Review written on 5/1954.
The press around the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera may look more appealing than the everyone else. But is it really a better Subcompact? As long as it's not as bad as the Bere, Philadelphia Motors should be happy with their results. We luckily have a test model to figure out where this vehicle stands in the market. And if it lives up to what the advertisements are saying about it.

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 38 hp @ 2912RPMs 905 cc Radial5 engine roars this rocket to a top speed of 73 mph in an impressive 36.532s 0 to 60 mph. With 56 lb-ft of torque we were able to drag 22 lbs on our test trailer. So it can move your spare junk! I'm guilty wanting to steal this one for my self. The Philadelphia Motors Chimaera sticks to the road like burnt eggs on a frying pan. The handling characteristics of the Chimaera puts it in the top tier of Subcompact.

When we got to interior testing on the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera we found it to be below average. While you wouldn't want to use this vehicle on a road trip, it is comfortable enough for short rides and tiny commutes.

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.

Serious effort goes into every Philadelphia Motors Chimaera produced. The build quality of these vehicles is amazing! We could not find a single flaw in its construction while we were testing it. Everything fits properly, nothing is misaligned or misplaced. All of us here at GCM commend Philadelphia Motors in their efforts when it comes to the production of this vehicle.

If there was one vehicle I believe would be able to hit 1,000,000 miles easily it would be the Philadelphia Motors Chimaera. This vehicle was designed for dependability in mind.

Philadelphia Motors Chimaera's fuel economy can only be summed up as one word, Amazing. At 34.2 mpg it will save you heaps of money over the competition. This is the vehicle you need to pick if you're a heavy commuter looking to save a buck.

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.