The first all-new model since Peter Wheeler took over at the helm, the S featured a retro-look reminiscent of the 3000S of 1978-9. Featuring the same Ford 2.8-litre V6 Cologne engine, the significantly cheaper S effectively replaced the 280i as the entry level TVR. Although at first glance visually similar to the 3000S, the only parts in common with the earlier car were reputed to be the exterior door handles. In 1986 when the car was launched, retro-styling was very uncommon but the car was an instant success. This was no doubt more a result of the lower price than the styling, as it created a wider market for TVR. As a result, in the year following the launch, the S was responsible for the factory doubling its output. For the first time, the now customary TVR roof design of a hard fixed section and a folding rear section were incorporated. The interior was completely different to the 280i/350i. Although the price of the car was cheaper, this was mainly due to fewer man-hours needed to build an S, and not due to corners being cut.