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Closed Auction- Unsold

1989 TVR 280 S2

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  • Mileage~54,100
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.9L
  • LocationColchester

AUCTION CLOSED

1989 TVR 280 S2

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

There’s always something special about a TVR – this 280S combines a fantastic colourway, V6 power and stunning interior, resulting in a real drivers car.

TVR will have passed few British sports car enthusiasts by. With their origins in the manufacture of ‘Specials’, TVR have combined commercially available engines and drivetrains with the intelligent application of the high power, low weight formula. The company have developed a well-deserved reputation as a maker of fast, agile and entertaining sports cars.

The 280s was announced at Earls Court as part of the 1986, British International Motor show. Inspired by the 3000S, the car was intended to reconnect with traditional sports car styling and, with over 250 orders in advance of production, TVR clearly hit the mark. The introduction of the 280S represented a turning point in the fortunes of the company.

This car is an S2 and comes to auction in British Racing Green over a tan interior. It’s the 2.9L model powered by the Ford Cologne V6 delivering ~168BHP to the rear wheels through a 5-speed gearbox. In good, useable condition this 280S is a real drivers’ car ready to offer its next owner an entertaining summer.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Wayne the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I really love the look of the car and it's such a fun car to drive with plenty of power when you want it.

Since buying this TVR Wayne has carried out a fair amount of work to make sure it’s running well. “In the time that I’ve owned the car I’ve gone beyond the usual service items and renewed the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel line, coil, fan belt, spark plugs and tuned the engine among other things. I’ve also re-upholstered both footwells so the car not only goes well but looks great too”.

Wayne doesn’t just love driving; he loves to fix cars too! He’s looking to sell the 280S to fund another project. He will be happy to answer any questions about his TVR in the comments section below.

Wayne
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

With the stylists’ nod to the 3000S, this TVR 280S looks every inch the British sports car – the racing green paint and tan interior suit the styling perfectly.

Wheels and Tyres

Five spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels appear in good condition with only limited age-related wear and marks.

They are wearing 215/45 R17 tyres all of which have good tread remaining and one tyre has been replaced recently. View the images to see the detail.

Bodywork

Overall, the bodywork looks good. The car stands straight and doors, bonnet and boot all open and close as they should and the fibreglass shell is, of course, not prone to rust.

The hood fits well and secures properly although there are some small tears on the surface, particularly on the offside. We have taken detailed images of the steel chassis which looks sound overall. There is a small, fibre glass matting repair on the underside which is shown on the photographs. The car suffered a Category C insurance write-off in November 2005, and have a VIC Pass issued by VOSA in July 2006.

Paint

The dark, British racing green paint really suits this car and works especially well with the tan interior.

There are some areas, particularly at the front of the car where the lacquer has peeled and the paint has crazed on the fibreglass body.

We have taken plenty of high-resolution photographs to help you judge the condition of the paintwork for yourself.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, side windows, mirrors and lenses all look good with only minor, age-related marks. The front windscreen has a small chip but this is not in the drivers’ direct line of sight and has clearly not affected the recent MOT. The trim is good showing only the wear you might expect from a 33-year-old car.

Interior

This fantastic cabin combines beauty with functionality – this is a proper sports car and the drivers’ seat is the place to be.

Seats and Carpets

Tan leather seats appear very good with only minor age-related wear and we could see no rips or tears.

Black carpets look excellent with both footwells having been refurbished by the current owner. The trim on the doors also looks good and, overall, the interior of this car presents really well. View the image gallery to get a close up view.

Dashboard

The dashboard on this TVR looks fantastic. Sporty, black speedo and tachometer in the main binnacle with engine gauges set beautifully in the tan facia. All dials are black with white lettering and are clear and easy to read with no glass broken or damaged.

Take a look at the interior photographs to appreciate this wonderful cabin.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Four spoke, alloy, leather covered steering wheel looks superb and really accentuates the sporty nature of this cabin. The gear lever and tan gator both look great.

Mechanics

With power provided by the fabulous 2.9L Ford Cologne V6, these cars provide a responsive, intuitive and hugely rewarding driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

Delivering ~168BHP to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, these Cologne V6 engines have earned an excellent reputation. Flexible and responsive they are considered more robust than their V8 counterparts.

The engine on this car starts easily from cold, idles well and emissions appear clear. Check out the video to see the engine and car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

Braking is provided by vented discs on the front and drums on the rear and, on the brief test drive we took with Wayne, the car appeared to pull up quickly and evenly.

Suspension felt firm with no knocks, bangs or rattles. Wayne assures us everything works exactly as it should.

The Drive

Beautiful day, hood down and the open road - this is exactly what these cars are designed for.

Check out the on the On The Road video to share in our test drive with Wayne. The car pulled well, the V6 engine sounded fantastic and gear changes were smooth and slick.

Electrics and Other

Electrics on these cars are relatively straightforward. All switches, dials and gauges appeared unbroken and the car comes with an audio system. Wayne assures us that all electrics work exactly as they should.

History and Paperwork

Lightweight and plenty of power blended with the tried and tested Ford drivetrain - a classic combination guaranteed to connect you with the open road.

TVR’s are special. Sporting enthusiast heritage, innovative styling and designs that put the driver first. In iconic, racing green with that wonderful tan cabin and a flexible, responsive and lively V6 this is a car that will bring enormous driving satisfaction.

With plenty of previous MOT certificates and receipts for works there is some good history with the TVR.

As will be noted from the paperwork the car was declared a Category C insurance loss. The car was fully repaired and issued with a revised V5 in 2006. The VOSA Identity Pass Certificate is included within the documentation.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
14.03.2022 MOT 54,100
20.04.2021 MOT 54,029
12.04.2021 MOT 54,029
11.10.2018 MOT 53,910
03.03.2017 MOT 53,042
26.08.2016 MOT 53,841
29.06.2015 MOT 53,787
02.06.2014 MOT 52,873
16.09.2011 MOT 52,850
05.06.2010 MOT 52,324
06.06.2009 MOT 52,212
14.06.2008 MOT 52,101
22.06.2007 MOT 51,776
24.06.2006 MOT 51,277
Key Details
  • Model280 S2
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date23.06.1989
  • CC~2,933
  • Mileage~54,100
  • ColourGreen
  • Interior ColourTan
  • Interior TrimLeather/Vinyl
  • Chassis #SA9DS29P2KB019520
  • Engine #DO776-190
  • Last ServiceOwner Service 04.08.2021
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTValid Until 13.03.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearCategory C insurance loss recorded
  • Former Keepers13
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~9 Months
  • Key FeatureDrivers example
  • Auction ID1634b






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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2 Comments
numenny
numenny
1 year ago

Great tvr, wondering if any issues came up with body to frame contact points, wings?

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Vehicle Location

Colchester

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