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1997 TVR Chimaera

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£12,720

  • Mileage~49,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine4.0L
  • LocationSouthampton

SOLD

1997 TVR Chimaera

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

A lightweight fibreglass shell and a Rover V8, this car is all about the thrill and excitement on challenging roads.

The performance-focused manufacturer TVR, produced the Chimaera between 1992 to 2003. The Blackpool-born company started around 1947 and has produced some of the most iconic lightweight sports cars the UK has ever seen.

The Chimaera hits the sweet spot between a highly focused performance car and a useable weekend driver. Under the lightweight fibreglass bonnet, you'll find the Rover V8 with its simple and strong mechanics. And underneath the body, the Chimaera was based on the same tubular chassis as the Griffith, but with a slight focus on comfort and more luggage space. It quickly became TVR's best-selling model, surpassing the Griffith and was praised for its balanced handling.

This Chimaera is a real cherished drivers car, with ~49,000 miles on the clock, and having been with it's current owner for 18 years. An all important manual gearbox of course, and finished in the popular colour of "Cosmos Blue" over a cream leather interior.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Rod the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

With the combination of a powerful V8 in a lightweight car, it never fails to entertain.

Rod purchased the car in 2004, he went to visit a TVR dealership at the time with a friend who fancied a Griffith rather than catching the TVR bug himself. After a little shopping around and a test drive he really fancied this example, with its low mileage and attractive colourway, he was sold.

Rod couldn't appraise the TVR enough, he loves the power-to-weight ratio and the way the car handles. He reports the car has been given any mechanical attention when required, along with yearly MOTs. Rod will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

Rod
Vehicle Owner

Rod saved £2,160* when they
sold their TVR with us.

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Exterior

Instantly recognisable curves and styling queues, 25 years later, this TVR still looks modern.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 5-spoke wheels which look in good condition on this example. There is some surface corrosion under the paint on some of them, but on the whole they present well.

Toyo Proxies tyres wrap these alloys, all presented in good condition. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

The car stands straight and true, panel gaps etc look good across the car. We did find one or two very light stone chips to the front, as you would expect from a car with 25 years on the road.

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

Paint

Finished in a lovely deep and reflective "Cosmos Blue", a real timeless colour for this sports car. The deep blue colour is consistent and looks even across each panel.

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 hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All the glass, rubber and seals appear in great condition in line with the age and mileage of the car.

Take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view of the glass and trim.

Interior

An all leather interior adds a bit of luxury to the cabin on this driver focused sports car.

Seats and Carpets

The cream leather seats and interior is a very attractive highlight in this car, pairing well against the "Cosmos Blue" paintwork. Overall the seats are in great condition within this TVR, the drivers seat has a bit of patina with age.

The deep blue carpets tell a very similar story throughout, take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Dashboard

The dashboard appears in line with the rest of the interior, in great condition throughout. The cream dials, switches, controls and gauges look great and Rod reports they're all working.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the interior.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both the original TVR items, the steering wheel and gear stick appear to be in great original condition, the stitching and condition of the covers look good on both, ready to be enjoyed by the new owner.

Mechanics

TVR doing what they do best, combining incredible power with lightweight shells to produce a performance-focused sports car.

Engine and Gearbox

We've captured a detailed mechanical video that shows the car out on the road and a view around the engine bay. On the short trip out, the car went through the gears with apparent ease. Please take a look at the detailed media pack to see a closer view of the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension consisted of all-around independent, unequal-length double wishbones and coil-over gas dampers assisted by anti-roll bars.

The front disc brakes were 239 mm and rear discs were 253 mm, servo-assisted with front/rear split dual circuits. There is a cable-operated hand brake for the rear wheels.

Rod reports the suspension and brakes work as they should, stopping on-demand performance for the 4L.

The Drive

Previous TVR models have been reported to be unruly beasts on the road. The Chimaera is something different, it hits the sweet spot for many sitting somewhere between a widow maker and a useable weekend toy.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car on the road.

Electrics and Other

The Chimaera is packed with electrical features far ahead of its time, we love the push to open door switches under the wingmirrors, and dials within the cabin.

Rod reports all the switches, lights and buttons work as they should.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from 18 years of ownership, with ~49,000 miles covered in its life, only 2,200 left and still accessible by enthusiasts.

Registered new on the 24th June 1997, this car has been enjoyed by Rod over the last eighteen years. Take a look at the media to see all the history included within the sale of the car. If you're in the market for a usable modern performance classic, this Chimaera is the car for you - V8 performance blended with a timeless lightweight shell and finished in the attractive "Cosmos Blue" paint - what more could you want.

Rod will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
05.07.2022 MOT 48,740
19.07.2021 MOT 48,669
02.07.2020 MOT 48,494
02.07.2019 MOT 48,382
28.06.2018 MOT 48,192
05.07.2017 MOT 47,908
12.07.2016 MOT 47,720
04.07.2015 MOT 47,463
12.07.2014 MOT 47,390
13.07.2013 MOT 47,338
14.07.2012 MOT 47,302
09.07.2011 MOT 47,213
19.07.2010 MOT 47,045
12.06.2009 MOT 46,883
12.06.2009 Service 46,883
10.06.2008 MOT 46,372
10.06.2008 Service 46,360
06.06.2007 MOT 44,782
06.06.2007 Service 44,782
07.07.2006 MOT 43,400
07.06.2006 Service 43,292
08.07.2005 Service 41,525
15.06.2004 Service 39,776
05.06.2003 Service 36,009
16.11.2002 Service 34,638
11.09.2001 Service 30,370
17.01.2001 Service 25,108
17.12.1999 Service 17,021
23.02.1999 Service 11,096
22.04.1998 Service 6,176
16.07.1997 Service 1,082
Key Details
  • ModelChimaera
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date24.06.1997
  • CC3,952
  • Mileage~49,000
  • HistoryGreat
  • ColourCosmos Blue
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SDLDCC4P7VF011729
  • Engine #37A40P5194
  • MOTYes. Exp - 18.07.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers4
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned18 years
  • Key FeatureOwnership and condition
  • Auction ID503707







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
voice2voice
Member
voice2voice

Hi Rod We appreciate all of your comments but in your opinion is there anything that will require to be sorted in the near future paying particular attention to structure work

Thanks
Paul

voice2voice
Member
voice2voice

Hi Rod are the outriggers OK I appreciate a little rust but is it just superficial

Paul

voice2voice
Member
voice2voice

Hi Rod being six feet two would I be comfortable. I have wanted one of these cars for years
kind regards

Paul

TVRMan
Member
TVRMan

As a long term TVR owner (I currently have a Tuscan), I just can’t bid blind on this. Picking up mog1969 question, please can you provide details of the three services you refer to, the specialist used, work done and cost involved. Not being difficult, but it’s impossible to assess a TVR and price it realistically without this information

mgp1969
Member
mgp1969

Has it really not had a service since 2009(!) or is that an error?

Cerberos
Member
Cerberos

Given that is been coming up on the MOTs since 2009 ,did you ever get a quote for having the outriggers replaced?

( You will appreciate that this is the biggest thing with the TVR chimera, and very well know, and it has an inevitability factor that they ALL will eventually need replacing, and most have by this age.)

andywallis
Member
andywallis

Hi Rod, I noted the last service was in 2009 – please can tell me whether its had any service or work done since then and if its been stored please can you tell me where/how its been stored. Please could also let me know if its had any chasis/outrigger work done and when and also if there were any advisroires on the latest MOT. Very many thanks

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Vehicle Location

Southampton

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