1970 TVR Vixen S3 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Over the years, many things but following a complete rebuild the car has been very reliable.

Things that wear: brakes, front wheel bearings, etc.

Superb looking car and probably the architypal TVR with the legendary Kamm tail.

I owned a similar Vixen (1970, S3, VMA 5J) from 1979 till 1981, just two years, but I have to admit that this vehicle was the highlight of my 30 years of motoring, and since then I have owned BMW, MG, Renault, Saab, etc. The TVR never let me down - the power from its slightly tuned RS Mexico engine fed to the road via the long spaced Corsair 2000E transmission provided for amazing acceleration from 50 to 100, unbelievable for just a 1600 cc engine. As for road-holding, you can take a bend as far as you have the bottle! Just wish that I had kept this black lizard of the road.

I bought a vixen with no engine back in 1972. I bought a MG BGT engine and transmission with an overdrive unit. After changing the drive shaft, replacing the rear wheel bearings, and re-installing a broken windshield (8 weeks back then to get it!), I got it on the road. Whew! Absolutely wonderful. I repainted it Rally Orange. Truly my most memorable car except for a 350 hp '65 Corvette, which was equal, and more fun than my 1966 911S.

It breaks my heart to see them and I wonder where it is.

I purchased my TVR Vixen S3 (SVM 909K) in April 04 for £1050 - it was in component parts having been disassembled by the previous owner years ago with the intention to do a full restoration. To date I have spent over £12k having it professionally restored (with probably at least another £8k to go...!). It should be ready in Aug 05. I can't wait!!

I think the Vixen is the most beautiful of all TVRs - I love the shape of its rear end especially. I wish there were more of these cars on the road.

Emma Merwood.

My Vixen is now complete and worth every penny spent on the restoration. Neil Hookway of BM Racing Services did a splendid job - I am delighted with the result. The first 500 miles were rather "stiff" because everything needed to bed in. Apart from the exhaust falling off on the rolling road - now resolved by fitting a different bracket which allows for expansion when hot - the car has been nothing, but a pleasure to own/drive this summer. The car will shortly be featured in Retro Car magazine and I intend to do many more shows/car club events with it in the coming years.