TVR Chimaera

The best cross continents; the worst swallow your savings. Here’s how to bag a bargain TVR

PROJECT

IS IT DAMAGED?

Sadly, crash damage is relatively common among non-roadworthy TVRs. Before deciding whether you can restore it, you’ll need to know if the chassis is out of alignment.

CHECK IT FOR ROT

Chassis outriggers rust badly. Replacement sections are common, so check the quality of any welding. A complete chassis will cost upwards of £4000.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Getting bits isn’t usually a problem because production totalled around 6000, but spec isn’t always what it’s ‘supposed’ to be…

USABLE HAS IT BEEN USED?

Even at this price, mileage is often fewer than 80,000 miles. Lack of use causes issues, so do check the history for servicing, especially oil changes every 6000 miles.

CHECK ITS COOLING

Five litres really was stretching what the Rover V8 could handle. It’ll overheat the moment there are cooling issues so frequent coolant flushes are paramount.

BENEATH THE SKIN

The glassfibre bodywork is great at concealing rust, so don’t buy sight-unseen. Water ingress also has a habit of causing electrical havoc.

GOOD

UPGRADES...

Established mods that improve usability and reliability (such as a Canems ECU) increase desirability. Check with enthusiasts to learn what upgrades are respected.

... AND DOWNGRADES

Beware thrashed track-day cars that don’t deserve to cost this much, despite expensive mods. Avoid garish alloy wheels and brash exhausts.

CHECK THE TOYS

Optional extras that increase value include power steering and air-con, but they mustn’t take priority over condition. Prioritise your hunt for corrosion.

CONCOURS IS IT WORTH IT?

This price range is typically reserved for sub-50,000-mile cars, usually with an established specialist’s seal of approval.

CHECK CAREFULLY

Top prices apply both to fully restored Chimaeras and mollycoddled examples – typically enthusiast-owned and garaged from new.

PRETTY (AND) POWERFUL

Power matters, so 500s are worth the most, early 400s the least. Some buyers seek the cosmetically refreshed models, mainly 1996- and 2000-on.