Arguably one of the least British-looking British cars, the 1986 TVR 280i is a very boxy sports car with perfectly ’80s styling. It seems that only 980 280is were produced from 1984-1987 making this car fairly rare. The example at hand has undergone some significant performance-oriented modifications. It is said to have 39k original miles and is for sale on craigslist in Beverly Hills, California for $17,500. Thanks to Tony Primo for the tip!
The car was refinished in its factory color and is in excellent condition. The seller added new decals, badges, and functional hood openings. The TVR has the option to be a Targa or the rear section can be lowered making it a convertible. The car wears refinished wheels wrapped in new tires. Overall the car presents very well and has been restored nicely.
The refinished interior is in excellent condition and appears to be free of blemishes or damage. New navy blue carpet has been installed throughout the entire car as well as new wood trim on the dash. All of the car’s features work. The climate control operates well, as well as the power top and windows. A new Bluetooth stereo and speakers have been installed. The cabin of this TVR has all the modern amenities you might want and loads of comfort. The restoration work appears to have been executed with excellence.
A custom fuel-injected Ford 5.0 HO engine sends power to the wheels via a recently rebuilt 4-speed automatic AOD Ford transmission. The car is now equipped with a cold air intake, new radiator, dual electric fans, dual exhaust with Magnaflow headers, battery, and master brake cylinder. A Mustang II front-end and rack and pinion, coilovers, a Jaguar rear end with IRS suspension, inboard brakes, and shorty headers have been added. This car has been restored tastefully and given significantly more power for its weight. Its performance modifications make it a fun backroad car. The owner restored the car to its original state cosmetically while making it far more sport-oriented under the hood. It’s a dramatic version of an OEM plus build. If you are interested in owning this stunning build contact the seller on craigslist before it’s gone.
It sounds like the owner has more than seventeen grand in this car in upgrades and mods, making this a tremendous bargain. I bet this would fly with a 5.0 and weighing as little as it does.
Always liked any TVR and the likes of a 5.0 liter Ford motor is substantial, however the auto trans does nothing for me. I know in this kind of build it is easier to mate up a solid automatic, but for me it takes away the sports car and turns it into a muscle car… that’s not bad either if that is what you want… its just not for me…
I had an identical ’86 in Colorado 30 years ago. Gotta wonder…
The V8 might be a bit nose heavy but has to be worlds better than that 2.8L V-6.
Al ways wondered why people called aftermarket intake cold air. Factory intakes suck in cold air too. I just started something!!. Nice conversion I agree with Joey Mecs comments that a manual would be better just not for me either
I like this car. Agree on the automatic transmission but probably wouldn’t change it out. If we’d found something like this a few years ago we probably wouldn’t have a Mini Cooper right now.
This car was listed once at $23,495 (don’t know the date)
https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1897591/1986-tvr-280i-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601
Then at $19,500 this past July
https://jalopnik.com/at-19-500-is-this-v8-1986-tvr-280i-a-british-steal-1851594267
And currently on eBay at $17,900
Hmmmmm……
I considered buying an identical 1986 TVR 280i Series III model from Kentucky back in 1995. It had the original 2.8L V6, 4-speed manual, and an incredibly loud exhaust system the owner’s wife hated and complained about. It presented well then also. I bought a red model with carmel and brown interior from the chairman of the board of Snap-On tools instead and have always been extremely happy with it. It’s a comfortable car with exhilarating handling.
Now THIS is a cool TVR!
Looked closely at these cars for years but didn’t like the v6 and 4 speed , needed a v8 with a 5 speed or auto , this one has all of it and more , its nice and clean inside and out .
No pictures of the underside and sadly , the exchange rate is too high for a canadian like me , it becomes a loosing battle at resale time , cause i always love getting a new summer plaything
YOLO