TVR 3000S

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TVR 3000S
Manufacturer TVR
Production 1978–1979 (258 produced, including 13 turbocharged variants)
Class Sports car
Body style(s) Roadster
Engine(s) 3.0 L (2994 cc) Ford Essex V6
Transmission(s) Ford 4-speed Manual transmission
Wheelbase 100 in (2540 mm)
Length 155 in (3937 mm)
Width 64 in (1625.6 mm)
Height 44 in (1117.6 mm)
Curb weight 2250 lb (1020 kg)
Fuel capacity 12 U.S. gal (10 Imp. gallons) (45.4 liters)
Related TVR 3000M
TVR Taimar

The TVR 3000S is an open, hand-built sports car designed and produced by TVR in Blackpool, England in 1978 and 1979. The design was the last of the M-Series cars, and was followed by the Tasmin 280i. When production of the 3000S ended, it cost £8,730. In total, 258 cars were built[1]. Reportedly, 67 of these were in a left-hand drive configuration[2], and 49 were exported to North America[3].

Contents

[edit] Overview

Mechanically, the 3000S is almost identical to the 3000M coupe and Taimar hatchback. The same chassis, engine, gearbox, suspension components, brake assemblies, and differential are used in all three cars. A number of interior trim items and most sections of the body were newly designed for the 3000S.

Many components in the car (such as marker lights, brakes, hinges, latches, etc.[4]) are actually sourced from other auto manufacturers' models, although the chassis and body are uniquely TVR.

Because of the hand-built and low-volume nature of TVR production, there are many small and largely undocumented variations between cars of the same model that arise due to component availability. (For example, a map light built into the windscreen surround appears on only a small number of late 3000S's.)

[edit] Interior

The driver and passenger sit in a low position on either side of the high transmission tunnel. Foam-padded vinyl covers most surfaces including the center console, dashboard, and luggage area.

When the previous M-series design was adapted for the 3000S, the Ford Consul-sourced windscreen was replaced with a new one with a lower base. This change necessitated the rearrangement of the instrument panel, which placed the speedometer and tachometer just to each side of the center console.[1]

The tendency for the foam seat padding to crumble and disintegrate with age prompts some owners to find suitable replacement seats. Most aftermarket seats will not fit in the fiberglass tub; only unusually low and narrow seats (such as those from the 1984-1988 Pontiac Fiero) can accommodate the car's bodyshell.

[edit] Exterior

The fiberglass bodywork is similar to the previous M-series cars at the nose, but all panels aft of the front wings were redesigned because of the presence of the convertible top, removable side-curtains, and boot lid. The doors were cut-down to mimic the style of classic roadsters. All cars were equipped with black foam rubber bumpers, as the chrome bumpers of earlier M-Series cars had been discontinued.

The hood vents present on the 2500M disappeared, as the Ford Essex engine was less prone to overheating than the Triumph straight-six.

[edit] Driveline

The 3000S is powered by the carbureted 3.0L Ford Essex V6 engine mated to a Ford 4-speed gearbox. With its Weber twin-choke 38 DGAS carburettor and 8.9:1 compression, the engine produced 142 bhp (106 kW) at 5000 rpm and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) at 3000 rpm. It displaced 2994 cc with a 3.687 in (93.6 mm) bore and 2.851 in (72.4 mm) stroke. To comply with Federal emissions standards, the car was fitted with AIR, EGR, and a catalyzed exhaust system.

Power is sent through a single dry-plate 9.5 in. spring-type clutch to the 4-speed gearbox and then to the Jaguar/Salisbury rear differential.

[edit] Chassis

For the 3000S, TVR used the same backbone frame setup as the other M-series cars. It was significantly longer and more rigid than the chassis used by earlier cars such as the Vixen. The suspension was independent at all four corners with unequal-length wishbones. Steering was via rack and pinion.

[edit] Wheels

The 3000S used TVR-specific "T-slot" 6JK x 14 in. alloy wheels and 185 x 14HR radial ply tires.

[edit] Specifications

  • Layout - Front-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster
  • Top speed - +125 mph (201 km/h)
  • Acceleration - 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
  • Engine displacement - 2994 cc
  • Engine type - Normally-aspirated cast-iron V6 with pushrod-operated two-valve cast-iron heads
  • Peak power - 142 bhp (106 kW) @ 5000 rpm
  • Peak torque - 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) @ 3000 rpm
  • Transmission - 4-speed Ford manual
  • Brakes - 10.875 in (276.2 mm) discs front, 9 in (228.6 mm) x 1.75 in (44.4 mm) drums rear
  • Suspension - front and rear: double wishbones, coil springs
  • Turning circle - right and left: 35.75 feet (10.90 m)
  • Fuel tank capacity - 12 U.S. gal (10 Imp. gallons) (45.4 liters)
  • Electrical system - 12V, negative earth
  • Production - 258 units
Gear 1 2 3 4
Speed at 6000 rpm 42 mph (68 km/h) 68 mph (109 km/h) 94 mph (151 km/h) 133 mph (214 km/h)

[edit] Turbo and Turbo SE

Among the 258 cars, TVR manufactured 13 3000S Turbos, which, with a factory-installed turbocharger, produced 230 hp (172 kW) at 5500 rpm and 273 lb·ft (370 N·m) at 3500 rpm. This car could complete the 0-60 sprint in 5.5 seconds and continue to a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h).

One of these cars, the TVR 3000S Turbo SE, is a one-off that included modifications such as flared wheel-arches, larger Compomotive split-rim alloy wheels, leather upholstered interior, a limited slip differential, and a re-trimmed dashboard. It was originally owned by Martin Lilley himself. Subsequent owners include Stewart McCarte.[1]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Tipler, J: "TVR: An Illustrated History". Haynes Publishing, 2005
  2. ^ PRIVATE COLLECTION FOR SALE. Belmog. Retrieved on 2008-06-09.
  3. ^ Concept Carz - TVR 3000S. conceptcarz.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-09.
  4. ^ TVR M-Series parts sourcing list. M-Fix. Retrieved on 2007-06-11.