1979 TVR 3000S

In vibrant red with a black hood and Wolfrace alloys, almost everything on this car appears to be original - the vendor, who has owned it for three years, believes that ‘it’s probably one of the most original 3000Ss around and I’d say it’s got the lowest mileage and least amount of owners of any survivors.’ That’s a very credible claim, given that mileage is only around the 46,500 mark, and there are only four owners listed - although two of those were a father and son, the elder handing it down to the younger. So it’s only been in the hands of three families during over 40 years.

The low mileage is verifiable through the MOTs, the oldest one of which dates back to 1988. when the 3000S had covered 25,455 miles. Follow the MOT trail through - which you can do in our photo gallery - and the rises are minuscule during some years, especially in the 21st century. There was a significant jump of over 3000 miles between 2017 and 2018, when the current owner took it on two tours around Spain, during which it performed faultlessly. So, despite its generally limited use, it’s obviously still very capable of delivering the long distance goods when required.

The current owner bought the car in 2017. ‘I like TVRs and the 3000S is a rare car. I’d been looking for one for a long time, and this was the best I could find.’ The few minor jobs that needed doing were sorted, after which the car set off on its two Spanish tours. However, having seen very little use over the last year or so, its owner is keen for it to go to a new home where it can be properly used and enjoyed, but also cared for.

Although being sold with no reserve, a 3000S boasting this level of originality, mileage and rarity should comfortably fetch between £16,000 and £25,000.

TVRs, of course, have fibreglass construction, so rust isn’t an issue you have to worry about with the body. However, stress cracks and crazing can be problems instead. This car has very little to concern any prospective owner. There is some minor cracking in the paint adjacent to one of the headlamps, and the bonnet does catch on the wipers when being lifted - but the latter is a common trait with these cars.

The more eagle-eyed may spot that the engine bay is in white, while the rest of the car is red. Aha - so it can’t be original, it must have been repainted? Well, yes, but there’s one of those terrific and amusing TVR tales here, for the repaint took place just a few days before it was registered! It seems that the first owner really wanted a red car, and that’s what he ordered. But 3000S production had wound down, and there wasn’t a red car available. No matter - the factory just responded with a full ‘of course we have’ and then carried out a hasty respray. However, to do the engine bay would have involved considerable extra work, not least having to remove the engine and ancillaries. So the bay was just left white. ‘I can imagine it being delivered while the paint was still wet,’ laughs the current owner. Those who know and love TVR, particularly its more gung-ho years, will recognise such a story as exactly the sort of thing the firm would have done rather than lose a sale. And it all adds to the appeal of the car, in our opinion - an endearing and entertaining idiosyncrasy that you’ll never get bored of revealing to people.

The canvas soft-top is as original as what sits underneath it, and is in very presentable order. Its plastic screen shows minimal wear and hasn’t gone cloudy, as so many do. The original Wolfrace alloys, all of which are nice and shiny, are clad in Hankook Optimo 185/70 R14 tyres. That these have plenty of life left isn’t too surprising, as three were replaced before the car set off on its 2018 Spanish adventures. A new spare tyre was also acquired at the same time.  

TVR cabins have always been individualistic, and the acres of light tan leather and extensive padding make this one a cosseting and snug place to spend time. Such a light colour can show wear and dirt easily if not looked after. Fortunately, here, there’s obviously been considerable care lavished; there’s little in the way of patina, and it’s very clean throughout. The same is true of the carpets, and there is a handwritten bill in the history for £500 that suggests both the seats and the carpets were redone in summer 2007. That would mesh with their current condition.

All the gauges function as they should do. For in-car entertainment, a JVC digital receiver is installed. It may not be in-period, but it no doubt gives a much better sound than what would originally provided sounds. An aftermarket Mota-Lita steering wheel is also fitted.

An opening boot on a TVR was a novelty when the 3000S came out. It may not be a load area of Volvo estate proportions, but few sports cars do offer capacious luggage accommodation, especially classic ones. There’s enough room to store the car’s sliding side windows - which pull out of the doors in an echo of much older British roadsters - plus a bit more besides. The boot area is carpeted; lifting this (and the false floor below) provides easy access to the fuel tank beneath. Some of the wiring does look a little old in this area, but it’s not an area usually accessed.

A peek underneath reveals a stainless steel exhaust and a chassis that has been comprehensively undersealed. That said, there are places where it has cracked, although there’s no sign of significant corrosion, and none recorded on the MOTs at least as far back as 2006.

And so to that white-painted engine bay, cradling the compact but potent Essex V6 engine (as also found in Ford Capris, Granadas, Zephyrs, Zodiacs, Reliant Scimitars and a few very select emergency service Ford Transits). White is a very unforgiving colour and there are some patches of grime in places, but in general, it all presents well. Bear in mind, it is original, so some metal areas do display cosmetic rust, such the neck of the coolant filler. However, other spots, such as the air filter casing, look freshly-painted.

The front of the bay is dominated by the spare wheel, which still has text over its tread area, so has obviously never seen any use on a road. Electric fans are, wisely, fitted. Mechanically, the owner reports that ‘everything works and the car is on the button.’

Sit down with a cup of tea and digest this car’s history. There’s a lot to go through, with MoTs stretching back to 1988 - when the car was nine years old. The assorted invoices also date back over many years and catalogue a car that has had money spent and attention given when required, from a valet upwards. You’ll also find the owner’s handbook and a separate manual on the Ford engine in the paperwork file. If you want to browse the history yourself, with a refreshing cuppa or not, see our photo gallery for a selection of the documentation.

Prior to his Spanish trip, the vendor had his normal classic car specialist go through the whole car and fix whatever was needed – and the trouble-free run shows the quality of those works. On his return the car went back and had another through going through.

The 3000S was an important entry in TVR’s history book; it was the company’s first convertible and also the debut of a proper opening boot on one of its vehicles. But those are not the reasons to buy this example - or at least, not the only reasons. Go for this because it’s a very original car, in extremely good condition, with no significant cosmetic or mechanical faults to detract from the heady driving experience. With so few of these cars sold in the UK, it’s unlikely you’ll come across another - and isn’t exclusivity rather wonderful, especially when it’s of the open top variety? The seller searched long and hard before buying this one in 2017, and says he has only come across one other that was better - and that had recently had a £30,000 rebuild. He is a bit gutted to sell it from his collection, knowing he cannot replace its condition. So, at an estimated £16,000 to £25,000, this should be a very good buy for somebody - especially if he or she prizes originality.

Viewing is always encouraged, with this particular car at the Market’s HQ in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. To arrange an appointment please contact us. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.