After buying a lovely TVR Chimaera 500 just over a year ago I have finally had a bit of a chance to to drive it a bit the last couple of months. I have got to know it much more and it is a really raw and intoxicating beast that is for sure. It was rolling road tested at 320bhp when it had its full refurb a couple of years back and it feels all of that and more. I have not used more than 75% throttle yet and that is scary. I cannot fault the car and the way it is. It is raw, intoxicating, involving, uncompromising and everything many might want in a 3rd car or weekend toy. I am not sure if I'm getting old but I have come to the conclusion it is too raw and intoxicating for what I am looking for.
It is an amazing car and thrill. So raw and alive but I think a little too much for me. Not the speed but how pared back and back top basics it is. Of course a TVR is all of things as a default but this 500 is another level up from the previous 400's I have had. So I have decided I am going to look to replace it. I did drive a Tuscan 4.0 Speed Six before I bought my first Chimaera 400 and really liked it. So I am not going to rule out a Tuscan or maybe a Tamora Speed Six.
It is a shame as I spent a while finding this particular Chimaera 500 and took a while to work out a deal with the seller. It had a full body off chassis refurb, with engine/gearbox/diff rebuild, new suspension, brakes, lines, full interior retrim and loads more. I believe the refurb costs were something like £16k! It really is a beast but maybe I went a little too far with this 500 as it is a real step up over the 400's to a different ball game.
My question is has anyone else done the same with same/similar cars. I am looking for a fun weekend toy and not one that is a great daily as well but nothing as raw and as uncompromising as I have found the Chimaera 500 to be. Ideally a manual, only needs 2 seats, a 6 or 8 cylinder would be great but keeping an open mind. Don't really want a convertible ideally but will if required. The targa/convertible format in the TVR's is a great option. I'll be using the Chimaera money and would use it all and maybe add more for a better or the right car maybe upto £30k max price ideally. So anything I guess from £15k-£30k. If there was something really really special I might push the boat out further. Don't really mind how old or new it is.
Out of all the searching around so far these seem to be possible options:
TVR Tuscan
TVR Tamora
Lotus Evora V6 S
Porsche Cayman S (R would be great but maybe too pricey.
Porsche 911 Carrera 2S 997
Mazda MX5 RF ND
BMW Z4M Coupe
Any experiences, thoughts or ideas?