Models · TVR
TVR Chimaera and Griffith buying guide
The Griffith and the Chimaera share a steel backbone chassis, glassfibre bodies and Rover-based V8 engines from 4.0 to 5.0 litres. The Griffith arrived first, and the Chimaera ran until 2003.
The versions
- Chimaera 4.0 (240bhp) and 4.3 (280bhp) at launch; 4.0 HC (275bhp) from 1994; 4.5 (285bhp) from 1996
- 5.0 Rover-based V8 (340bhp) in the Griffith 500 and the Chimaera 500
- Rover LT77 five-speed manual on early cars, Borg-Warner T5 five-speed from about 1994 to 1995
- Limited-slip differential standard, rear-wheel drive, no traction control; power steering standard on the Chimaera from 1996
- Two-seat convertibles with a removable roof panel and folding rear section
What to check on a Chimaera or Griffith
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Chassis outriggers
What to look for: On a ramp, look at the outriggers, the steel arms that stick out from the chassis under the cabin to support the body, especially on the nearside. Then look along the central spine, the lower rails, under the exhaust manifolds and around the suspension mounts at each end. Be wary of fresh underseal or wax that could cover rust.
Why it matters: The steel backbone chassis rusts, and the outriggers go first, often out of sight. Bad corrosion within 12 inches of a suspension mount is an MOT failure, and an MOT pass doesn't rule out problems. Outriggers can be replaced, and pre-1996 cars have a silver-coated chassis that resists rust better than the later white one.
Top-end engine noise and oil leaks
What to look for: With the engine running, listen at the top of the engine for rattles or tapping, and look at the timing cover at the front of the engine for oil leaks. Ask when the timing chain was last changed.
Why it matters: Rattles or taps from the top of the engine suggest piston slap, most common on the 5.0 because of its unique pistons, and camshafts are known to wear. Timing chains last around 100,000 miles. The V8 is otherwise considered strong, with oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles.
Cooling system pressure
What to look for: With the engine cold, check the coolant level in the header tank. After the drive, look and listen for the system over-pressurising: coolant pushed out of the header tank, or hoses rock hard soon after starting.
Why it matters: A failed head gasket or a dislodged cylinder liner can over-pressurise the cooling system. New top-hat liners are the usual fix. Cooling systems on pre-1994 cars were weaker, so the header tank is worth extra attention on earlier cars.
Also in the full guide
- Exhaust manifold leaks
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Chimaera or Griffith
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with TVR.