1999 TVR CHIMAERA 450

This TVR Chimaera 450 is a superb example of the muscular, no-frills British sports car, benefiting from comprehensive maintenance and a sports exhaust system. Under the bonnet lies the 4.5-litre V8, producing around 285bhp and 310lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer reads 61,319 miles from new, and the car is now for sale at No Reserve.

This UK-market Chimaera was initially registered on 19 October 1999. Owned and enjoyed by the current vendor for the past seven years, it is now offered to another enthusiast, with the cherished ‘TOY’ number plate included in the sale.

Still looking elegant in its original finish of Crystal Verde metallic, this TVR exhibits an honest finish throughout, with some stone chips and marks around the front end – though much of it is evidently protected by an older paint protection film application. A thin but deep scuff is present on the nearside front wheel arch, which has gone down to the fibreglass. The low-slung underbody has some scuffs and scratches, some of which are only visible if you are on your knees peering below the car.

Ultimately, this TVR would benefit from some cosmetic attention in the future, but in the meantime it is a well-maintained example that can be relished on the road without worrying about getting the odd nick or chip in the paintwork. There is some slight delamination on the windscreen, which is clearly visible in the extensive photo documentation in the gallery.

The green fabric soft top remains in good condition overall, with some wear to the corner sections around the windows, which is again clearly shown in the photos below. The plastic rear screen has some superficial marks, but is not split or otherwise damaged. The TVR retains its original 15-inch five-spoke alloys, which have previously been refurbished in an anthracite hue. There is some kerbing damage on the nearside front rim, but the other three wheels appear to be in superb order.

Inside, the TVR’s dark green leather interior remains original, with no rips or tears to either of the supportive seats, and with signs of general light use plus some more noticeable wear on the driver’s seat outer bolster and headrest. The leather-clad dashboard, transmission tunnel and door cards remain in impressive condition.

The dashboard’s wooden trim remains in good order throughout, while all switchgear is functional. No warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard, while only minor signs of wear are visible on the handbrake, gear knob and the aftermarket wood rim steering wheel.

This Chimaera was last serviced in June 2019 at 59,780 miles by Kent TVR. This was a 6,000-mile service, which also included fitment of a new temperature gauge and repairs carried out to the windscreen washer jets.

During the vendor’s ownership, the car has been maintained to a regular service schedule, with replacement of worn items as needed through preventative maintenance. A sports exhaust system has also been fitted, giving a deeper voice to the TVR’s distinctive v8 soundtrack.

The most recent MOT test was on 23 June 2020 at 60,717 miles. A minor defect was recorded for wear to the steering rack rubber gaiter, which the vendor states will need to be replaced soon. An advisory was noted for a non-excessive oil leak, but the vendor says that the TVR does not consume oil. The wheels are shod in Goodyear Eagle items at the front and Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres at the rear. They are all reported to be in good condition with plenty of tread.

This TVR Chimaera 450 is an exciting and idiosyncratic sports car, which is a delight to savour on the open road. Offering a gloriously analogue driving experience set to a naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, this example remains in good mechanical order, and its minor cosmetic imperfections could be gradually attended to over time, to bring this car up to a superb standard.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.