Description
Offered here is a beautifully presented TVR S3 290S first registered in April 1991. It is finished in Monza Red over Magnolia half-hide and specification includes adjustable seats, front head restraints, electric windows, a CD player and eight-spoke OZ alloy wheels. A short-shift kit was also purchased for the car in 2017, with the invoice retained in the history file. The black hood fabric remains in excellent condition and appears to have been renewed or refurbished during the car’s life. Most importantly, it is accompanied by an unusually substantial collection of service records, MOT certificates, sales documents and maintenance invoices extending back to the beginning of its life.
History and Provenance
The original service book confirms that Harrogate Horseless Carriages completed the car’s pre-delivery inspection on 15 April 1991. Its first service followed on 12 May 1991 at 1, 106 miles. On 4 October 1991, at 3, 699 miles, HHC carried out the scheduled 6, 000-mile service and fitted a replacement speedometer. Both items are clearly recorded and stamped in the original service book. The subsequent service history continues in a progressive sequence:
14 April 1992 – 6, 433 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
29 March 1993 – 13, 563 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
12 July 1993 – 18, 199 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
30 November 1993 – 19, 396 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
18 November 1994 – 22, 624 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
Mid-1990s – 23, 740 miles – Falcon Automotive Engineers
5 April 1997 – 27, 343 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
22 September 1997 – 29, 736 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
Date not recorded – 32, 671 miles – TJ Motors
19 June 2002 – 35, 047 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
19 June 2003 – 38, 598 miles – Harrogate Horseless Carriages
13 June 2006 – 39, 840 miles – The V8 Centre
The car returned to Harrogate Horseless Carriages in June 2002 and was sold by them again as a used vehicle. The original invoice, dated 21 June 2002, remains in the file and records 35, 082 miles—just 35 miles more than the HHC service performed two days earlier. A handwritten record also details several of the car’s earlier changes of ownership. Many of the mileages correspond precisely with the surviving service and sales documentation, providing useful additional provenance. Beyond the service book, the substantial history file contains numerous invoices for servicing, repairs and replacement parts throughout the cars life. A private sales receipt dated 19 June 2023 records the car at 69, 588 miles.
Chassis and Condition
The chassis is a real positive on this car, presenting very well with a red finish that extends throughout the visible framework. It appears to have benefited from considerable attention over the years, although we haven’t found invoices or photographs confirming whether it was refurbished or replaced. We’re very happy to welcome prospective buyers to take a closer look with the car on our ramp.
The Monza Red bodywork looks lovely alongside the Magnolia half-hide interior and black removable roof—a classic colour combination that really suits the car.
Areas of Note
Although H703 VUG presents well overall, it is a 35-year-old car that has been used and enjoyed rather than prepared to concours standards. There are age-related marks and minor scrapes around the bodywork, including some lacquer peel to the boot lid and an area of paint loss to the lower front section of the nose where it has been scraped - common with low-slung sports cars.
These points do not greatly detract from the car’s overall presentation, but they are noted for completeness and have been taken into account within the asking price.
Summary
Finished in Monza Red with a Magnolia half-hide interior, H703 VUG is an attractive example of TVR’s classic British sports car, with plenty of character and an extensive history file.
The accompanying records are a particular highlight, reaching back to 1991 and including the original Harrogate Horseless Carriages service book, later resale through the supplying dealer, surviving MOT certificates and a substantial collection of invoices. Together, they provide a fascinating account of the car’s life and the attention it has received over the years.
The Monza Red bodywork presents attractively overall, with some age-related marks and cosmetic imperfections. With its very well-presented chassis and long current MOT, this is an appealing TVR ready to be driven and enjoyed.
The car has recently returned from having over £600 worth of maintenance including rebuilding the rear braking system and a dyno tune where the car produced a very healthy figure of 174bhp and 190lbft of torque.
Viewings are warmly welcomed, and we’re happy to put the car on our ramp so you can take a closer look underneath and spend time exploring the history file.
