1999 TVR Chimaera 400 |

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1999 TVR Chimaera 400

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

Sold Price

£9,995

Mileage~84,866 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine4.0L
LocationGlossop

SOLD

1999 TVR Chimaera 400

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Hand-built, stylish two-seater with a 4.0-litre V8 – what’s not to love.

TVR is notorious for doing things a little differently. 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 usable weekend toy. Under the lightweight fibreglass bonnet, you'll find the Rover V8 – built around simple and strong mechanics – underneath the body, the Chimaera was based on the same tubular chassis as the Griffith, but with more forgiving suspension and more luggage space. As time passed, it quickly became TVR’s best-selling model, surpassing the Griffith, and despite its laid-back setting, many actually preferred the handling balance of the Chimaera.

This well maintained car comes with its original service book, complete with extra pages to extend the history. Joining the 4.0-litre V8 is a sports exhaust, new tyres, leather interior and outriggers replaced.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Steve 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

I sold my last one so we could buy a motorhome – it was soon time for another.

This isn’t Steve’s first rodeo with a TVR; he has owned a Chimaera before, which was sold in favour of a motorhome, as he and his wife thought that would get more use.

It didn’t last long before the urge to get behind the wheel of a V8 was back, and Steve purchased this 1999 Chimaera.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, the TVR hasn’t been used as much as he'd hoped, and rather than leaving it sitting unused, it is being sold so someone else can enjoy this British classic.

Steve will be happy to answer any questions below.

Steve

Vehicle Owner

Steve saved £1,620* when they
sold their TVR with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Early 90s styling from TVR didn’t disappoint; the Chimaera looks on point from every angle.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels have been replaced at some point with upgraded 17” TVR wheels. These are in good order; there are a few minor light kerb marks, but they could quite easily be refurbished.

The Uniroyal Rainsport 5 tyres have been replaced by Steve within the past 12 months and are therefore in excellent condition, with plenty of tread remaining.

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 bodywork on the Chimaera is in good order, with even panel gaps.

Importantly, as any prospective TVR buyer will want to know, have the outriggers been replaced? The answer to this question, you’ll be pleased to know, is yes - these were replaced in 2015.

We noticed a small crack in the top corner of the passenger-side bonnet.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail 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 to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in, according to the original owner’s manual/service book, Rolls-Royce 'Black Sapphire', the deep metallic blue paintwork presents well.

There are the usual age-related stone chips on the front and marks e.g. on the edge of the doors.

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

Glass and Trim

The windscreen in the TVR is in good condition, with no excessive chips or scratches noted on the windscreen or side windows, and the plastic rear window is free of any splits.

The lightweight carbon fibre removable fabric roof is in good condition and can be removed in seconds for stowage in the boot.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A 'Magnolia' leather interior is a classic combination and a great contrast to the deep blue exterior.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats are finished in 'Magnolia' leather and are in good condition, with just light signs of age to them, but no damage.

The blue carpets throughout are in very good condition, with no signs of excessive wear.

Dashboard

The dashboard is trimmed in blue leather across the top and magnolia, to match the seats.

All the instruments are in good working condition, and the odometer shows ~84,866 miles at the time of visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with the original Personal three-spoke steering wheel, this is in good order, with minimal signs of age.

The aluminium gear knob is in good condition and just has a few minor age-related scratches, which are inevitable with an aluminium gear knob.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The V8 TVR sounds fantastic as it is – but… put a sports exhaust on and it takes it to a new level.

Engine and Gearbox

The 4.0-litre V8 fires up nicely and runs with no issues reported. Steve has recently had the spark plugs, HT leads and oil replaced. There is also an aluminum radiator fitted with twin fans and a sports exhaust fitted, allowing you to hear the V8 in all its glory, and what a fantastic tune it plays!

The manual five-speed gearbox has a short, precise shift, and the car pulls strongly through each gear.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the car is firm without being harsh, and there are no knocks or bangs from either corner of the TVR.

Steve has had some work carried out to the brakes, ensuring everything is in good order, and the car comes to a stop in a straight line, with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

Driving the TVR Chimaera 4.0-litre V8 doesn’t get much more of a raw, analogue feel, defined by its thunderous naturally aspirated V8 and lightweight rear-wheel-drive chassis.

With no electronic aids, the steering and throttle feel immediate and involving, demanding respect but very rewarding when treated right.

Electrics and Other

All of the aluminium switchgear appears to be in good condition, with minimal signs of age, and is said to all be working correctly.

The head unit does have MP3 and USB functions, enabling you to connect and easily play your own music.

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History and Paperwork

Service stamps suggest the TVR has been well-maintained for many years.

The original service book is present, which has even had extra pages added to extend the history.

There is a great stack of invoices showing work carried out on the TVR over the years. The most important one is probably to confirm the car had the outriggers replaced in 2015.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
16.04.2025	MOT	84,042
24.07.2024	MOT	83,544
01.09.2023	Service	82,701
02.08.2023	MOT	82,592
14.07.2022	MOT	80,598
19.07.2021	Service	80,837
22.06.2021	MOT	80,387
13.07.2020	MOT	78,331
18.06.2020	Service	77,992
05.07.2019	MOT	75,788
22.05.2019	Service	75,166
08.06.2018	MOT	71,916
24.02.2018	Service	71,261
22.06.2017	MOT	69,594
13.06.2016	MOT	67,558
08.07.2015	Service	66,448
07.07.2015	MOT	66,448
17.06.2014	MOT	65,886
06.06.2013	MOT	63,169
13.07.2012	MOT	61,516
07.07.2012	Service	61,513
06.07.2011	MOT	58,849
19.07.2010	MOT	56,261
19.07.2010	Service	56,256
12.08.2009	MOT	53,833
12.08.2009	Service	53,829
12.08.2008	MOT	49,584
12.08.2008	Service	59,583
10.08.2007	Service	45,147
10.08.2007	MOT	45,145
15.01.2007	Service	41,567
20.10.2006	MOT	40,508
25.01.2006	Service	36,538
30.09.2003	Service	28,043
04.03.2003	Service	20,011
13.11.2001	Service	17,403
19.09.2000	Service	8,673
17.08.1999	Service	6,084
08.04.1999	Service	1,382
01.03.1999	Pre-Delivery Inspection	46