Review written on 5/1958.
It is not everyday one gets to drive a new automobile. Typically you find your self stuck with the same vehicle for at least five years before you purchase another one. And with the rate of depreciation and the amount of time we spend in traffic, this makes finding the right vehicle all the more important. Philadelphia Motors believes their Chimaera may be the best Subcompact to enter the market. How does it compare other Subcompact such as the everyone else and Adept? We'll find out in this month's Vehicle Review!

The first stop for the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera was the track. I won't lie. I was scared. This Subcompact is built for performance. Philadelphia Motors cut no corners when designing this vehicle for speed. The vomit stains on the carpet prove that the 46 hp @ 3252RPMs 905 cc Radial5 engine roars this rocket to a top speed of 82 mph in an impressive 31.837s 0 to 60 mph. When we hooked it up to our test trailer the 60 lb-ft of torque was able to move 22 lbs. Which was very good for a its class. I'm guilty wanting to steal this one for my self. The Philadelphia Motors Chimaera handles smoothly and can really turn a corner for a Subcompact. While it is certainly not a race car, it can handle any real world situation you throw at it.

Once we were done playing on the track, we got a good look at the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera and I must say, we were quite impressed. While not the most luxurious vehicle on the market. It is quite comfortable for what it is. There is just enough styling and support to last on long trips and impress friends, while not being overly expensive like hyper luxurious vehicles.

The Philadelphia Motors Chimaera's 19 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space is plenty for the typical consumer. It is certainly better than average for this type of vehicle. While there are some areas that could be improved all in all we think the Chimaera is good.

The manufacturing process of Philadelphia Motors has really found something. The Chimaera seems like a hand built car through and through. The workmanship is amazing. Only fine artisans could produce something like this.

Dog is said to be man's best friend. But that saying isn't true anymore. I propose the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera is truly man's best friend. Not once in our long term testing did it need repair. This vehicle was built to last a life time. It is truly a wonder of the world. Centuries from now people will still probably be driving this thing, that's how rock solid it is.

When it came to fuel economy testing we tried to see how far we could go in the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera. Our goal was to run it out of fuel. We tried and we failed. Even when the Chimaera fuel gauge was below E, it kept going! Befuddled at this we asked Philadelphia Motors engineers how this is possible. They showed us their Motor Bunny fuel system, which just keeps going and going and going and going for an impressive 38.5 mpg. In one word, amazing.

In some sense the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera reminds us of an over protective parent. One that wraps you in damage proof forcefield that prevents all interaction with the outside world. While the Chimaera isn't that safe. It is still quite comforting to know that nothing can hurt you.

I was happy with the time I spent in the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera. This car is truly magnificent. I think future generations will look back at this vehicle and think, "I wish I owned one of these." It is absolutely one of the best Subcompact you can buy. An instant classic that others in the segment will be compared to. I wish I could spend more time with the Chimaera but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.