As many of our readers know, I love old TVRs. I also have a thing for the Cologne V6 that many of them use under the hood. It seems lately a rash of them have come up for sale that aren’t the usual Tasmin, or 280i. I suspect many of them originated with one collection that was left behind when the owner passed away, but that’s just a guess. This listing is for two TVRs, one a 1988 TVR S1 280S and the other a 1990 S2 290S. Both were imported by the deceased owner, and are listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000 each.
Honestly, that seems like a fair deal, even for cars that haven’t gotten much attention lately. The blue car is the 1990 290S S2, and I dig the color scheme and the wheels. The S2 came with a punchy V6 with plenty of torque, and weighed well under 3,000 pounds. The best part for me is the noise: the Cologne V6 is just a delightful engine and makes the kind of noise a car that looks like this should. But it’s also the sensation of being in a small, lightweight car with fantastic looks and lithe handling that makes TVRs so appealing.
The other benefit of the Cologne engine is that parts are still in decent supply. From what I recall, it should produce around 170 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller notes both cars have been in dry storage for over a decade, so a fair amount of reconditioning will be needed. The leather appears to be in good shape, and while I at first thought that was mold on the steering wheel, I think it’s just general wear and tear. The dashboard is in really nice shape, and I dig the embossed TVR logo on the glove box door.
Here’s the other car, which is listed as a 1988 TVR S1 280S. It also used the Cologne V6, but made slightly less power, rated at approximately 160 b.h.p. and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. It has also been under-used for the past decade, and it seems the seller’s friend made a point of importing these cars with the proper papertrail attached but never got any further in putting them on the road. I always wonder if the previous owners overseas see the number plate and recognize their old car; either way, I hope these two TVRs return to the road soon.
Jeff, your appreciation for this is well documented-and well founded. Another example of good English engineering that was unfortunately lacking the fiscal wherewithal and timing. Everything that was printed and voraciously devoured by those that enjoyed going around comers as well as the straightaway wanted to drive one.
Never had the opportunity, never would turn down the offer if given.
Someone will get the deal of a lifetime IMHO.
I love my TVRs, but all I can see is that circuit box hanging down in the 1st picture.