1988 TVR S1 2.9 litre V6 convertible
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Highlights
- Total and complete 7 year restoration completed in June 2022
- “New Old Stock” Stage 3 built Cologne 2.9 litre V6 engine
- Mappable ECU and fully rewired
- Huge specification with many upgraded parts
The Appeal
Soon after purchasing this S1 TVR as a rolling project in 2017 the seller soon realised that there was more than he originally thought that required attention. Having a solid engineering background and his own small workshop he set about a total restoration in order to get the TVR to be reliable and fun to drive. This would include replacing of the original 2.8 litre engine that was beyond saving. When looking for a replacement just by chance he found an original Ford Cologne 2.9 V6 still crated on Ebay! A quick trip to the seller to collect the V6 was followed by an inspection that revealed it had never been run.
It was then dismantled and rebuilt after the heads had been Stage 3 ported, gas flowed and fitted with larger valves. A sturdier gearbox was required as the original Ford Sierra item was unlikely to handle the extra torque, so a 5 speed from a Mazda RX8 was found to be a close match and engineered to fit.
It was then dismantled and rebuilt after the heads had been Stage 3 ported, gas flowed and fitted with larger valves. A sturdier gearbox was required as the original Ford Sierra item was unlikely to handle the extra torque, so a 5 speed from a Mazda RX8 was found to be a close match and engineered to fit.
The TVR has been completed to an exceptionally high standard, and has been driven about 1200 miles since completion, including a 400 mile round trip to the West Country. Now it’s being offered as the seller has a new project in mind and is keen to get started!
History and Paperwork
- First registered in August 1988
- Built as a late S1 with 2.8 V6
- Purchased as a rolling project in 2017
- Full restoration of all parts 2017 to 2022
- PDF documenting the full restoration
- Photographic record of all work completed
- Resprayed in Firenze Red
- Fully restored chassis
- New wheel bearings, CV joints, brake callipers, shock absorbers, steering rack
- New suspension rubbers, track rods and ball joints
- New fuel tank
- New exhaust manifolds and exhaust
- New radiator
- New clutch
- Fully rewired
- New fully mappable Emerald K6 ECU
- Engine mapped and built to run on E10 fuel
- New 2.9 litre Cologne V6 built to Stage 3 spec
- Upgraded Mazda RX8 5 speed gearbox
- Retrimmed interior
- New windscreen
- Refurbished wheels with new tyres
The Interior
- Newly retrimmed black and red interior
- Upgraded to comfortable MX5 leather seats
- Central Locking and electric windows
Towards the end of the restoration the TVR was treated to a interior retrim in smart black and red. The original seats were in a sorry state and so it was decided to replace them entirely with a pair from a Mazda MX5 that are in matching black leather with adjustable headrests. The carpets were replaced with a smart new black set, with complementary red piping.
The original speedometer was replaced, but the new one was set to match the original mileage.
Now the interior is in excellent condition; everything is either replaced with new, or refurbished original and there is nothing left that requires attention.
The Exterior
- Full respray in Firenze Red
- Soft top with removable Targa panels
- Refurbished wheels with new Avon tyres
The body preparation and painting was one job that the seller was unable to complete himself so it was sent out to a local GRP specialist. After one false start and a change of specialist the TVR was resplendent in a fresh coat of Firenze Red. The windscreen was replaced and the exterior was reassembled with new parts where needed. The convertible top was replaced, and the removable Targa panels are a good fit. The seller tells us that the TVR is best enjoyed with the roof down, and as it is always garaged and hasn’t ventured out in wet conditions the Targa panels are rarely fitted!
The original wheels were sent away for diamond cutting and refurbishing before being fitted with a new set of Avon tyres that are barely worn.
The Mechanics
- New Cologne 2.9 V6 with 5 speed gearbox
- New or refurbished drive train and braking system
- Fully restored and rust proofed chassis
It is on the mechanical side that the seller, obviously a talented engineer, has excelled himself. The documented restoration makes interesting reading, and we were impressed with his ability to upgrade where necessary, machining and adapting parts in a professional way. It is obvious that all his efforts have resulted in a TVR that is probably better built than it was originally, and definitely better engineered. The upgraded gearbox, steering and cooling systems will ensure the TVR is better equipped to cope with modern roads. The mappable ECU and Stage 3 build has enabled the engine to be built with more power, but also with the ability to run on E10 fuel which will help to “futureproof” this classic. Having successfully completed 1200 miles of bedding in we think the TVR should be pretty well ready for anything, and is probably one of the best S1s in existence.
Summary
It isn’t that often that we see a car that has recieved such a comprehensive restoration with so much work completed by the owner – and to such a high standard! Looking through the accompanying PDF document and photographs that details the entire build we are sure that you will agree that the seller has excelled where most of us would have thrown our hands up in horror!
There is nothing that hasn’t been renewed or upgraded to better than new, and we can only conclude that this must easily be amongst the best S1 TVRs around. If you want a really good one then don’t miss out!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the final bid or offer price as applicable. VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make TVR
- Model S1
- Colour Red
- Odometer 60,224 Miles
- Engine size 2935
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town London
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
37
bids
- Ev•••• £16,750 16/10/22
- Ne•••• £16,500 16/10/22
- Ev•••• £16,250 16/10/22
- Ne•••• £16,000 16/10/22
- Ev•••• £15,750 16/10/22
- Ev•••• £15,500 16/10/22
- Ne•••• £15,250 16/10/22
- Ev•••• £15,000 16/10/22
- Ne•••• £14,750 16/10/22
- Ev•••• £14,500 16/10/22
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