I live near Montreal Canada and own a BRG 1990 S2 but left hand drive. TVR’s were imported to Canada until 94. I have owned the car for 15 years and agree with you that it looks unique and sounds awesome.
Owned three TVR’s, an S, a V8S and a Griffith 500. All were great cars in many different ways but the one I regret selling most was the V8S. It was in a beautiful metallic burgundy, big power bulge on the bonnet, looked, drove and sounded amazing ! Although I appreciate the Miata or MX5 as it’s known in the UK is a great little car it doesn’t come close to having the character and performance of an S series TVR. Also, you could park it in rough areas and you knew it wouldn’t get damaged unlike a Porsche which you could almost guarantee would get keyed. All three were reliable as long as you had them serviced regularly. Good review, really enjoyed it. Cheers, from UK.
@@riverscars4745 if you want to know more about the specifics there is a TVR S series group on Facebook. If I am not mistaken there are some members from US there. Cheers.
I remember seeing the first ‘S’ at the UK motor show in 1986 - it looked so retro-modern - it caused a hell of a stir next to the TVR wedges, and signalled the start of a new era, that saw the marque grow in popularity, all the way to the early 2000’s.
I’ve a 280s1, the slightly earlier model; and they’re all great fun. A well maintained one is great, and they’re not that hard to work on. BUT you really, REALLY needed a nice twisty, windy road to fully appreciate pushing it.
Just how tall are you? I'm 6ft 2 and have no issues, you must be a lot taller than that! that said I have an S3c and the doors are also a wider opening for us tall people. as advised that's an S4 bonnet, and the foot rest (dead pedal) is a modification someone has done. the smiles per mile are real! I'd say you would get a lot of looks in the US with that, its a good example.. I think the fact cars are so quiet these days makes this stand out more, it sounds awesome!
Enjoyed the vid - I used to own G39 ALD, the S2 registered 3 before this one! They are great cars, amazing exhaust note, and I never had any bad reactions to it as so many sports cars get in the UK sadly. I also had a Mk.1 MX-5 (Miata) - the Mazda is a better everyday proposition, will never let you down and is an absolute hoot to drive - all round it’s a much better car than the TVR. But the sense of occasion with the TVR was like nothing else! Don’t buy one thinking you can drive it like a Mazda, you will hate it at night in the rain with condensation in the dials which are harshly backlit so you can’t read the needles. Likewise, on a hot summers day in traffic with no AC and massive heat soak. The blower is rubbish, most of them leak and although the mechanics are basic and reliable enough there are lots of idiosyncrasies. I’d still have another though!
Thanks SO MUCH! Go for it! I'm 6'6! I really appreciate the kind words. I'm convinced that if i can ever fit a TVR into my lifestyle that it'll always feel special after driving the S2
I had one of these in the ‘90s. I’m 6ft6. When I got it, the dealer moved the pedals a bit which helped. I never had a problem with the eye line. I think I must have long legs for my height. It should be noted, the owner of TVR the company during that period was a tall guy
The bonnet is not right for a S2 so at some point that has been changed. Anyway you beat me to it! But I will be making this video with my S3 and every gen MX5 so hopefully the videos will be different.
Innnnteresting. I'll have to dig into that more. You think it's from an S3??? I'd love to get together and chat cars sometime... maybe for an episode of my podcast if you're game. Love your stuff and I appreciate the heads up!
@@riverscars4745 I believe it would be an S4 bonnet modified to fit a S2. The S4 was the only s series that had a bonnet like that. All other V6 s-series cars had a hood scoop. And it is definitely not a V8 bonnet. The fog light setup is also from an later car.
@@riverscars4745 I'm sure we can virtually get together somehow yes. I am however baced in the UK so I think any other type of get together might be hard.
I have owned all the Miatas except the most recent one, and a Porsche Boxster (also not the latest model) and the TVR S3c - just the 2.9 not the V8. I did love my TVR BUT it is NOT a car for wet weather nor for reliability. The Miatas and Boxsters are MUCH safer cars and MUCH more reliable cars. If you want fun on a shoestring go for a Miata. If you need more power buy a Boxster. If you really HAVE to be different then get the TVR *they used to say that TVR owners always fell in love with the sound of the exhaust), but make sure you have a wet weather/in repair alternative... and get yourself some very good health insurance!
I had one .. it was shit .. also had a Mazda eunos (JDM spec ) miata with LSD.. .. the Mazda was better .. the TVR was crap build quality, slow for a Ford Essex v6 .. and just a cheap feel to it .. I’m England so I should like the TVR but no it was shit
It never had the Essex V6, you are getting mixed up with TVR 3000m fella! The S series had the Ford Cologne Engine of which was in the Capri, Granada and other applications! I am also from England and you need to get your facts straight fella before you make comments! The V6 S-series cars used Ford's Cologne V6 in 2.8 L, 160 hp (S1) and 2.9 L, 170 hp (S2-S4) forms. The early "S" cars are often referred to as "S1", to distinguish them from later versions. The S3 and S4 models were fitted with longer doors, although some late S2 cars also had these. The S3c and S4c had catalytic converters.
I live near Montreal Canada and own a BRG 1990 S2 but left hand drive. TVR’s were imported to Canada until 94.
I have owned the car for 15 years and agree with you that it looks unique and sounds awesome.
I have many times considered buying something from up there just to drive it down here ten years earlier... Thanks for the kind words!
That’s my old car, still looks great, look after her
Too cool!
Owned three TVR’s, an S, a V8S and a Griffith 500. All were great cars in many different ways but the one I regret selling most was the V8S. It was in a beautiful metallic burgundy, big power bulge on the bonnet, looked, drove and sounded amazing ! Although I appreciate the Miata or MX5 as it’s known in the UK is a great little car it doesn’t come close to having the character and performance of an S series TVR. Also, you could park it in rough areas and you knew it wouldn’t get damaged unlike a Porsche which you could almost guarantee would get keyed. All three were reliable as long as you had them serviced regularly. Good review, really enjoyed it. Cheers, from UK.
Nice review. I have a S3 and it is everything I have ever wanted in a car! Greetings from the Netherlands.
Very very kind amigo. What a beautiful place to drive such a lovely car. Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it
@@riverscars4745 if you want to know more about the specifics there is a TVR S series group on Facebook. If I am not mistaken there are some members from US there. Cheers.
I remember seeing the first ‘S’ at the UK motor show in 1986 - it looked so retro-modern - it caused a hell of a stir next to the TVR wedges, and signalled the start of a new era, that saw the marque grow in popularity, all the way to the early 2000’s.
Amen
I’ve a 280s1, the slightly earlier model; and they’re all great fun. A well maintained one is great, and they’re not that hard to work on. BUT you really, REALLY needed a nice twisty, windy road to fully appreciate pushing it.
Just how tall are you? I'm 6ft 2 and have no issues, you must be a lot taller than that! that said I have an S3c and the doors are also a wider opening for us tall people. as advised that's an S4 bonnet, and the foot rest (dead pedal) is a modification someone has done. the smiles per mile are real! I'd say you would get a lot of looks in the US with that, its a good example.. I think the fact cars are so quiet these days makes this stand out more, it sounds awesome!
I'm 6'6 and thanks for the extra info. I couldn't agree more. It's a riot.
Enjoyed the vid - I used to own G39 ALD, the S2 registered 3 before this one! They are great cars, amazing exhaust note, and I never had any bad reactions to it as so many sports cars get in the UK sadly. I also had a Mk.1 MX-5 (Miata) - the Mazda is a better everyday proposition, will never let you down and is an absolute hoot to drive - all round it’s a much better car than the TVR. But the sense of occasion with the TVR was like nothing else! Don’t buy one thinking you can drive it like a Mazda, you will hate it at night in the rain with condensation in the dials which are harshly backlit so you can’t read the needles. Likewise, on a hot summers day in traffic with no AC and massive heat soak. The blower is rubbish, most of them leak and although the mechanics are basic and reliable enough there are lots of idiosyncrasies. I’d still have another though!
Wasn't that car used in a Performance Car mag article comparing sports cars @ 1990?
I've owned two, and I work on them every day, written a book on them and there's no way a TVR S is better than an MX-5!
How can I trust a person with so many Citroens... JK - If anyone would know it would be you. Great stuff on your channel.
@@riverscars4745 Thanks
I am considering one of these but I’m 6’5. How tall are you? Great video by the way 👍🏻
Thanks SO MUCH! Go for it! I'm 6'6!
I really appreciate the kind words. I'm convinced that if i can ever fit a TVR into my lifestyle that it'll always feel special after driving the S2
I had one of these in the ‘90s. I’m 6ft6. When I got it, the dealer moved the pedals a bit which helped. I never had a problem with the eye line. I think I must have long legs for my height. It should be noted, the owner of TVR the company during that period was a tall guy
@@markburton3306 Peter Wheeler and he was 6ft 5in....
The bonnet is not right for a S2 so at some point that has been changed. Anyway you beat me to it! But I will be making this video with my S3 and every gen MX5 so hopefully the videos will be different.
Innnnteresting. I'll have to dig into that more. You think it's from an S3??? I'd love to get together and chat cars sometime... maybe for an episode of my podcast if you're game. Love your stuff and I appreciate the heads up!
@@riverscars4745 I believe it would be an S4 bonnet modified to fit a S2. The S4 was the only s series that had a bonnet like that. All other V6 s-series cars had a hood scoop. And it is definitely not a V8 bonnet. The fog light setup is also from an later car.
@@riverscars4745 I'm sure we can virtually get together somehow yes. I am however baced in the UK so I think any other type of get together might be hard.
@@DinosaurJuiceCars Fascinating. I'll be back at LMM in a couple of weeks. I'll have to tell them about this...
@@DinosaurJuiceCars Lovely. My thoughts as well. Shoot me a message at Stephen@RiversCars.com if you would. I'll make it work.
I have owned all the Miatas except the most recent one, and a Porsche Boxster (also not the latest model) and the TVR S3c - just the 2.9 not the V8. I did love my TVR BUT it is NOT a car for wet weather nor for reliability. The Miatas and Boxsters are MUCH safer cars and MUCH more reliable cars. If you want fun on a shoestring go for a Miata. If you need more power buy a Boxster. If you really HAVE to be different then get the TVR *they used to say that TVR owners always fell in love with the sound of the exhaust), but make sure you have a wet weather/in repair alternative... and get yourself some very good health insurance!
You looked quite rediculous sitting in the car, you are way too tall :)
But a lovely car nonetheles.
Thanks. I completely agree lol. I'd still buy one.
I know this car, a cracking example.
Couldn't agree more
They were and are fantastic cars a smear campaign because they are so good was done. ❤
Tvrs are the best
I had one .. it was shit .. also had a Mazda eunos (JDM spec ) miata with LSD.. .. the Mazda was better .. the TVR was crap build quality, slow for a Ford Essex v6 .. and just a cheap feel to it .. I’m England so I should like the TVR but no it was shit
It never had the Essex V6, you are getting mixed up with TVR 3000m fella! The S series had the Ford Cologne Engine of which was in the Capri, Granada and other applications! I am also from England and you need to get your facts straight fella before you make comments!
The V6 S-series cars used Ford's Cologne V6 in 2.8 L, 160 hp (S1) and 2.9 L, 170 hp (S2-S4) forms. The early "S" cars are often referred to as "S1", to distinguish them from later versions. The S3 and S4 models were fitted with longer doors, although some late S2 cars also had these. The S3c and S4c had catalytic converters.