TVRs are exceedingly rare in the US. They were never made in great numbers to begin with, but they were always known for light weight and great performance.
The TVR Tasmin, later renamed the 280i, was the company’s 1980s offering. It only weighed a bit over 2,000 pounds, but the early ones were saddled with a Ford Pinto-based four cylinder with only about 100 HP. The US didn’t get the four cylinder cars, but did get the later Series II with the 2.8-liter (thus the 280i name) Ford Cologne V6 offering 160 HP. This model would also have the distinction of being the last TVR sold new in the US.
Later TVRs were known for pretty insane power in vehicles that remained almost this light, but these earlier ones had more of a Lotus Elan formula – plenty of power for the weight, but not supercar levels.
I learned about this model from a book in my dad’s collection: Exotic Cars by Sam Brown (1985). Given the book was published in 1985, it contained some vehicles whose performance wouldn’t hold up to a four-cylinder Altima today. Still, this small and unusual wedge-shaped roadster stood out, primarily because I’d never previously head of the marque.
This car has only covered about 43K miles since 1985 (or was it built in ’84?), which is oddly typical for these. Might they not have always run well? Regardless, the engine is a basic ford unit and that means related parts aren’t hard to come by. We’re not so sure about any TVR-specific parts. The one has a few needs, but seems like it has bargain potential for someone willing to source a few parts and tackle a few projects – all assuming there’s no rust underneath (see the Wheeler Dealers TVR Cabrera episode for reference).
This is priced at about half the market for a car without needs. Do you think it’s worth it? We’d love to have one of these if the fun to drive quotient is as high as we suspect.
Click for Craigslist ad
Fort Myers, FL
$6,000
Posted by CG
The 70s-derived wedge styling of these always reminded us of the TR7/TR8, but with more modern flair.
I’m pretty sure the front roof panel pops out to give a targa option.
Wedgy styling looks cool with the top down.
Interior looks complete. The seller indicates it needs carpets and a few electrical fixes (it’s British…).
Things look orderly enough under the hood.
Ad text:
For sale; TVR TASMIN. A Rare, hand built, British sports car. Fiberglass body on a powder coated tubular steel chassis. German built Ford V6, Bosch Fuel Injection, 4 speed manual transmission. Odometer reads 42864 miles. Runs excellent! Dual exhaust, disc brakes, heavy duty hydraulic clutch, Unique Targa convertible top; can be full up, full down, or rear portion up with Targa section removed. Very well equipped; A/C, Power windows, Pioneer CD radio with remote & power antenna, Dual power mirrors. Blue vinyl bucket seats with wood trimmed dash. Interior is fair to good; carpets worn & faded in places, some very minor tears in seats, Convertible top is fair, serviceable, but should be renewed. Instruments all work, even the clock. All good glass. Issues: RR brake sometimes squeals & bumps but stops well. Turn signals not working must be bad ground or flasher because Hazard flashes & all light bulb are good. Antenna is new but needs hooked up. Tires have good tread & never loose air, but are old. I would not trust them for sustained high speeds. Paint is good, but there are some scratches & chips. Please call with your questions and/or to make an appointment for an inspection. Joe; 239-xxx-xxx If I don’t pick up, leave a message & I will call you ASAP.