Dan Trent: Chimaera – TVR as it should be
Dan Trent
If Les Edgar, Gordon Murray and the rest of the team involved in TVR's rebirth want to pin a moment in the brand's history where it all came together, I reckon they could do worse than to look at the Chimaera. To me, it's the point where TVR was maturing into a 'proper' car brand and just on the cusp of the madness that would launch the more extrovert models of its final phase. But still in touch with the more timeless, classic sports car image that had served it well up to that point. There's your inspiration lads!
I love the look of the Chimaera. Ostensibly it's a very traditional British roadster with those gentle curves, clean lines and quietly muscular proportions. But the details show signs of some of the more eccentric design flourishes that later evolved into more bonkers Tuscans, T350s, Tamoras and Sagaris. They're tucked away, though, be that the finned vents along the bonnet sides, the scalloped doors or the clear-lensed rear lights. The interior is the same, with swathes of leather over bold structural sweeps but a very traditional combination of colours and with that old-school walnut dash and white-faced dials. Classic without looking old-fashioned it's simply a handsome car.
They're similarly old-school to drive too. By modern standards even the 300bhp-plus of the big 5.0-litre V8 option is pretty lazy, the 4.0s, 4.3s and 4.5s offering little more power than a modern hot hatch. But they're light, simple and uncorrupted by gizmos - you get out what you put in, for better or worse. And it's a car about sensations, be that the noise, the feedback through the controls or the proactive driving style it demands. You might not actually be going that fast but it'll always feel exciting, which for 'fast road' driving is way more appropriate than spec sheet numbers.
If it starts, right? Oh sure, we've all heard the stories. But take a proactive approach, stay on top of engine service intervals and make sure the spaceframe steel frame under that GRP body is rust free and solid and owners report Chimaeras to be more dependable than many make out. Good ones will always be in demand and hold their money, which helps offset the investment required to keep it sweet.
The best cars are in the mid to high 20s in price now, for which you should expect one with all the work done. You can pay half that but bear in mind body-off chassis repairs could wipe out that saving in one hit. I've been looking in the high-teens for cars with a few miles but evidence of good care along the way. This privately offered one-owner 500 has the attraction of the big engine and more macho non-assisted steering option. But having said it's about the experience as much as the performance I think I'd be happy with a 4.0-litre like this classy 'strawberries and cream' example offered by a TVR specialist.
As a high days and holidays special for road trips at home and abroad, I think it would do me very nicely indeed. Sure, there are faster, more reliable and comfortable ways to get from A to B. But a car like this is more about the journey than the destination. Where do I sign?
tvr
Dan Trent
Chimaera
