1997 TVR Chimaera review from UK and Ireland
"The greatest fun for the least money"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Some electrical glitches (indicator switch repaired).
Overheated (resolved by adding Leven alloy radiator & a heat-shield).
Side window seals not entirely watertight (very minor).
General comments?
A sophisticated, sexy design with loads of character; and few around, so it gets noticed. A true sports car, with its low broad stance, it attracts respectful reactions and admiring looks. If you want to smile and be smiled at, by women in particular, this is it. Driving with the top down in summer is an experience - so this is what George Clooney feels like?
Tremendous performance, huge torque and acceleration (a great sensation); however, its reputation is well-known, so no need to prove it.
Great guttural sound up to a deep roar at speed. Drives very smoothly, blazingly quick, and no problems if you stay calm and alert, and are mildly competent - 'scary stories' seem exaggerated as long as you respect that it is a very powerful car, especially on wet roads.
The interior is superbly designed with original details (aluminium fluted door-opener between seats, etc.). Getting all the Leven Technology aluminium upgrades to the cabin (indicator stalks, hand-brake, etc.) is worth it to complete the already excellent design.
Toyo Proxes T1R tyres make it very grippy and it corners superbly (26 psi rear/24 psi front), and Shell V-Power makes it run even better.
Lots of excellent specialised TVR mechanics around, and plenty spare parts to last a lifetime. Not cheap to run if maintained properly, but the reasonable price for this type of car/engine far off-sets the slightly higher cost.
Other cars pale in comparison. It makes driving fun. Cannot imagine ever giving up my TVR and won't - there is no going back.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 litre V8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 45000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW M3 |
| Date of Entry | 4th December, 2007 |