While the 25-year rule on importing European-market vehicles does indeed make it tempting to purchase any number of sports cars once considered forbidden fruit, the importation process and paperwork-heavy transaction can scare casual enthusiasts away. That’s why finding one that’s already been legally imported is the way to go, such is the case of this 1990 TVR S3 2.9 here on eBay, where it’s listed at no reserve with bidding just under $5K at the moment.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russ Salisbury for the find. Most TVRs after a certain point were considered off-limits to U.S. consumers, as the company pulled out of the U.S. market around 1987. As a business, TVR was never a mass-production shop, so volume was always low as it related to the number of cars showing up for sale in the U.S. That didn’t deter brand loyalists from buying Tasmins and 28oi’s while they still could, but the next year’s class of new forbidden TVR sportscars didn’t do anything to smooth over the scars of losing an iconic British brand.

The seller points out that even when finished and running, all TVRs can be considered projects. These cars were hand-assembled, making quality inconsistent at best. He had good reason for picking out the S3 version, including the fact that the dash and console are separate pieces which makes sorting out any electrical issues far easier if the entire dash assembly doesn’t have to come out. The interior of this car looks largely decent, with untorn bucket seats, clean carpets, and original wood trim still seemingly in good condition, but the seller still recommends cleaning all grounds.

That last concern is due to all of the gauges reading consistently low. The seller notes that the front calipers and brake pads should be replaced up front; the shifter bushings are due for replacement; and there’s an exhaust leak at the manifold. Other small issues, like a missing glove box door latch, can be addressed by raiding the corporate parts bin at various manufacturers that shared parts resources with the small-time car builder. If you’re looking for a sports car no one else will have at Cars & Coffee – without the hassle of importing one – this TVR is worth a look.