CHASING CARS
ASKING £14,995 PRICE
ENGINE 3928cc/V8/OHV POWER 240bhp@5250rpm TORQUE 270lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 152mph 0-60MPH 5.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-28 mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed man MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 80,742 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This may be the ‘mild’ 4.0 but even this entry level model kicks out 240bhp and the crackle from its aftermarket sports exhaust points to a bit more. Start-up is instant and the Rover unit settles down to an even idle devoid of any camshaft or tappet noise; oil pressure is a strong 30-40psi once hot. On the move, there’s little to find fault with how this 80,000-miler performs; there’s no slack or sinister sounds from the transmission and the handling, aided by well-heeled Toyo tyres, is about as good as you’ll get from a standard Chimaera. The front brake discs look like relatively recent replacements and the brakes perform well.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Starmist Green glassfibre body remains in admirable condition, showing no surface crazing or ‘cobwebbing’, with only a couple of tiny stone chips on the nose. The vendor will repair a small graze by the offside front wheel arch if required. Panel fit is excellent; the doors open and close easily and the quirky door mirror-mounted door release buttons work properly. The Fern Green targa roof is fine and the rear screen as good as new. The alloy wheels look impressive at first glance although closer examination reveals some marking, but nothing severe enough to warrant refurbishment. TVR chassis are notoriously rot-prone but the vendor says that this one of the best that it’s seen and prospective buyers will be invited to check for themselves.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The driver’s seat squab has become lightly cracked and creased over time but the leather is undamaged (though needs re-connolising) and the seat has retained its shap
