TVR Chimaera
As the more comfortable grand touring sibling to the Griffith, the Chimaera offered a softer ride and more space while retaining its potent Rover V8 heart. It's this successful balance of usability and raw performance that made it TVR's best-selling model ever produced.
Find one with Spotter →TVR Chimaera sold for a median of $16,503 over the last 12 months, based on 8 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $12,544 and $17,847.
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The TVR Chimaera debuted in 1992 as a longer, more comfortable grand tourer compared to its sibling, the Griffith. Sharing a similar steel backbone chassis and Rover V8 power, the Chimaera offered more luggage space and a slightly softer setup, making it one of the brand's best-selling models with over 5,000 built before production ended in 2003. Engine choices ranged from a 4.0L V8 with 240 hp to a potent 5.0L V8 making 340 hp, all delivered through a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Collectors appreciate the Chimaera for its raw, analog driving experience and thunderous V8 soundtrack, all packaged in a distinctively styled fiberglass body. It represents a high-water mark for TVR, combining usability with the brand's signature wild character. Unlike many exotic sports cars from the era, the Chimaera remains relatively simple to maintain thanks to its straightforward mechanicals and strong specialist support network.
With an average sale price under $20,000, the Chimaera market is an accessible entry point for classic V8 roadster ownership. It hasn't experienced the rapid appreciation of some rivals, which keeps it in the hands of driving enthusiasts. Later 4.5L and 5.0L cars command a premium, but even the standard 4.0L models offer plenty of performance for the money.
Buying Tips
- Inspect the chassis outriggers for rust, as this is the car's most significant weak point. A thorough inspection on a lift is mandatory.
- Check the health of the Rover V8. Listen for a worn camshaft (a top-end tapping) and check for signs of overheating, which can cause head gasket issues.
- Test all electronics thoroughly. TVR electrics can be quirky, so ensure all gauges, switches, and lights function as they should.
- Examine the fiberglass body for stress cracks, especially around the doors and hood. Also look for paint blistering, which can indicate moisture in the fiberglass.
Prices range from around $11,900 for project cars to $28,000 for well-maintained, larger-engine examples.
56 TVR Chimaera vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a TVR Chimaera cost?
Over the last 12 months, TVR Chimaera sold for a median of $16,503 across 8 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $12,544 and $17,847.