The TVR Griffith (1991–2002) and Chimaera (1992–2003) are British front-engine roadsters with a Rover-derived V8 of 4.0 to 5.0 liters, a tubular steel chassis and a fiberglass body. TVR never had a US dealer network, and no Griffith or Chimaera was ever federalized. Cars built through October 2001 are legal now; the last cars follow in 2027 and 2028.
Why Americans want it
Nothing with this much noise and this little weight has ever been legal in the US. A Griffith 500 weighs around 2,300 lb, makes roughly 340 PS, and has no ABS, no airbags and no traction control. The Chimaera is the slightly softer, longer version. Both have the TVR sound, the shape, and the price of a used Mustang.
What was never sold in the US
- Models: every Griffith (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 500) and every Chimaera (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0). TVR exported nothing to the US.
- Engines: Rover V8, TVR Power tuned: Griffith 500 with 5.0 (roughly 340 PS); Chimaera 4.0 (roughly 240 PS) up to 5.0.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (Rover LT77 then Borg-Warner T5), rear-wheel drive.
- Years: Griffith 1991–2002, Chimaera 1992–2003. Almost all are right-hand drive.
Eligible years (25-year rule)
1991 to 2000 cars, and 2001 cars built through October, are eligible now. A car built in November or December 2001 becomes legal in November or December 2026. 2002 builds become eligible through 2027; the final 2003 Chimaeras through 2028. TVR did not use a conventional build plate on every car; we confirm the build date through the TVR Car Club register and the chassis number before buying.
What to look for
- Chassis: the powder-coated tubular chassis rusts where the coating fails, especially the outriggers and the front wishbone mounts. Body-off chassis repair is routine in the UK; ask for the invoice. We photograph every outrigger.
- Engine: Rover V8 head gaskets and the camshaft (early engines), oil pressure when hot, and the cooling system.
- Body: fiberglass stress cracks around the door hinges and the hood; door-release buttons and the specific lights are getting scarce.
- Wiring: TVR’s weak point. Check every switch and the immobilizer.
- Documents: UK V5C, TVR Car Club records, service history from a TVR specialist.
Typical landed price
Europe (mostly UK): roughly €25,000–€45,000. Landed at Newark or Baltimore with duty at the rate in effect on entry: roughly $37,000–$63,000. Container freight recommended for fiberglass bodies.
Registration notes
- California: post-1975, gasoline; CARB lab certification applies, not guaranteed.
- Fuel: gasoline.
- Title: 17-character VIN on most cars. US title from Salvage Motors LLC. Right-hand drive is legal in every state.
Our take
Buy a Griffith 500 with a recent chassis refurbishment invoice and a dry-stored history, and expect to enjoy the loudest car on your street. Skip any TVR with “a few electrical gremlins”; that sentence costs money.
FAQ
Griffith or Chimaera?
Griffith is the sharper, rarer, more valuable car. Chimaera has more luggage space and a slightly longer body; it is the better tourer.
Are they safe?
No ABS, no airbags, no traction control, and a very powerful engine. They demand respect.
Is left-hand drive available?
Very rarely. Plan on right-hand drive.