If you want to risk life and limb in the U.S., we aren’t exactly short on vehicular options. From the heavily depreciated Dodge Challenger Hellcat to the Dodge Viper and even the humble superbike, you’ve got choices. But what if you want the thrill of a lifetime behind the wheel of something a little less common? In that case, look no further than this 1996 TVR Chimaera 400 Clubman that’s currently listed for sale on Cars & Bids.
As far as modern power figures go, the TVR Chimaera doesn’t look all that intimidating. Its 4.0-liter V8 comes from a different time when 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque were pretty typical figures. These days, the Toyota Prius Prime makes similar horsepower. That said, the TVR also weighs about 2,300 pounds, so it will certainly be quicker than the Prius. Plus, you’ll get to listen to that V8 while you shift through all five gears.
Don’t let the Prius-like power output fool you, though. These cars were rear-wheel drive, and they didn’t come with any of the modern safety features most people are used to. Traction control? Stability control? Those things are for people who can’t drive, and the Chimaera doesn’t have them. As Doug put it in an earlier TVR Chimaera review, you get the raw, primal performance of the Viper in a car the size of a Miata, and that led to it gaining a reputation at the time that wasn’t all that different than the Mustangs leaving Cars & Coffee meme.
You can be trusted with a TVR Chimaera and its silly right-hand drive, though. I believe in you. Buy this car, and you’ll probably end up spending a small fortune on tires, but what’s even the point of having a job if you don’t get to spend a small fortune replacing performance car tires? You’ll be happy driving this car, and that’s what really matters. Besides, it’s got seat belts and a roll bar. What other safety features could you need?
