TVR Chimaera
1992 saw the launch of the TVR Chimaera at the Birmingham Motor Show. It was intended as a more practical version of the Griffith that had proved such a great triumph for TVR.
The underpinnings are based on the Griffith but with slightly softer dampers, and a more accommodating body. The Chimaera was going to originally host TVR’s own racing engine, the AJP8 that now graces the Cerbera.However development was taking longer than desired, so the TVR tuned Rover V8 was used in the Chimaera with a 4.0 or 4.3 litre capacity. The 4.0 litre had a softer cam than earlier units, giving a smoother drive. And as the power increased a Borg-Warner T5 gearbox was installed to handle the increase in power.The Engine again moved up to 4.5 then eventually the mighty 5 litre V8 shared with the Griffith. The Chimaera makes better use of space, with a boot capacity that rivals a small 4X4. Ample room for soft bags behind the two seats with predictable and sure-footed cornering makes for a swift and thrilling drive.
The steel tubular chassis and fibreglass body is incredibly stiff and with the roof section removed, the Chimaera still remains incredibly rigid and able to sit at high speeds and remain composed and safe, letting you enjoy the drive.
