what price for an 80's TVR S?

[Spin]

I am thinking of importing an 80's TVR S into Australia and have been looking at prices on various UK websites. What I dont understand is why prices vary so widely. I have seen some great looking cars (in pics only) for around 3K but others around 8K. Is it likely I can find a really good one for around 3K or not? I am limited to cars older than 1990 cos if its newer I have to prove I have owned it in the UK for at least 12 months which of course is not possible, no problem really as I like the dash layout of the S2 and they seem well priced. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Spin .

[Dave_M]

The prices vary for 2 reasons.

1. Sellers opinion
2. Condition

There is another thing too:

3. Perception of how rare / desireable a model / particular example is.

Condition is all improtant. V8s will fetch far more than V6s. You will be after S1-3 due to the age restrictions.

I would think 4-5k would buy a very good one, to go higher it would need to be exceptional or 'the one' you must have. I would also expect (in a normal year without a financial crisis) prices to raise as we approach the better weather.

You can be lucky and pay less of course. All IMHO

[Barkychoc]

The S1 which has the 2.8 Litre Ford V6 with mechanical injection does not command such a high price as the later 2.9 litre electronic fuel injection cars.
I think the S1 does without electric windows, but the electric ones can be a source of pain anyway.

Pricing as you have found is all over the place - some owners will be very enthusiastic about pricing and some more realistic. Its worth what someone will pay and not a penny more!

I've got some time on my hands at the moment - if you need anything looking at within reasonable travelling distance from me (Nottingham) I'd be happy to do it for fuel and beer money.

Chris

[phillpot]

Spin said:

I have seen some great looking cars (in pics only)

I think that being fibreglass they do all tend to look nice and shiny in the photo's even if rotten as a pear underneath !
other things like hood condition, tatty trim, poor panel fit, stone chips etc etc aren't really visible till you see the car close up.
then there are issues like things that don't work, dodgey repairs, water leaks and so on.

"you pays your money and take your choice"

Edited to correct spelling, PEAR not PAIR !

Edited by phillpot on Sunday 7th March 20:14

[Spin]

Thanks for your help everyone. I am in no hurry finding one. I will need to get it thoroughly checked when the time comes to be sure what I am getting . Thanks for the offer Chris if one comes up near Notingham I will take you up on your offer if you're not too busy at the time .
To help get things clear in my mind about the various models could someone please tell me the years of manufacture for S1,S2,S3 and 3000s? Is the same chassis used on all S's and the V8S? Do many people convert the S to a V8S? Thanks for you help. Kingsley

[Roy C]

Spin said:

To help get things clear in my mind about the various models could someone please tell me the years of manufacture for S1,S2,S3 and 3000s?

M SERIES > 3000S

History of the TVR S

S1

S2

S3(C)

S-series Book

Edited by Roy C on Monday 8th March 14:10

[Barkychoc]

You may also see references to an S1.5, this refers to models caught between the transition from S1 to S2 and has a bit of a mix of the 2, the main difference is the engine when it went from 2.8 to 2.9.
The S1 generally doesn't have chrome trim in the bumper strips, but with the age of these cars now anything could have been upgraded or changed.