Description
1996 TVR Chimaera 4.0 in Cooper Green, an original TVR colour, with cream leather and green carpets. First registered 18 April 1997, showing 64k miles.
Powered by the TVR modded 4.0-litre Rover V8 with a five-speed manual gearbox. It starts, runs, drives and brakes well, all electrics work, and it sounds as a TVR should.
Both outriggers were replaced with the body in situ by respected TVR specialists Lloyd Specialist Developments in 2021. This formed part of £5,948 of work that also included a major service, clutch kit, rear main seal, sump reseal, engine and gearbox mounts, braided brake hoses, upgraded Gates R14 fuel hoses, differential bush, roof/window seals and new headlamp reflectors. Photographs of the work are available.
The comprehensive 68-page digital history begins with the original Mole Valley dealer PDI at 24 miles and includes a stamped service book with 17 entries, MOT records and invoices from recognised specialists including H.R. Owen, Lloyd Specialist Developments and Southways Automotive. Documented invoices and receipts total more than £18,800.
Recent maintenance includes a 2023 service and rear brake pads; a 2024 Southways service and clutch master cylinder; a January 2025 oil service and sump reseal; and a March 2025 Southways service with gearbox and limited-slip differential oil changes. The oil-pressure sender threads were also resealed and tested with no leak present.
This car retains its original non-assisted steering, giving excellent feel and feedback once moving. It also has the later dashboard with rotary headlight control and door-release buttons beneath the mirrors.
The car remains largely original and unmodified, including its indicators, staggered 15/16-inch wheels and exhaust. Its replacement hood and plastic rear screen are in good condition. Uniroyal RainSport 5 rear tyres and Toyo Proxes fronts all have good tread.
Equipment includes a Pioneer SPH-20 DAB head unit, aftermarket speakers, cup holder, battery and longer boot strut for easier refuelling. Supplied with both keys and two Meta alarm remotes; the troublesome original immobiliser has been deleted.
This is a sound, honest and very usable Chimaera rather than a concours car, with minor age-related cosmetic imperfections. It has proved reliable during my ownership and is ready to enjoy. Bought earlier this year and now for sale only to reduce the number of vehicles I own and free garage space.