Equipment
2,792/160hp V-6, 5-speed manual, limited-slip. Right-hand drive.
Condition
From the Petitjean collection. Repainted. Crack in one of the headlights and a large paint chip in the nose. A few scrapes on the bumpers and some heavy scratching on the wheels. Significant wear on the seats and dirty carpets. Radio is missing. The top looks worn as well. Gauges show a little rust under the black paint. Dry weather stripping. Has been sitting for 13 years and needs a full servicing. Sure, it's a TVR so it's not exactly screwed together like a tank, but a car with 57,635 miles could and should be better.
Market commentary
The S Series was TVR's entry level model from 1987-93 and its success helped keep the company afloat for a while. Even when new it was an old school British roadster both in its styling and layout - engine up front, rear-wheel drive, fiberglass body over backbone chassis, tight cockpit and minimal amenities. Like most TVRs, they're temptingly affordable for a car with so much character, performance and rarity, but buying a bad one isn't for the faint of heart. The bidders wisely exercised restraint here, and this is a rational price given the car's problems and unanswered questions.