Tvr · 1992–2003
TVR Chimaera
The TVR Chimaera is a two-seater sports car manufactured by TVR between 1992 and 2003. The name was derived from Chimera, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology, which was made of the parts of multiple animals. First shown at the 1992 Earl's Court Motor Show, the Chimaera is an open-top roadster and uses the same backbone chassis and Rover V8 engine derivatives as the TVR Griffith. The car was intended to be the long distance tourer of the range and as such was longer, more spacious and had slightly softer suspension than its sister car.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Successor: TVR Tamora
All Tvr Chimaera data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
Specifications
=== Engine === 90 degree aluminium V8 All engines are based on the 3.9 L Rover V8 unit, with increased displacement on the later models. Suspension. The suspension consisted of all round independent, unequal-length double wishbones and coil over gas dampers assisted by anti-roll bars. Ground clearance was about 5 inches (130 mm). Braking. The front disc brakes were 239 mm (9.4 in) on smaller displacement cars, and 260 mm (10 in) diameter and ventilated on five litre models. The rear disc brakes were 253 mm (10.0 in), or 273 mm (10.7 in) in diameter on the five litre model. Both sets were servo assisted with front/rear split dual circuits. There was a cable-operated hand brake for the rear wheels. Steering. Steering was optionally power-assisted and worked via rack and pinion with adjustable steering column. There were 2.2 turns lock-to-lock for the power-assisted steering or 2.5 for unassisted. The steering wheel was 350 mm (14 in) in diameter and leather-covered, although other wheels could be specified by the customer. The standard fit was by Personal, in keeping with a majority of TVR models. Manufacturer's options. Power assisted steering Air conditioning Rear speakers Six CD autochanger Full leather Heated Seats Wood and Chrome Steering Wheel Wool Carpets Gold coloured badges Seven spoke 'Griffith 500' wheels for smaller engine versions (standard on 5.0) 4,988 cc V8 (5.0) initially a factory option on the 4.3 and 4.5 litre models
Model year changes
The Chimaera was originally intended to replace the Griffith but sufficient demand for both of the models led TVR continuing them. In 1994, TVR introduced the Chimaera 500, a high performance derivative of the Chimaera. The BorgWarner T5 manual transmission replaced the Rover LT77 unit on the rest of the range. A new alternator, power steering and a single Vee belt were fitted to improve reliability. The 4.3 litre engine option was replaced by the 4.0 litre High Compression option. The Chimaera was mildly updated in 1996. Updates included a rear bumper shared with the Cerbera, push button doors with the buttons located under the wing mirrors, a boot lid shared with the Cerbera and the replacement of the front mesh grille with a horizontal bar. The GKN differential was also replaced by a BTR unit. A 4.5 litre model was added to the lineup in 1997. It was originally intended to be fitted with the AJP8 V8 engine but due to the engine not being ready on time, a stroked version of the Rover V8 was used instead. In 1998, the rear light styling and the number plate mounting angle was updated while the base 4.0 litre model was discontinued. In 2001, the Chimaera was again facelifted and now featured the Griffith's headlights as well as seats from the Cerbera. The Chimaera was succeeded by the Tamora in 2002.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- TVR Chimaera
- Manufacturer
- TVR
- Assembly
- United Kingdom: Blackpool, England, Malaysia: Port Klang (TVR Sports (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.: 1996–2003)
- Production
- 1992–2003, 5,256 produced
- Successor
- TVR Tamora
- Class
- Grand Tourer (S)
- Body style
- 2-door roadster
- Engine
- 4.0 L Rover V8, 4.3 L Rover V8, 4.5 L Rover V8, 5.0 L Rover V8
- Designer
- John Ravenscroft
- Transmission
- 5-speed Rover LT77 manual, 5-speed BorgWarner T5 manual (500)
- Related
- TVR Griffith, TVR Cerbera
- Wheelbase
- 2286 mm
- Length
- 4015 mm
- Width
- 1865 mm
- Height
- 1215 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1060 kg
- sp
- uk
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1815068CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_ChimaeraCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1373687310 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TVR_Chimaera.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: User Etimbo on en.wikipedia · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.