https://imgur.com/2S0Bt7s

Chimaera's were Wheeler's most popular produce, but little known is the 'Clubman' spec, which was ultimately what got TVR's name in Japan. Clubman is the designation given to JDM TVRs, which usually consisted of a few standard build options :

- Factory fit roll bar in the rear (tremendously improves handling by bracing the seatbelt mounts of the outriggers with the diff mount points)- Exhaust over temp indicator (a way to get around having to fit a speed restrictor)- Japanese manual and Japanese warning labels on the interior- Speedometer exclusively in km/h (no the excuse does not wash with the police, ask me how I know...)

Occasionally you'll also find:- Clubman scripture on the dash and or sills

Other interesting tidbits:- Your service history is never recorded in the service book, but instead a state issued service history booklet with a check list even more comprehensive of that than TVR's- Japan never salt their roads, so it is quite usual to see a Clubman on its original outriggers. Dinitrol them once a year and you'll get a really good service life from them- Japanese dealers offered a few 'homely' options. Mine had a HID kit that dated back to 96/97, presumably done at the dealer with the MiniDisc head unit- Upon curing the hot start fix, some Japanese specialists fitted an entirely alternative central locking system. I've came across 3 JDM TVRs with 'Vaio' units fitted- The rear plate cutout is different to UK and Europe cars - biggest giveaway!

I'm trying to find production numbers for the Clubman spec, especially for UK bodied cars rather than Malaysian bodied cars (less common). I think it's in the realm of a few hundred, certainly less than 1,000. You may have seen the unmolested 3,000 mile one at auction in the most boring colour combination sell for £32,000 recently.

If you recognise this Clubman, that's because you've either met me on a TVRCC run out in the UK, or you have seen one of my threads on PistonHeads about making it how it should have been from the factory - with additional performance, drivability and longevity upgrades.

Spec:1996 TVR Chimaera Clubman 400HCMegasquirt 2 ECU with VW Coilpacks (as fitted by my TVR tuning outfit)Nitron adjustable dampers with Eibach springsAlcon 295mm 4 piston brake kit with Ferodo DS2500 padsFocal sound system with Apple CarPlay and DABRaspberry Metallic paintMocha carpets with Biscuit hide