TVR Chimaera 400HC

Launched in 1992, the TVR Chimaera eschewed modern technology like traction control, ABS brakes and power steering in favour of old school driving thrills. Powered by a 240bhp 4-litre V8, it could lunge to 60mph in under 5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152mph. Intended to be the long distance tourer of the range, it used the same backbone chassis as the more hardcore Griffith but with slightly softer suspension and a much larger boot that could comfortably swallow the luggage of two people.

Powerful disc brakes at each corner kept everything under control while suspension was independent all round with unequal-length double wishbones and coil-over gas dampers assisted by anti-roll bars. Icing the cake was the spine-tingling exhaust note which rose to a brutal howl at high revs and is guaranteed to raise the hair of anyone privileged to hear it.

Universally loved by the motoring press, ‘Fast Lane’ magazine called it “the best handling front-engined / rear-driven sportscar in the world” while Autocar said “the Chimaera completely blitzes the opposition, in any gear, from any speed to any speed.”

Purchased new in October 1996 from the TVR centre in Redhill, this lovely Starmist Silver example with Navy leather and hood is a rare HC (high compression) version. Significantly more powerful than the standard 4-litre, it produced 275bhp and 305lb/ft of torque (compared to 240bhp and 270lb/ft) which gave it a top speed of 158mph and a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds. Being an early model it also does not have the solenoid operated doors that were notoriously problematic on subsequent versions.

With one owner since 2007, the car has only covered some 47,300 miles with no fewer than 14 service stamps to date, the last less than 2,500 miles ago – pretty obsessive maintenance by any standards! Used in fine weather only during the last few years, it has also been waxoiled underneath and is said to be in excellent condition all round.

Currently on SORN but due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it comes with all its original handbooks in their original wallet, the aforementioned service history plus a large file of bills and two sets of keys (with remote central locking).