Highlights

In current ownership for 24 years
Attractive Copper Green Metallic with Magnolia Hide, green piping, and walnut veneers
Recent specialist works at Kell Green Classics, reportedly including new hood, underside treatment, and new front brake discs
MOT valid to January 2027; all advisories noted to have been addressed

The Appeal

The TVR 290 S3 occupies a special place in the hearts of British sports car enthusiasts. Lightweight, nimble, and powered by the dependable Ford Cologne V6, it offers a pure and involving driving experience that later, more complex TVRs arguably diluted. With its fibreglass body draped over a tubular steel chassis, and 168bhp on tap through a five-speed manual gearbox, the S3 delivers remarkable fun and represents one of the most accessible routes into TVR ownership.

This 1991 example is particularly worthy of attention. Finished in the striking combination of Copper Green Metallic over Magnolia Hide with green piping and walnut veneers, it presents a cabin that feels special. Having been in the care of its current keeper for some 24 years, this is a car that has clearly been cherished. It has reportedly benefited from a thorough programme of works carried out by marque specialists Kell Green Classics, during which all MOT advisories are noted to have been addressed. With an MOT valid to January 2027, the vendor describes the car as being ‘on the button’ and ready to be enjoyed. For those seeking an honest TVR with decades of single-owner provenance, this is a compelling proposition.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1991 (H registration)
In current ownership for 24 years
Service records evidenced between 1991 and 1999
HPI clear
Recent specialist works reportedly carried out by Kell Green Classics
MOT valid to January 2027, with all advisories noted to have been addressed during recent works
V5C, MOT certificates, service book, Kenwood stereo, immobiliser documents and various invoices supplied
Copy of The TVR S Series by Steve Heath included
35,826 miles recorded at time of listing, supported by service book and MOT history

Evidenced service history:

10/99 - Unrecorded - The Garage

01/98 - 21,678 miles - Mole Valley TVR

06/97 - 20,621 miles - Mole Valley TVR

10/96 - 13,779 miles - Mole Valley TVR

07/96 - 13,771 miles - Lindfield Motors

02/95 - 12,427 miles - Lindfield Motors

09/94 - 8,372 miles - The Chequered Flag

10/91 - 2,499 miles - Harrogate Horseless Carriages

06/91 - 1,034 miles - Harrogate Horseless Carriages

05/91 - 11 miles (Pre-delivery) - Harrogate Horseless Carriages

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The Condition

Copper Green Metallic exterior, reportedly benefits from recent machine polishing
Magnolia Hide interior with green piping and walnut veneers
The seller notes a new mohair hood has been fitted
Electric windows
Three-spoke Personal steering wheel
Kenwood stereo fitted
Green 15-inch eight-spoke wheels with silver lips
Matching Bridgestone S-02 tyres fitted all round
The paperwork suggests that a WASO Security Systems immobiliser has been fitted
Underside noted to have had surface rust removed, treated with inhibitors, and refinished
Wheels noted to have been refurbished and passenger-side mirror stem replaced
Front disc have been replaced, we are told

The Mechanics

2.9-litre (2,933cc) Ford Cologne V6 producing approximately 168bhp
Five-speed manual gearbox
Front double wishbone and rear semi-trailing arm suspension

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

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