1997 TVR Chimaera 400

Highlights

• Subject of a sustained programme of upgrades beyond standard specification
• Body-off chassis refurbishment with concurrent engine rebuild in 2014, supported by a signed restoration letter
• CANEMS fully programmable engine management conversion, dyno-mapped by Lloyd Specialist Developments
• Serviced in December 2025 by a marque specialist
• MOT until August 2027

The Appeal

The TVR Chimaera 400 pairs the visceral punch of a 4.0-litre Rover-derived V8 with a handsome, open-top grand tourer, delivering 240bhp through a Borg Warner T5 five-speed manual to the rear wheels. It remains one of the most legendary V8 sports cars of the 1990s, and a well-sorted example is a genuinely thrilling thing to drive.

This 1997 car, finished in Moonraker Black with a magnolia part leather interior, has benefited from a thoughtful and sustained programme of upgrades that take it well beyond standard specification. A body-off chassis refurbishment was carried out in 2014, accompanied by an engine rebuild, with the chassis receiving new wishbones, Powerflex bushes and Nitron adjustable coilover dampers, all documented by a signed restoration letter.

In August 2023, a CANEMS fully programmable engine management conversion was installed by Lloyd Specialist Developments, complete with a bespoke dyno map. The vendor describes this conversion as transformative, delivering crisp, linear throttle response from idle. Further upgrades during current ownership include an aluminium radiator, Spal electric cooling fan, new alternator and ethanol-resistant fuel hoses.

The bodywork presents well following a professional Stage 2 machine polish and Sonax ceramic coating, with only minor cosmetic blemishes noted. The vendor notes that the car is thoroughly sorted, sounds incredible and will put a huge grin on your face!

Key Information

• Mileage: 71,500 miles (unwarranted)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until August 2026
• Technical specs: 4.0-litre V8 petrol, five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• Paperwork: Signed restoration letter, service invoices from Lloyd Specialist Developments

The Detail

• Most recent major service completed December 2025 at circa 69,600 miles by Lloyd Specialist Developments Ltd, covering:
  • Annual service
  • New Bosch HT leads
  • Track rod ends
  • Steering rack gaiter
  • Exhaust and gearbox mounts
  • Anti-roll bar drop links
  • Aluminium radiator upgrade
• Sump reseal carried out May 2025
• CANEMS fully programmable engine management conversion installed August 2023 with new genuine fuel rail and Bosch EV6 injectors, dyno-mapped
• Engine rebuild in 2014 including honing and new cam, followers, bearings, piston rings and gaskets
• Body-off chassis refurbishment April to July 2014, with:
  • New wishbones
  • Powerflex bushes
  • Nitron adjustable coilover dampers
• Aluminium radiator, Spal electric cooling fan, new alternator and Gates Barricade R14 ethanol-resistant fuel hoses fitted during current ownership
• Bosch silicone HT leads and new ignition componentry feed the distributed coil packs
• Paintwork presents well following professional Stage 2 machine polish and Sonax ceramic coating
• Light stone chip touch-ups visible on the nose and wing mirrors
• Minor lacquer peel present on the driver's side rear skirt
• Small unrepaired fibreglass mark on the underside corner of the lower rear bumper (passenger side), only visible from underneath
• Driver-side door jamb shows some cracked lacquer and minor fibreglass marks around the striker plate area
• Magnolia part leather interior believed to remain original, with navy carpets clean and unstained
• Seats show age-related creasing and light crazing across cushions and bolsters but remain supportive, with contrast stitching intact
• Three-spoke Personal steering wheel with light polishing to the leather rim but no splits
• Engine-turned aluminium fascia with ivory-faced TVR dials, aluminium gear knob, handbrake release, stalks and dash switchgear
• Polished stainless Chimaera-branded sill tread plate on the driver's side shows surface scuffing from use
• Remote-activated central locking and immobiliser fitted November 2024
• Bronze JR alloys (16-inch front, 17-inch rear) on Yokohama Advan tyres

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