TVR Vixen S3 

Production:	1970 to 1972
Body versions:	Coupe
Engines:	Petrol :1.6 litres
Length:	145 in, 3,683 mm
Width:	64 in, 1,626 mm
Height:	48 in, 1,219 mm
wheelbase:	90 in, 2,286 mm
Ground clearance:	5 in, 127 mm
curb weight:	732-758kg

The third series of the TVR Vixen first appeared in autumn of 1970 and was manufactured until April 1972. 

History

The TVR Vixen S3 was the first Vixen to be built at the new Bristol Avenue factory in Blackpool. This hand-built sports car which was designed and built by TVR in Blackpool, England.

Externally there were only a few changes. The frame of the S3 matches that of the S2. The S3 was the last Vixen to be based on the John Turner-designed tubular frame that debuted on the 1962 Grantura Mark III. The plastic body made of glass fibre, which was built around a tubular frame of the S3 is also largely identical to that of the S2. 

New were larger side vents in the front fenders, whose Aeroflow trim comes from the Ford Zodiac Mark IV installed on the C-pillar. The rear suspension was revised. Instead of the dual shock absorbers installed on the Series 1 and 2, the Vixen S3 had a single shock absorber. Instead of wire wheels, cast alloy wheels were now fitted as standard.

There were no changes in the drive. Next was the British Ford-Kent-Engine with 1599 cc the only engine. This engine was no longer available from the Ford factory in the Cortina sedan, but only in the Capri 1600 GT. The power was now increased to 92 hp. 

PERFORMANCE: TVR Vixen S3 (1970-1972)

• max power (SAE): 86 hp at 5.500 rpm
• max torque (SAE): 92 1b ft. 12.7 kg m et 4,000 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6.000; 62.8 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 20.1 lb/hp, 9.1 kg/hp
• Acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 17 sec. 0-50 mph (0-80 km/h) 6.9 sec
• Speed in direct drive at 1,000 rpm: 18.2 mph, 29.3 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 30 m/imp gal, 25 mil'S gal, 9.4 1 x 100 km.

During this time, the focus of the company was on the Vixen 2500. TVR produced only 165 vehicles of the S3 in two years, all of them in kit form. In the same period, more than twice as many Vixens 2500s (385 vehicles) were built. The purchase price for a Vixen S3 kit in 1971 was £1,310.