1992 TVR V8S

Purchased in Cumbria in June 2005, this car is being sold by the widow of an avid car enthusiast and collector, and it has had two other prior owners. This is a car in its 30th year, with the last 11 being spent in barn storage. In striking Monza red, this car is a head-turner from afar, though on close inspection, there are some blemishes on the bodywork and the underside shows evidence of rust. The left side of the split panel roof bares the markings of becoming dislodged while the owner’s late husband took it for a spin.

This V8 vehicle identification number is: SDLDSN4P2MJ011566 and it has clocked up only 8,538 miles. The mileage reflects that this was the owner’s late husband became unable to drive it due to mobility issues which took hold in 2011. This V8S has been much- loved, and the owner explained that her late husband never took the car out when there was a drop of rain. The longest journey she’s done in it was driving from Cumbria to Ipswich, though it’s driven many a journey from their home in Ipswich to The Kings Head pub in Laxfield. The engine number is: 47A4OP283G and, though hard to make out in its entirety, the last four characters of the body code are: KU52. The car comes with its original key.

This V8S is a very photogenic motor and it’s clearly been looked after, though there are some blemishes to the bodywork upon closer inspection, commensurate with the car’s age. The lights are in nice condition and the shut lines on the doors, bonnet and boot lid are good. The car holds its original alloy wheels which look tidy.

Attention draws to the white markings on the left panel of the black mohair split panel roof, and there is evidence of some damage to the paintwork. There is delamination on the windscreen and there are imperfections to the paintwork on the nose, above the grill, and on the top right-hand side of the boot lid. The chrome surround of the front right headlight bares proof of rust. There is slight damage on the driver’s door-edge (which appears to be from catching it when getting in and out) and there’s a scuff to the glass fibre on the rim of the driver’s front wheel arch.

This V8S dons a tan leather with red piping interior, red carpet with white piping and a walnut dashboard. Leaning into its retro classic heritage, the car comes with a pioneer tape radio player. The boot holds a spare wheel and looks dry and water-tight, though there appears to be some rust on the inside above the rear passenger wheel. Inside the cabin, the door panels, carpet and wood trim are in nice order. Though generally in fine condition, the driver’s seat and the driver’s car mat are the main areas that give away the car’s age.

The all-aluminium Rover V8 is a bit more fragile than the Ford V6 but the higher spec comes with greater desirability. Under the bonnet, things appear to be as you’d expect for a 30-year-old TVR and there aren’t obvious signs of dampness or emulsification to indicate a leak. However, there is evidence of rust on the exhaust, radiator and cam belt surround. As this car has not been driven for the best part of eleven years, the owner points out that the car is in need of a new battery. Sitting idle for this long can cause problems, so putting it on the ramp for a comprehensive inspection wouldn’t go a miss.

The original powder coating on the chassis has lifted in places and shows evidence of chassis rot. The outrigger tubes and wishbone, particularly on the side sections and behind the front wheels, look to be in need of further attention. Corrosion on the exhaust continues and the seatbelt attachment point, at the rear-underside, has been affected by rust and corrosion.

The V8S is distinctive to look at, well-engineered and simple to work on, without the complex electronics that plague later TVR models. This car is good value, considering the fun that it offers. That being said, the car is 30 years old and, on close inspection, there are some areas that may require further attention – namely the rust on the exhaust, chassis and outriggers. Though the car has been in barn storage for 11 years, the owner is fairly confident that once the battery is replaced and the oil is changed, the car should start. Taking account of its age, this V8S’s cabin and body work reflects that it’s had a life as a weekend car. With none of the engine fragility of the later TVR-engined cars, the appeal of these relatively bombproof classic sports cars is growing. While there’s no reserve, we think you’ll have to part with somewhere between £11,000 and £16,000 to take this car home.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Ipswich. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.