Engine: SOHC V8, 4000cc
Fuel system: Lucas Electronic fuel infection
Power output: 240bhp @ 4000rpm
Max speed: 152mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec
Weight: 1050 Kg

TVR was founded in 1947 Trevor WIlkinson when he rebodied his Alvis Firefly - the name arose as he dropped the vowels out of his first name! He soon expanded to make his own (tax-dodging) kit-cars - just like Lotus. In the 60's TVR started their now common practice of shoehorning large engines into small cars with the original Griffith. Like most british car manufacturers, TVR lurched from crisis to crisis through the 70's and early 80's until being bought by the eccentric Peter Wheeler, who injected a new vibrancy and direction to the company.

Not only did he at one point only employ people who were smokers, but he also insisted he (at 6'4") could fit comfortably in all his cars. In the late 80's the wedge shaped cars that had been TVR's mainstay through the 80's had been turned into great drivers cars with the addition of the Rover V8, but the shape was ageing badly, so in 1990 the new Griffith was lauched at the motor show. With a beautifully curved body and lovely touches like the door switches recessed into the mirrors, it was the sensation of the show, and at a stroke revitalised the fortunes of TVR.

Despite the successs of the Griffith, it was still a very focused drivers car, and luggage space was at a premium. Wheeler could see there was an opportunity for a similar but more usable car, so set about designing the Chimaera. Initially styled in blocks of foam, legend has it that the front indicators are as they are because Wheeler's dog took a chunk out of the foam and the design team liked the look! The Chimaera was debuted at the 1992 Motor Show and overnight became TVR's best seller.

Weekday points: 6; Weekend day points: 12.