1998 TVR Chimaera 4.5L Petrol · S723 BHR

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 1998 TVR Chimaera was conducted on 4 June 2026 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. Reviewing the available history across eight consecutive annual tests from 2019 through 2026, every examination has returned a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. There is no evidence in the record of recurring brake, suspension, lighting, or exhaust concerns, and no advisories suggesting developing wear such as perished tyres, corroded brake lines, or oil leaks. This unbroken clean trend is a positive indicator that the vehicle has been conscientiously maintained or at minimum presented in good order for each annual inspection, giving confidence that it remains fundamentally roadworthy at the point of its latest test. The recorded mileage of 124,070 miles against a vehicle age of approximately 28 years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 4,431 miles, which is notably low for any motor car and particularly so for a high-performance sports vehicle of this type. This pattern suggests either genuinely light use, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both, and buyers should be alert to the well-documented mechanical implications of low-mileage and intermittent use rather than simply welcoming the figure. Long standing periods on a Chimaera of this vintage can lead to dried and cracked rubber components, seized calipers, fluid degradation beyond service intervals, and electrical gremlins, none of which would necessarily be captured in the MOT record. Given the clean advisory history but the unusually low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should place particular emphasis on age-related deterioration rather than wear-based concerns. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which occurs with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and the spare should likewise be checked as rubber compounds degrade over decades. Brake calipers, handbrake mechanisms, and the rear drum or disc assemblies should be examined for corrosion and binding, as prolonged standing commonly causes the pistons to seize and the pads to corrode to the disc surface; on the test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding on first application and feel for uneven pull that might indicate a seized caliper. All brake and clutch flexible hoses should be visually inspected for surface cracking, and the original equipment should certainly have been renewed given the vehicle's age. Beyond the braking system, a thorough physical inspection should cover the 12-volt battery condition and charging output, as batteries that have stood discharged are prone to internal degradation, and the cooling system should be checked for coolant age and any evidence of perished hoses or seepage from the radiator and expansion tank, as time-based replacement rather than mileage governs these intervals. The underbody should be examined on a ramp for corrosion to structural members, floor pans, and suspension mounting areas, particularly given the Chimaera's reputation for chassis and outrigger corrosion. On a road test, listen carefully for suspension clonks over uneven surfaces which would indicate perished bushes, check for fluid leaks from the engine and gearbox, ensure the clutch operates smoothly without slipping or juddering, and verify that all electrical functions including the cooling fans operate correctly. Finally, obtain evidence of recent major servicing including cambelt or timing chain condition, oil and filter changes, and verify that the historical service book stamps align with the low recorded mileage to confirm authenticity.