloy wheels which suit the design perfectly. The wheels present well overall with some light age-related marks visible, consistent with the car’s age.

The tyres appear in good visual condition and look to have plenty of life remaining. Nexen tyres on the front are close to new. The rears are Bridgestone, they show light wear but in overall good condition with plenty of tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The design remains unmistakably TVR, with its long sweeping bonnet, rounded front end and wide rear stance giving the car a purposeful yet elegant presence.

The fibreglass bodywork appears straight and well presented. The flowing panels and distinctive TVR styling lines remain crisp, and the car maintains a strong overall presence from every angle.

Frank tells us that the car was recently taken to Carizma, TVR body specialists in Melton Mowbray who steam cleaned the underside, lifted the body, checked the chassis and replaced the outriggers on both sides - the underside was then totally treated with a liberal coat of Waxoyle.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The metallic red paintwork has a deep gloss finish which highlights the Chimaera’s sculpted bodywork beautifully. As to be expected, there are some small age-related marks visible upon closer inspection, but overall the paint presents well and retains a rich shine.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears clear and free from damage.

Since we photographed the car Frank has had a new windscreen fitted by National Windscreens and he's supplied the images you'll see at the end of the Exterior section. The External video remains the same and you'll see the old windscreen with a crack in the corner, please disregard this footage.

There is a new Targa roof to side window seal with the car.

The trim pieces, lights and badges appear complete and in good condition, with the rear Chimaera badge and lighting units presenting particularly well.

Interior

Inside, the Chimaera offers a classic TVR cockpit, blending traditional British sports car character with a driver-focused layout.

Seats and Carpets

Since we took the photos Frank tells us that the interior has recently been valeted and features cream leather and matching trim which contrasts nicely with the deep red exterior.

The seats show patina commensurate with the car’s age, with a small section of stitching between the bolster and side panel requiring re-stitching (approximately 25mm).

Dashboard

The distinctive TVR dashboard features its signature white-faced gauges and sweeping layout across the cabin.

The leather dash top and trim is in great condition and presents well overall.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is an aftermarket TVR-style sports wheel finished with a carbon-fibre look and alloy spokes.

The gear stick and surrounding trim appear tidy and consistent with careful use.

Mechanics

At the heart of the Chimaera 400 is the well-known Rover-derived V8 engine, delivering the strong performance and unmistakable soundtrack that TVR enthusiasts love.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay is tidy and complete, with the 4.0-litre V8 sitting prominently beneath the long bonnet.

The engine sounds strong and healthy in operation, producing the characteristic V8 burble expected from a Chimaera.

Frank gave us an update after a recent trip and said, "Having recently driven the car over the May Bank Holiday weekend in hot weather, there was no smoke, temperature ran at normal temperature and oil pressure was good approx 15psi at tick over and approx 35psi driving".

The engine was serviced at 94,983 miles. A new Megasquirt ECU and Loom was fitted at 76,000 miles.

The MT75 gearbox and linkages were replaced at 76,000 miles and operates as intended and complements the car’s performance well. The differential was replaced at about the same time.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension provides the engaging road feel that TVR drivers appreciate.

Both the rear Gaz and Bilstein front shock absorbers replaced at 76,000 miles.

The braking system performs as expected and provides confident stopping power. The front brake discs and pads were recently replaced with reconditioned callipers.

The Drive

The Chimaera delivers a thrilling and engaging driving experience. With its lightweight construction and torquey V8 engine, the car offers strong performance alongside the raw analogue character that defines the TVR brand.

Frank has confirmed everything is in working order, and the car feels tight with no unwanted noises.

Electrics and Other

The car’s electrical systems appear typical of the straightforward nature of TVR engineering, contributing to the car’s simple and driver-focused appeal.

All the electrics are in working order.

A new battery and offside headlamp were recently fitted.

The ECU and loom was replaced at 76,000 miles.

History and Paperwork

This TVR Chimaera is accompanied by a reassuring amount of paperwork, reflecting ongoing ownership and maintenance.

The car comes with a good collection of invoices and MOT records documenting work carried out over the years. During Frank’s ownership, a notable amount of work has been completed on the car, with supporting paperwork to show the improvements made.

Together, this documentation provides useful insight into the car’s upkeep and demonstrates the care that has gone into maintaining the Chimaera during Frank’s time with it.

Some of the work carried out over the years includes:

Work undertaken by Frank:
New front tyres, discs, pads and reconditioned calipers
New battery, headlight and wipers
Underside steam cleaned, new outriggers fitted both sides and underneath totally waxoyled by specialists Carizma in Melton Mowbray

Work undertaken by previous owner:
Engine service at 94,985 miles
Paintwork to front end tidied up
New hood stated (no receipt)

Major work extracted from history:
New MT75 gearbox, linkages and differential (circa 76,000 miles)
New Megasquirt ECU and loom (circa 76,000 miles)
New Gaz and Bilstein shock absorbers (Circa 76,000 miles)
Differential mounting bushes at 90,000 miles

The car has covered just 56 miles since its last MOT, although this may increase slightly.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
01/10/2025 MOT 95,090
23/07/2024 Service 94,983
02/04/2024 MOT 94,718
31/03/2023 MOT 94,237
01/04/2022 MOT 93,015
30/03/2021 MOT 92,022
09/03/2020 MOT 89,424
19/09/2018 Service 84,817 (Inaccurate Reading)
03/04/2019 MOT 88,865
13/03/2018 MOT 84,227
16/03/2017 MOT 83,193
16/03/2016 MOT 79,596
17/03/2015 MOT 77,848
09/09/2014 Service 77,513
06/03/2014 MOT 76,091
24/06/2013 Service 74,679
20/03/2013 MOT 73,756
14/05/2012 Service 72,276
22/03/2012 MOT 71,993
08/03/2011 MOT 71,990
03/02/2010 MOT 71,424
23/04/2009 MOT 71,418
22/11/2007 MOT 70,150
21/12/2006 MOT 69,907
22/03/2006 MOT 68,935
24/03/2005 MOT 67,052
26/03/2004 Service 61,580
15/03/2004 MOT 61,580
24/03/2003 MOT 55,267
17/01/2003 Service 53,831
01/09/2002 MOT 49,811
28/06/2002 Service 48,289
16/01/2002 Service 42,221
24/09/2001 MOT 37,959
11/08/2001 Service 32,092
21/09/2000 MOT 24,635
19/01/1999 MOT 17,540
Key Details
  • ModelChimaera 400
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date21.09.1995
  • CC3952
  • Mileage~95,097 on clock
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SDLDCC4P2SJ011758
  • Engine #37A40P3070
  • MOTYes valid until 30.09.2026
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers11
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 Year
  • Vehicle RegistrationN836ASG
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3477

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Nottingham

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