1988 TVR S 2.8i V6 SOLD

- More photos here: - details above

Welcome to the sale of my beautiful 1988 TVR S. This car has been owned by me since 1998, and since then its only racked up 20 odd thousand miles. The current mileage is just 67 thousand miles, and we have large amounts of service history and old MOTs as provenance. Finished in Ferrari Rosso Corsa Red, with Sand interior and leather Recaro seats, and red carpets. It has a good Mohair hood. Its a rare car; there are about 300 of these left, with only half of those being taxed, and is now considered to be a real classic British Sports car.


I've recently subjected the car to full recommission, to bring it up to the good standard you see now.
With a 2. 8 litre V6 engine with 165bhp, it has a tubular spaceframe chassis and GRP body - weighing only 940kg, this car is quick, having over 170bhp per ton. That's more than a 2013 Golf GTI, a 2011 Lotus Elise CR, 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX, or a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo!
With the body being made of GRP, there are no rust or corrosion worries like on similar cars from the era.

This fuel injected engine gives a fantastic sound, and sounds like a real sports car, with an incredible deep burble through a full stainless steel exhaust system. Coupled with a 55 litre fuel tank, you can travel long distances at good economy - 41. 5/ 48. 7/ 23. 0 UK MPG 90kmph/ 120kmph/ urban, according to official figures. I used to get about 30mpg combined. It's always been driven sypathetically in my ownership.

With fully independent suspension, near perfect weight distribution, coil-over springs and rear wheel drive, this car also handles better than many modern sports cars.
This car has 11 months MOT, and has just received a full makeover. Everything listed below has been done in the past 50 miles, unless I've said otherwise.

Suspension & Steering:

• Complete front suspension removed, disassembled, cleaned, painted with new ball joints, rubbers where needed. New steel bolts, washers and nyloc nuts used throughout, where available.
• Steering rack and column removed, checked, cleaned, painted and refitted.
• Anti roll bar removed, cleaned and painted.
• Offside rear hub replaced.
• Rear dampers removed, cleaned and painted.
• Front dampers removed, cleaned and painted.
• Front and rear springs removed from dampers, examined for damage, cleaned and painted.

Braking system:
• New brake discs, pads, hoses.
• Much of the copper piping also replaced.
• Calipers painted in VHT gloss red.
• Replacement Brake Servo fitted (Ford), and new silicon brake servo vacuum hose.
• Rear shoes & cylinders checked and cleaned.
• Brake drums cleaned, painted.
• Brake fluid replaced with DOT 5 performance fluid.

Chassis:
• Chassis stripped of paint and corrosion using rotary twist brushes, and painted in black coach paint.
• Nearside front half outrigger and body mounts cut out, replaced with new tubular steel and painted.
• Fuel tank subframe removed, repaired, cleaned and painted.

Fuel System:
• Fuel tank removed, professionally refurbished, and replacement sender unit fitted.
• New 5 bar electric fuel pump.
• Fuel injectors removed and cleaned in sonic cleaner.
• Fuel metering unit removed, cleaned & painted and refitted with new copper washers.
• Fuel delivery hoses removed and cleaned.
• New Fuel filter.
• Replacement Control Pressure Regulator fitted.
• New Air Filter fitted.
• Plenum chamber removed, cleaned and painted in Aluminium paint. Inlet manifold also painted in Aluminium paint.
• New plenum chamber gasket fitted.
• New blue silicon air hoses fitted, and custom made air induction system fitted with silicone elbows and aluminium centre piece.
• Replacement Air mix chamber rubber.
• New throttle body gasket fitted.
• New throttle return spring.

Engine and drivetrain:
• New oil filter and oil.
• Rocker covers removed, cleaned, resprayed in VW Mars Red, and refitted with new cork gaskets, and stainless steel setscrews.
• Valve clearances adjusted to spec.
• Replacement auxiliary drive belt fitted.
• Engine block cleaned and painted in VHT Black enamel, with heads painted in VHT Silver enamel.
• New set of spark plugs, and new blue silicone plug leads.
• New 12v ignition coil.
• 3 piece clutch assembly replaced around 10 thousand miles ago.
• Gearbox oil replaced around 15 thousand miles ago.
• Final drive pinion oil seal replaced around 10 thousand miles ago.
• Distributor cap and rotor arm replaced around 500 miles ago.
• Stainless steel Exhaust (new 10 thousand miles ago) removed and new mounting rubbers, bolts and washers fitted.
• Fitted with stainless steel down pipes.

Cooling System & Electrical system:
• Radiator removed, cleaned and painted. Otter switch and cooling fan tested and refitted.
• All new silicone hoses in blue fitted throughout, with the exception of the heater hoses.
• New antifreeze/ coolant mix.
• New jubilee clips used throughout.
• Wiring remade/ soldered where necessary.
• All engine bay wiring removed and re-routed with new stainless steel P clips attached to chassis.
• Swirlpot removed, repainted and new pressure cap fitted. Also expansion tank has new cap.
• New battery, and custom made battery clamp.

Body:
• New WIPAC headlamp bowls, lights, retaining rings and bulbs fitted.
• Indicator units upgraded to use BMW lenses, as the original Sherpa lenses are not available.
• Fuel filler flap fitted with stainless steel screws.
• Bumper rubbers replaced with custom made items, matching the originals, secured with stainless steel screws.
• Paintwork mopped and polished to a high gloss. Very minor stonechips touched in where necessary.
• New wiper blades.
• Hood is mohair, is fully working and was replaced when we purchased the car. It's still in good condition, but there are some algae marks. The main roof panels are solid GRP, and are removable and can be stowed in the boot. You can then either drive the car as a Targa style setup, or lower the rear part of the hood for a full convertible experience. The rear window is a bit cloudy looking, but you can get polish to treat this.
• (Radio aerial is present but not fitted in the photos)
• (New quality chrome headlamp rings are present but not fitted in many of the photographs.)
• New front and rear number plates.
• Fresh air vent trunking replaced about 10 thousand miles ago.
• No noticeable cracking or damage anywhere on the body. Theres a slight crack on nearside front wing, but its hardly noticeable.

Interior:
• Roof panels stripped of their interior fabric, and new Sand coloured vinyl painstakingly cut and glued to give a great finish.
• Leather seats removed, cleaned and treated to coloured hide feed in a warm environment. Visible metal parts of seats frame painted.
• Seat runners removed, cleaned, painted and greased, and refitted with new bolts, nuts and washers.
• New 100% wool footwell mats fitted with cream edging.
• The Red carpets have been thoroughly cleaned.
• Original Leather rimmed Steering wheel removed, painted in satin black, and refitted with new stainless steel allen screws.

Wheels & Tyres:
• Original OZ racing alloy wheel cleaned/ polished. They are currently covered in Vaseline to stop them deteriorating so look a little dull in the pictures. They are in great condition though considering they are all, with repainted centres. As they're not lacquered, you could probably polish them more and more till they are mirror finish.
• Full new set of matching Goodrich tyres fitted, which are 205 on 15inch rims; covered only 50 miles. The wheels may need rebalancing though as I've needed to replace 2 of the valves after the tyres were fitted.

Fitted with a sophisticated anti-theft system, which includes shock sensor, panic function, and anti hi-jack facility (i. e. if the door is opened when the engine is running, or if the engine is started by any means, the engine will appear to breakdown after 1 minute unless a hidden override button is pressed).

This is a well loved car and is ready to be used. With its low mileage, 11 months MOT and big history file, its a car that is longing for an enthusiastic owner to enjoy it. These cars are going up in value, and it will likely be an investment; it is far superior than similar cars from this era - a much more capable and reliable alternative to an MGB or a Triumph TR.

It runs very well, with the Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection system being in perfect working order. It doesn't overheat and is smooth and powerful.
Sometimes referred to as the TVR S1, many people think they sound better than the later S2 or S3 V6 cars, which had electronic fuel injection.

The car has a cassette player/ radio fitted with a removable front, and two speakers which are now showing their age.
As with many cars from this era, the windows on this car as manually/ winder operated.

Note the car does not have power assisted steering. However, my wife used to drive this car on a daily basis and she never complained (much). IT's a light car at the end of the day. Also, there are extensions fitted to the pedals, as the original buyer of this car must have been well over six foot. I'm 5 foot 9 and find it comfortable.

Comes with folder of receipts, invoices and history, TVR owners club magazines, and a set of manuals and information which will be of use. TVRs of this age are mainly made up of parts from many other cars, but mainly the service items are from a Ford Sierra XR4i, or the Capri 2. 8i. Parts are easy to come by, and everything purchased for this car has been easy to source from local motor factors, Ebay, online Ford specialists, or Halfords.

Note that the footwell carpets and chrome headlamp rings are not fitted in the pictures, but are now fitted.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

4
Picture of 1996 TVR Chimaera - For Sale by Auction

Charterhouse Auctioneers are pleased to offer this item in our upcoming Classic Car auction on Wednesday the 27th of March 2024 Online and at Haynes International Motor Museum Registration number P624 NLB Blue with a cream leather interior Recent hood and carpets Approx. 44,300 recorded miles Excellent service ...

6 Mar 2024
Dorset
Premium Dealer (see stock)

The one to have - The 450 is widely considered the best-balanced of the Chimaera lineup, housing the fabulous sounding 4.5 V8. It has just had a full 12000 mile service including new spark plugs. There are very few around with this kind of low mileage. In my ownership, the car has been pampered and used predominately ...

26,295
20 Feb 2024
Sussex
Private

This car is a real drivers car with its TVR Powers upgraded Taraka engine and sat on a set of Nitrons! Supplied, maintained and stored by ourselves for the last 3 ½ years. Under our care it has been regularly serviced and exhaust upgraded to the superb Clive Ford System. The power delivery is very smooth and the handling ...

64,902
28 Mar 2024
Gloucestershire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Hi, with a heavy heart I write this. 1995 TVR Chimaera 4.0HC (275bhp vs 240bph for standard 4.0) with hydraulic power steering and history file (mots since 1999), service history to 63k miles and the original owners book. Painted in Saphire blue, with blue carpet, hood and magnolia half hide interior with beautiful ...

69,000
16 Mar 2024
Surrey
Private

One of the very last TVRs to leave the factory. With low mileage and in fantastic condition and specification – Please Enquire. We are delighted to offer for sale this superb and very rare TVR Tuscan Mk3 S Convertible. Registered in November 2006 and having covered just over 18,000 miles, this final and ultimate ...

18,500
27 Mar 2024
Hampshire

Days away from completion following body off restoration Vehicle documents present and in my name Chassis restored and painted Body sand blasted and regel coated to remove surface cracks New aluminium floor fitted Engine machined rebuild including unleaded valve inserts New period Dunlop tyres All new brakes and ...

15
10 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Private

Offered is my TVR Chimaera V8 4 litre HC as it’s time for it to move on and be enjoyed by the next custodian. A very useable and tidy example of this classic 2 seat sports convertible. If you know your TVRs then I can assure you that the chassis is solid (inc outriggers) the bodywork is straight and polishes up to ...

98,000
3 Feb 2024
Hampshire
Private

TVR Chimaera Mkll 450 £21,500 as stated Registered March 2001 After nearly 19 years of ownership of this Chimaera 450, it's time to pass my beloved "TIV" on to it's fourth owner to enjoy as much as we have! Current mileage at February 2024 – 43,500 (3,000 since 2019) 4.5 litre V8 right hand drive with 5 speed manual ...

43,500
24 Feb 2024
West Midlands
Private

TVR Sagaris 4.0 A/C - 2005/55 - 38,000 miles - 3 owners. The first owner had the car until August 2018. It did 2,500 miles with the second owner up to June 2021, and less than 1,000 miles with the current owner since April 2022. FTVRSH, bar one, which was in 2018 at Specialist Cars of Malton.  Other than that, ...

38,000
27 Mar 2024
Leicestershire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

FINISHED IN MOONRAKER BLACK WITH A CONTRASTING OX BLOOD HIDE INTERIOR. A WELL CARED FOR TVR TASMIN REGISTERED ON 01 08 1989 WITH CURRENT MOT TILL 09 10 2024. THE MAINTENANCE HISTORY IS IMPRESSIVE WITH A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY FILE, POINTS OF INTEREST INCLUDE : NEW STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM IN 2000, SUSPENSION WORK ...

48,000
26 Mar 2024
Hampshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

1975 TVR 3000m Coupe. Priced to sell,this classic TVR M series. File of service history from previous owners- invoices, MOT's etc. Previous owner of more 20 years, had the car restored. Full set of 5 Wolfrace Slot Mag Wheels. Sundym tinted glass, with windsreen shadeband. Walnut veneer dashboard. Grey interior. Period ...

128,000
25 Feb 2024
West Midlands
Private

TVR TUSCAN 4.0L SPEED 6, RED ROSE SPEC, IN CARBON BLACK, 2002. FULL TVR SERVICE HISTORY. ENGINE REBULD INC NEW BLOCK AT STR8SIX TO RED ROSE SPEC. RECENT 12K SERVICE AT POWERS. NEW SS CANS FITTED ROSE JOINT DROP LINKS POLY BUSHES NEW REAR DISCS RED STUFF PADS. AIR-CON REAR LED LIGHTS HUGE FILE OF HISTORY SPARE ...

46,000
20 Mar 2024
Derbyshire
Private

1988 TVR 350i CONVERTIBLE SERIES 2 3498 cc Finished in stunning Monza Red with Biscuit hide and Black Mohair Hood and cross spoke alloy wheels. Produced between 1983 and 1989 only 949 TVR 350i models were produced, this particular example has only covered 73,000 miles since 1988 and comes with 2 files full of service ...

73,000
26 Mar 2024
Norfolk

Very nice tvr 2.9 v6 ford de 1989 3 owner carnet manuel d'irigine ainsi que double des clefs et facture entretien Km d'origine chassis 0 rouille sain excellent état rare Conduite a droite Int cuir tous fonctionne v6 180ch 2.9 Parfait etat Jantes et pneux parfait Capite et hardtop très bonne etat Pour info me contacter ...

6,800
25 Jan 2024
France
Private

Paris Blue pre cat Griffith with OZ split rim wheels, subject to complete nut and bolt restoration by Str8six about 10,000 miles ago. This involved body off, chassis blasted and powder coated, suspension fully restored with bilstein shocks and Eibach springs. Engine gearbox and final drive rebuilt and body repainted by ...

101,000
10 Mar 2024
Kent
Private

Monza Red with Flint Half leather interior and Beige carpets. 56,466 miles. Originally supplied by Hexham Horseless Carriages and just 5 keepers. The car has just been fitted with a new clutch and rear wishbones this month (Feb 24). In 2021 new outriggers were fitted and the battery relocated to the boot for more passenger ...

56,466
26 Mar 2024
Gloucestershire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

TVR Long wheel base Tuscan V8SE This rare example has been painstakingly restored over the last 10 years. In period the Tuscan V8 was one of the fastest production cars with a top speed of 175mph and a 0-60 under 5 seconds<br><br>TVR Long wheel base Tuscan V8SE cars are one of the rarest and sought after models built. They ...

27,455
4 Feb 2024
London

Nice TVR Vixen S2 RHD early 1969 Italian road registered as vehicle of historical interest, MOTd and insured. "Certificato di Identità" ASI (ASI is the Italian FIVA ANF). We bought our Vixen in 2006 and had many works performed during our ownership. Around 4.500 km from full engine/clutch rebuild + gearbox/differential ...

25 Mar 2024
Italy
Private

Originally the factory claimed 320bhp, the engine on this car has had a lot of work by specialists Lloyd Developments. With over £26,000 being spent between 2014 and 2020 getting to deliver a true dyno of 330bhp. This is now a 4.8 running a Canems engine management system, has new alarm, brake upgrade, brake servo, drive ...

61,014
23 Mar 2024
Gloucestershire
Verified Dealer (see stock)