1992 TVR S3 2.9 V6 *Sold £8,500*

Description

• 2.9 litre V6 EFi 
• Low mileage 
• Good ownership records 
• Grey Leather 
• Walnut Dash 
• 0-60 in under seven seconds

Blackpool thunder. The TVR S Series 3 roadster is straightforward, uncomplicated, undiluted fun. With plush cabins, impressive pace and roomy cockpits, the TVR S doubles as sports a car and proper grand tourer too. A winning combination in any classic car. 

Background & paperwork 

In the mid Eighties TVR began moving upmarket. Powerful engines, more expensive interiors and improved quality. 

The early TVR S Series 1 was inspired by the 3000S. The innovative roof was a patented split panel and proper windows replaced the removable side-screens of the 3000S. The car was displayed as a design exercise at the 1986 British International Motor Show at Birmingham. Despite that, 150 pre-orders were taken before the production moulds were even made. That success meant the TVR S S1 soon went into full scale production.  

The TVR S3 290 S is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the production run. 

• First registered 6 August 1992 
• MOT expires June 2024 
• Current mileage 54,942 
• Our vendor has owned the TVR since 2021 when the mileage was 54,548 
• Records show this TVR 290 S has covered 9,000 miles since 2006  
• Less than 20 are on the road today 

This is a nice, looked after, classic with a good document pack that includes MOT certificates, invoices and original handbooks. 

Inside 

The S3 290S received a total redesign. Amongst other upgrades, seat adjustment was dramatically increased, joined by TVR’s pioneering option of reduced or increased pedal box, the new S3 could accommodate drivers of any size. 

The new TVR 290 S, headed the S3 range. The higher specification model received a walnut faced dashboard, leather sports seats and electric door mirrors. 

• Good original condition throughout 
• Dove Grey leather 
• Walnut veneer fascia 
• Electric windows 
• Classically styled dials, gauges and switches 
• Sports steering wheel  
• Blue carpeting in good condition 

Outside 

To the uninitiated, the TVR S3 closely resembled the previous S2. But the S3 had undergone changes that were more than just aesthetic. A totally new body was designed incorporating a 4″ longer door that meant getting in and out of the sports car was much easier. 

Externally, the S3 could be differentiated by long-range driving lights set in the lower front air dam, whilst latter TVR S3 models received a smooth bonnet. 

• Sapphire Blue 
• Jet Black hood in good condition
• Black over-riders with chrome inserts 
• Bonnet air intake 
• 8- spoke Oz alloy wheels 

The vendor has helpfully supplied several images of the underside of the TVR. On the nearside, the front screen has some age-related cosmetic delamination which is not unusual. The engine bay must be one of the tidiest we’ve seen, highlighting TVR’s engineering prowess and the lovely 2.9 litre Cologne V6. 

Mechanicals 

• 2.9-ltr Ford Cologne V6 EFi 
• 170bhp  
• 191lbft  
• 0-60mph 6.8scs 
• 140mph (allegedly) 
• Double wishbone front suspension 
• Semi-trailing arm at the rear 
• Front discs brakes 
• Rear drums 
• New silicone water hoses 
• New front and rear shockers and springs 
• Poly bushed suspension all round 

The re-engineered 2.9-ltr engine version came along in the late 80s. The revised power plant resulted in more speed and torque. With a weight of around 900kg, performance was brisk. 0-60 came up quickly in under 7 seconds. The 290S was planted too. It has a multi-tubular steel chassis honed from TVR’s participation in Production Sportscar Racing. With independent double wishbone suspension at the front and a semi-trailing arm at the rear, handling was tidy and all fun. Autocar said “Cheap, stylish and wonderful. Quick, fun to drive and looks sensational”. 

Summary 

A pedigree hand built British sports grand tourer. The innovative construction makes them brilliant to drive. The bomb-proof Ford mechanicals means they are easy to own. And TVRs have one the best owner’s clubs and best club scene. In short, an all-round perfect classic car providing superb value for money.