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1986

TVR S

TVR goes back to curves, at a bargain price.

D86 TVS
TVR S
Photo: MartinHansV, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Peter Wheeler showed a simple, rounded roadster that looked like the TVRs of the 1970s. Orders poured in at the motor show. The S was cheap, quick and good fun, and it paid for the Griffith that followed.

Inside

A walnut dash and leather seats. The roof comes off in two panels, with a folding rear section.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Red
Did you know?

It cost about the same as a hot hatchback.

Meanwhile, in 1986

The M25 was completed around London.

Best-selling single of 1986: Don't Leave Me This Way by The Communards

Buying and running

Before you buy a 1980s car

  • Check for rust in the usual places, though many cars from this decade were better protected.
  • Electrical and fuel system faults are common, so test everything.
  • Parts for mass-market cars are usually easy to find.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

MG RV81992 · 135 mphCompare

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.

Flat out 020406080100120140 MPH
128 mph
First built1986
Age today40 years since launch
Built atBlackpool, Lancashire
On sale1986–1994
Years in production8 years
Number madeAbout 2,600
Kerb weight1,100 kg (approx.)
Fuel economy22 mpg combined (approx.)
Engine2.8-litre Ford V6
Power160 bhp
Top speed128 mph
Speed rankingJoint 62nd fastest of 164
0–60 mph7.5 seconds
Price when new£12,995
In today's moneyAbout £49,500
Designed byTVR, under Peter Wheeler

Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.