1991 TVR 290 S3 - 23,692 MILES

This 1991 TVR 290 S3 is a very low-mileage example of the classic British sports car, finished in a handsome black-on-black colour scheme, and with a thorough maintenance history. Under the bonnet sits the Ford 2.9-litre Cologne V6 engine, producing around 170bhp, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates just 23,692 miles from new.

First registered in May 1991, this TVR has been cherished by the vendor for 17 years, with three previous registered keepers on the log book. The car is presented in unmodified condition, except for the addition of a stainless steel exhaust, and the vendor reports that when not in use, it has been stored indoors.

The bodywork of this TVR presents well, and there is no known previous damage. The metallic Moonraker Black paintwork is in excellent condition, and the vendor notes that small stone chip damage to the front of the bonnet and the lower air vent has been repaired. While the exterior is now in generally excellent order, there is some minor damage just inside the engine bay, and alongside the inner wing edge. The vehicle rides on 15-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, which remain in good order all round.

Moving inside, the cabin is trimmed with black leather upholstery, complete with black piping and fawn carpets. The interior now presents in excellent condition following a full refurbishment of all interior trim and seat facings, as well as a minor repair carried out to a section of the driver’s seat piping, carried out by Leather Revive in July 2015. The vendor has reported no warning lights present on the dashboard, though he notes that the three-speed fan switch has recently stopped working.

The last service was undertaken in March 2018 at 23,431 miles, where technicians at Mill Lane Garage in Kingsley carried out an engine oil and filter change. Prior to this, in November 2017 and March 2016, the car underwent similar routine maintenance. Over the course of the vendor’s ownership, the car has been fitted with a new battery, fuel tank sender and stainless steel wheel nuts. The chassis was treated to a full Waxoyl treatment in July 2012 at 21,090 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 2 October 2020 at 23,690 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The vehicle rides on a combination of Toyo Proxes and Firestone Firehawk tyres in correct fitment 205/60/R15, which the vendor reports have a good level of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original TVR owner’s manual, warranty handbook, Pioneer stereo owner’s manual and diagrams relating to the wiring, fuel injection and electronic speedometer. The vendor notes the factory tool kit remains in the original bag, while the original roof bags and an unused space saver tyre remain in the boot. The car also comes with two keys and is fitted with an alarm system, though this is currently disconnected.

This TVR 290 S3 is a smart British sports car, which has been cherished and well-preserved over the last 17 years in particular, right down to the original red powder coating on the chassis. The vendor says this TVR is “a joy to drive with a genuine engine growl that is hard to beat”, and it will surely prove to be a thoroughly enjoyable and great value modern classic for its next owner.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.