Chassis Numbers

[kinky]

Is it possible to tell the spec/model of an S from the chassis number? (or engine number)

Do TVR (or anyone else) hold a register of chassis numbers, etc ?

My reason for asking is simply my almost acquired S1.5 (or so I believe).

It was registered August 1, '88 (F plate), was previously sold as an S2, alledgedly has the 2.9 engine (the manual states it does, but the V5 states it's a 2.8), has "TVR S" decals (which I've only ever seen on an S1), and the S1 alloys, where a previous owner replaced the 7-spoke (or was it the 5-spoke first?) supplied ones.

I have all the paperwork for the car, along with old MOTs, etc. On the exhaust emissions reports - some years document it as a 2.8, some as a 2.9.

I would assume the chassis number (or reg date or engine number) would clearly tell me which model it is. There's no clear dates regarding intro of the 1.5 or 2 that I can find, other than dates like "late '88".

Any help will be gratefully received,

K

[PetrolTed]

Call the factory. From what I hear they're very helpful with queries regarding the history of a car.

[JSG]

Kinky,

According to most of the books I've seen the S1 is shown as being produced upto '88 and the S2 from '89. However a couple of references were made to S2s in late '88. I was told that this period is when the S1.5 occurred, therefore yours was registered in the right period. I think Steve Heath's book had more info - I'll have a look.

As to the reg document, I know people have said before that a 2.9 was listed as a 280 etc so I don't think that is necessarily an indication. What is shown on the engine or on the vehicle ID plate under the bonnet - any idea? that may help.

[SwanJack]

I may not be correct but the difference between an S1.5 and the S2 is the level of trim etc. They both have the same engine i.e 2.9i rather than the S1's 2.8i. The S2, has for example, nice bits of chrome trim around the plastic rubber 'bumbers' and nicer alloys. The S1.5 and S1 do not and look plainer.
I always believed that the S1.5 is an S1 but with the engine of an S2.

Edited by SwanJack on Tuesday 20th November 09:34

[Roy C]

I believe that the "S1.5" (a term coined by Steve Heath, I think, to cover the changeover cars) was sold as "S2.9" or S2. They seem to be S1 body/chassis with 2.9 engines, probably built to use up existing production units after the supply of 2.8 engines had dried up. I don't know how many were produced, but I have seen three or four, all with the same levels of equipment as an S1 (although I think 1 has aftermarket or prototype electric windows). The newest (yellow) was registered in late 1989 (G).

Roy

Edited by Roy C on Tuesday 20th November 10:53

[Kinky]

Folks,

Cheers for that.

Bottom line appears to be as per what Roy says below.

As far as the spec goes - it appears to be standard S1 spec (with manual windows), but with the 2.9i engine, hence the S1.5

Once I get solid confirmation I'll document somewhere for all to see for future reference.

[djburns]

Thought you might be interested, my ?s2 was first registered in sep 88, 280s and 2.9 engine on v5, and would seem to have all the s2 bits and pieces,chrome bumper trim, 8 spoke alloys,dust shields and wheel arch liners, analogue clock etc, but would seem to be very early. I wonder if it has had S2 rear trailing arms? I may try as previous writer and call the factory.

John

[johno]

I have a S1.5 with S1 wheels, S2 dash and an S3 radiator arrangement. Later replacement I suspect.

It is an '89 car and is registered as a 280 on the V5.

There are much later cars still registered as 280's but as described below, with all the correct S2 trimmings. My car was advertised as a S2.9. Can make getting the insurance correct a tricky issue and I have sought gaurantee's from my insurers that they are aware of the scenario and this won't effect any claims. This hasn't proved problermatical but is worth considering.

Cheers

Mark

[birchy]

Not sure it is that simple, my late 1988 and has the 2.8l engine. However, it does have central locking and electric windows fitted the same way as the S2. There are also other bits on mine that Steve Heath book refers to being an S 1.5. However, the ultimate test between an S2 and an S1 is the presence of the internal mud guards at the front and the later trailing arms at the back.

Mine has neither and does not handle as good as a true S2.