1987 TVR S Convertible - Full Restoration Classic British Sports Car

One of the first TVR S Series built. The S was conceived by Peter Wheeler as a car to attract people to the brand at a price competitive with contemporary roadsters. The styling echoes that of the previous M and S models. making this a very early adoption of 'retro' styling.
The S is true to TVR's ethos of weighing less than 1000kg. have more than enough power. and a bespoke. special feel to the car. It is the last of the very raw TVRs with no power steering. a very stiff chassis. heavy controls. etc. It is a bit of a handful. but very rewarding to drive.
It has a clever targa/convertible roof. which means you can remove and stow the targa panels in the trunk. and either lower or raise the rear soft top depending on how much wind in the hair you want. The top was replaced in recent years and still looks very good.
This S has the original Ford Cologne 2. 8 V6 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic injection. This engine is from the European Capri 2. 8i and 160hp in the UK spec with no catalytic converters. mated to a Ford 5 speed gearbox and a Ford Sierra (Merkur XR4ti) differential. halfshafts and brakes. The Cologne was fitted to many US Fords. so parts are easily found at your local store. Servicing can be performed by a Ford dealer or a specialist. or even DIY with the wealth of support available on the web.
The TVR was restored a few years ago with a complete body off. chassis strip and paint. body repaint and engine overhaul. It is almost stock. with the exception of an improved aluminum radiator. coolant pipes and silicon hoses which help in the stop and go heat. It has Spax adjustable shocks. almost new Bridgestone/Goodyear V-rated tires. original OZ Racing wheels in a Wolfrace style. It has a later TVR shifter knob similar to the one in the Griffith and Chimaera. but with the correct gate pattern. The stainless exhaust has a very distinctive rumble akin to a V8. which turns into a roar. then a howl at higher RPMs. Hard to describe. but very addictive!
This car is fantastic to drive. surprising quick off the line. pops and crackles on the overrun. and turns heads wherever you go. Lots of drama. some from the car. some from the fact that it is RHD. Do not be put off by the RHD - it makes almost no difference unless you want to drive through. It is easier to parallel park. and it almost guarantees a conversation with a stranger every time you go out. My insurance company doesn't care about it either.
This car is 100% legal in most. if not all States. It was imported last year under the 25 year rule. so it does not need to comply with DOT or EPA regulations of 1987. Confirm that your State allows classic cars to be registered with original equipmentonly before bidding.
This is a 25 year old car that is used often. There are some very minor blemishes here and there. from stones. etc. . but nothing that detracts from the fantastic overall condition. It has a very small oil leak from the valley gasket. but in 2000 miles the oil level has not moved at all on the stick. so I can't justify doing to repair.
I searched for months before finding this example. and blew my budget buying it. I believe it is one of the best in existence. The only was is up on the car's value - look at the price of the original Griffiths and Vixens. There will be no more TVRs. so expect the market to get stronger.
I have a box file of information. receipts. etc that will go with the car.
Please make sure you have the funds and/or permission to buy before bidding. I strongly recommend coming to see the car in person first. because your bid is legally binding. However. I bought the car sight unseen and was delighted when I saw it for the first time. Expectations vary. but I think the average classic sports car enthusiast will be very pleased with their purchase.

Also published at eBay.com

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