Lot details
Registration No: J898NLC
Chassis No: SDLDSNZP7NC01846
Mot Expiry: Dec 2009

TVR's retro styling on the 1987-'94 produced S model preceded other motor manufacturers' love affair with historic styling by almost a decade, and this prescient genesis of the trend looks all the better for being an originator. The S model came in six distinct series during its seven-year lifespan, each offering incremental improvements over the previous incarnation - indeed, earlier models than this would have you adjusting the electric mirrors with your knee during spirited cornering, so low was the placement of the electric controller switch. But the S3, with its 2935cc injected Cologne V6 was where this classic design achieved maturity. It conjures the spirit of older sportsters in the TR6 and MG C mould, but couples extra power, a chuckable chassis and modern live-ability and longevity. The doors are slightly longer, and the instruments redesigned and more legible than on earlier S incarnations. The doors make entry and exit easier to achieve with a degree of elegance too.

With 170bhp, a 0-60 sprint in 7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph in a limited-run, exclusive sports car - what's not to like? The chassis can be steered on the throttle with a communicative semi-trailing link rear end, and the electronic ignition and fuel injection give reliable drive-ability to the package. This car's mileage has been sparingly added, averaging fewer than 3200 miles per year in its seventeen year life. It has had recent sympathetic re-commissioning, and is described by the seller as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. The Cologne V6 is original, and the car is equipped with the excellent 5-speed gearbox. Inside and out, the car appears to be in factory order, with original 8-spoke alloy wheels, a full leather and wood dashboard - not all S3s were so equipped - and even has matching wood-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob to complement the beige leather. Carpets are finished in bottle green, to match the external coachwork.