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TVR Chimaera

In production: 1991 - 2003 
​
Models: 400, 400HC, 430, 450, 500
TVR Chimaera

History

1993 - The Chimaera was first produced. The name was derived from Chimera, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology, which was made of the parts of multiple animals. It was designed by Peter Wheeler, John Ravenscroft and Peter's dog Ned, who rumour has it designed the front indicator recess.

The car was based on the Griffith 4.x running gear and chassis, and was fitted with a slightly softer suspension set up, with Bilstein dampers and a rear anti-roll bar. The car was provided with a 4.0ltr or 4.3ltr version of the Rover V8, as fitted to the Griffith, but with catalytic converters to meet 1993 regulations. The initial reviews of the car were very favourable.
​
TVR Chimaera
1994 - The first modification took place, when the Rover SD1 gearbox was replaced with a Borg-Warner T5 gearbox. This was followed by the introduction of the 5 litre engine as fitted to the Griffith 500.

1996 - was the first major overhaul of the Chimaera and usually referred to as the Mk2. It was at about this time that the Chimaera and the Griffith started to share the same chassis and brakes, although the dampers remained different. The Griffith also received the Chimaera's rear anti-roll bar. These changes were all under the surface and went unnoticed by the majority of people, but the biggest changes were cosmetic!
​
The wire front grill was replaced by the split intake design from the Cerbera. The door locks were replaced with an under wing-mirror design, the rear bumper strip and boot lid were re-designed and the boot hinges replaced along with the rear light clusters. The interior also got a refresh with many of the switches being re-designed. However, throughout these changes the car was unmistakably still a Chimaera. These cars being TVR's, the '96 editions can have some or all of the modifications described installed, which can make buying spares a challenge!


2001 - was the next time the exterior of the car was changed with the addition of faired in headlights, this is referred to as the Mk3.

In 1993 the Chimaera became TVR's biggest selling car and remained in that position untill 1998. There were about 6000 produced, and there are more Chimaeras on the road than the total TVR's produced over the preceding 25 years.

Technical Specifications

Chimaera 4.0 
Engine: 3950cc Alloy V8
Power: 240bhp @ 5250rpm
Torque: 270lbs/ft  @ 4000rpm
Performance: 0-60mph 5.1 seconds, 
Top speed: 152 mph ​

Chimaera 4.3 
Engine: 4280cc Alloy V8
Power: 280bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 305lbs/ft  @ 4000rpm
Performance: 0-60mph 4.6 seconds, 
Top speed: 158 mph ​

Chimaera 4.0HC
Engine: 3950cc Alloy V8
Power: 275bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 305lbs/ft  @ 4500rpm
Performance: 0-60mph 4.6 seconds, 
Top speed: 158 mph ​

Chimaera 4.5 
Engine: 4546cc Alloy V8
Power: 285bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 310lbs/ft  @ 4250rpm
Performance: 0-60mph 4.7 seconds, 
Top speed: 160 mph

Chimaera 5.0 
Engine: 4988cc Alloy V8
Power: 340bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 320lbs/ft @ 4000rpm
Performance: 0-60mph 4.1 seconds, 
Top speed: 175 mph 

Some of these specifications especially power/top speed and 0-60 times may vary. ​​

Dimensions, all models 
Length 4015mm, Height 1215mm,
Width 1865mm
Weight 1060kg, 
​Front Track 1460mm, Rear Track 1460mm, 
Ground Clearance 132mm
Fuel Capacity 57 Litres.
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ARCHIVES
​Find out more in the 
TVR Chimaera Archives
(Members Only)
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TECHNICAL
​Find out more on the 
TVR Chimaera Technical Page
(Members Only)

Some quotes from the period

Fast Lane 1993 - Overall, this is possibly the best handling front-engined/rear-driven sports car in the world.
evo 1999 - What you get are straight-forward, old-fashioned thrills. Buy wisely and you won't be disappointed."
Performance Car 1997
"The TVR sounds as glorious as a Rolls-Royce Merlin aero engine."
Sports Car International 1994 - There's little on the market that can touch the Chimaera for its seemingly incongruous blend of high performance, road behavior, individuality and value."
Car 1997 - The Chimaera sounds good and pulls enough wallop to satisfy all but the utterly power-crazed."

Useful Chimaera Links

www.chimaerapages.com run by the TVR Car Club and dedicated to the ownership and maintenance of the TVR Chimaera, possibly one of the most successful models of loud and proud Rover V8 engined sports cars to come out of the Blackpool factory. 
Photos, additions or changes to this page - did we get anything wrong or do you have anything we could add? 
We would love to hear from you
Additions to the TVRCC website
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TVR Car Club
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© The TVR Car Club 1999-2022
​unless otherwise stated
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  • Home
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    • Regions >
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