1979 TVR 3000S

The TVR 3000S is a two-seater sports convertible produced from 1978 to 1979.

The 3000S is oft-regarded as one of TVR’s most desirable models of the 1970s. The 3000M’s Ford Essex V-6 engine, rack-and-pinion steering, multi-tubular backbone chassis and all-round independent double wishbones with coil spring suspension were retained but the GRP body was considerably different rear of the windscreen.

Late 1978 saw the launch of the 3000S, which soon became the most popular TVR. The convertible roof and steeply raked windshield were sourced from the defunct Jensen-Healey, and a separate boot was electrically opened. The bonnet line was lowered by two inches and instead of the M’s drop windows there were side screens that could be removed to allow for Triumph TR2-style ‘elbows in the cutaways’ motoring.

A new dashboard had centrally mounted instruments and in place of the M’s TR6 rear axle, the S had an XJ6 unit while power was from either the standard 3000M engine – with a top speed of 125mph with 0-60 in 7.6 seconds - or with a turbocharged unit. Only 13 of the latter were sold and this was possibly because the cost was a very considerable £11,445 as compared with £8,730 for the standard model.

Production of the TVR 3000S ceased in November 1979.

The engine for the 3000s was the familiar Ford Essex 2,994 OHV V-6 unit married to a four-speed gearbox.

3000M motoring in a drophead format with excellent weight distribution – what is there not to like about the TVR 3000S? One of the keys to its enduring popularity is the care with which TVR extensively redeveloped the coupe body to create their first convertible.

Although the S is mechanically identical to the M, would-be restorers should bear in mind that each body panel, plus the windscreen, the dashboard and the interior trim, do differ from the coupe.

The TVR 3000S was more than proof of the demand for open-air sports cars at a time when the breed was popularly believed to be on the way out – it served as a template for future TVR convertibles.

Competitors to the TVR 3000S included the Morgan Plus Eight and the Triumph TR8.