Which is the best 'S' series?
Discussion
I have an S1 - and spent a long time looking around before selecting it. In my travels I looked at 20 S types right the way through the range.
What I found it was not model but the owners that where important and the money you want to spend. Personally, if you get a genuine S2 or above you are getting a more refined version with less of the wrinkles, such as grounding the exhaust, poor handling (relative to S2), exposed chasis, unleaded engine etc. I drove a few S3's and one S4, the handelling was broadly similar but I never realy had the chance to test this to the extreme.
I went for the S1 as it was the right price and had been clearly looked after by the owner in every respect - and I preferred the curved dashboard save the sad digital clock - it's going to have to go!!!!
What I found it was not model but the owners that where important and the money you want to spend. Personally, if you get a genuine S2 or above you are getting a more refined version with less of the wrinkles, such as grounding the exhaust, poor handling (relative to S2), exposed chasis, unleaded engine etc. I drove a few S3's and one S4, the handelling was broadly similar but I never realy had the chance to test this to the extreme.
I went for the S1 as it was the right price and had been clearly looked after by the owner in every respect - and I preferred the curved dashboard save the sad digital clock - it's going to have to go!!!!
Out of all the S's I have had here mine is the best! 
only kidding I have had every model here except the S4 and I personally find the S1-S2 the best to work on.I also prefer the curved dash but that's me.I could show you an S1 that is in far better condition than a V8S, it's all to do with how well they are looked after, I for one have never experienced the "far better build quality" of later cars (in fact I have a lovely S3c that visits me which states "scrap do not use" on both undersides of the door cards!, all the models can be improved upon quite easily with a blank cheque sent to the following address......
Cheers
LeeBee
only kidding I have had every model here except the S4 and I personally find the S1-S2 the best to work on.I also prefer the curved dash but that's me.I could show you an S1 that is in far better condition than a V8S, it's all to do with how well they are looked after, I for one have never experienced the "far better build quality" of later cars (in fact I have a lovely S3c that visits me which states "scrap do not use" on both undersides of the door cards!, all the models can be improved upon quite easily with a blank cheque sent to the following address...... Cheers
LeeBee
Tough question as all S series have their merits and as we all know the S is the best TVR. 
I looked at loads and decided to go for a S3 due to unleaded compatibility, longer doors and a few other detail improvements (LSD, electric mirrors and driving lamps etc).
Servicing costs are reasonable and it has plenty of power, but I must admit if pushed that the V8S would prob get my vote although running costs would increase.
I looked at loads and decided to go for a S3 due to unleaded compatibility, longer doors and a few other detail improvements (LSD, electric mirrors and driving lamps etc).
Servicing costs are reasonable and it has plenty of power, but I must admit if pushed that the V8S would prob get my vote although running costs would increase.
I owned an S3c with all the later S4 bits on it from new. The build quality was far better than any of the the 1,2's and 3's I'd seen. Maybe I just got lucky but all I had to replace was tyres and the exhaust. I only did 30,000 miles in 10 years (sad admission)but apart from servicing, small jobs were very easy to undertake on a Sunday.My opinion, drive loads of the 3c's before you decide, but if you find a 4 and it's all together and doesn't have mushrooms in the footwell (a sure sign that the car has lived on the street!) then buy it!!!!
Cheesey Grin lads, I took possession of my beautiful Silver V8S just over 6 months ago. Its my first TVR and a bit more powerful than my Micra 1L(somebody should have warned me) which I use for my work.My neighbours seem rather bemused at me stepping out of the Micra after a hard days work, getting the beast out of the garage (The V8-not the wife!!) and racing off for some top down fresh air along the quiet scenic Ayrshire roads!!The S series cars are real eye catchers and open a doorway to conversation with strangers everywhere. Ok , it costs a fair bit to keep it going in avaiation fuel, but what the hell?One summer season passed and Ive managed(just)to keep it between the verges. Now I`ll spend all winter polishing , cleaning, scrubbing and restoring and look forward to collecting a few more dead flies next season!
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