BaT Auction: 1993 TVR Chimaera 4.0

This 1993 TVR Chimaera 4.0 is a right-hand-drive example that was first sold by TVR Hertfordshire in the UK and imported to the US in October 2018, and the car was featured on BaT before it was acquired by the seller on BaT in August 2019. Power comes from a 4.0-liter Rover V8 paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and the car is finished in metallic gray over gray leather upholstery. Equipment includes a removable black roof panel, a folding rear window, staggered-diameter alloy wheels, a wood and leather-trimmed dashboard, Bilstein coilover suspension, and a factory stereo with CD and cassette players. This TVR is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, partial service records, importation documents, stamped service records, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

The Chimaera was introduced for 1993 and shared its chassis and running gear with the contemporary Griffith. This example had its body removed and chassis reconditioned in 2002, and it was refinished in metallic gray in 2006. Exterior features include a removable roof panel, folding rear soft top, and dual exhaust outlets. The doors are operated via buttons mounted on the tops of the rear fenders, and noted imperfections include scrapes on the underside of the front air dam and chips on the rear fenders, some of which have been touched up.

Silver-finished 15″ front and 16″ rear alloy wheels with TVR-logo center caps are wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tires, which measure 205/55 up front and 225/50 out back. Adjustable Bilstein shocks with coilover springs are fitted at each corner, and stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes.

Gray leather upholstery covers the twin bucket seats as well as the dashboard, door panels, and padded center console. Amenities include a factory stereo with CD and cassette players, an alloy shift knob, black floor mats, Chimaera-branded alloy sill plates, and power windows and mirrors.

The dashboard features burl wood paneling, and a wood-rimmed MOMO steering wheel fronts white TVR-branded gauges including a 190-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and an analog clock. The six-digit mechanical odometer indicates under 84k miles, fewer than 200 of which were added by the seller. Records indicate that the odometer transducer was replaced in 2002 and the speedometer and tachometer were reconditioned in 2006, and total mileage is unknown.

The 4.0-liter Rover V8 is mounted behind the front axle and was rated at 240 horsepower with 270 lb-ft of torque when new. Bottom-end work in 2006 included replacement of a piston and multiple rings, while a replacement radiator, thermostat, hydraulic lifters, and gaskets were fitted in January 2019 along with a powder-coated intake manifold and valve covers. Ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds route to a downpipe located in front of the engine.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The seller notes an oil leak, and additional underside photos are provided in the gallery below.

Photos documenting the 2002 refurbishment are included in the gallery below along with records totaling nearly £9,000 (~$13,500 in 2002) for the chassis reconditioning and additional work completed at the time.

Stamped service records, manufacturer’s literature, and importation documents are also included in the sale.

Comments