It would appear that numerous owners of British roadsters have decided that the Spring of 2024 is the time to sell their cars. In what seems like a downpour of wedge-shaped TVRs, here is yet another 280i for sale, this time a 1987 model. Out of all of the cars we’ve featured lately, this one seems to have the best story and history as it was previously owned by the president of the TVR car club. In addition, it’s known in the TVR circles as the “Virgin Islands car” as it was apparently sold new there. Find the 280i here on eBay with bids to $7,200 and no reserve.
Now, when we get an island car, I get excited. Don’t ask me why, but I think cars that come from some sort of an island community are seriously cool. It’s like you have a great story before you even get into what makes the car fun to drive or otherwise engaging to own. How did it get there? Who was the first owner, living in some tropical paradise and ordering their limited-production British sports car? Did it come by boat or by plane? And how many nights did it rip along some pitch-black backroad, lined with palm trees, swaying in the breeze? Yes, I think about this scenario a lot. The TVR appears to have been cared for while living in the Virgin Islands, as the cosmetics look quite clean.
The seller points to another distinguishing feature that makes this 280i a standout: it’s supposedly the only one to come in this color combination, with this striking cardinal red leather interior. When you see these 1980s-era TVRs with their high-end interiors still intact, it serves as a reminder as to just how luxurious they were when introduced. Unfortunately, many 280i’s and Tasmins by this juncture have been so sorely neglected that the leather and genuine wood trim are a shadow of their former selves and, by and large, need total replacement. Not here – this 280i even comes with its factory color-matched floor mats!
The Cologne V6 is a staple of the 280i lineup, almost as much as its prolific wedge shape. The seller is up front about a handful of mechanical issues the car has at the moment, none of which seem Earth-shattering The A/C has a leak; one of the radiator fans isn’t working; the targa top and the power steering system leaks; and the antenna is not working. Honestly, those issues can be dealt with in the course of a weekend. And the seller is including a stash of brand new, spare parts, including a water pump, shifter bushings, an alternator, and much more. This is the one to buy out of all the listings we’ve featured lately, and the NOS spare parts are the icing on the cake.
One of the few cars that drive like they were made to be race cars. Lots of fun to drive, fast enough to get you hurt, and comfortable on long runs. Nice one here.
I was working one of those mall sales for a Ford dealer in Oregon when one came wanting to trade. We closed the deal, but my most vivid memory is of the used car manager storming into my office wanting to know who the moron was that approved this deal? In the early ’80’s. this was like the Barracuda, that had the moniker “Backabooka” for obvious reasons. Funny what memories come to fore while waiting for the caffeine to hit.
This car looks great except for that one rotted part on the underside. Does anyone who knows these cars know what that is? It does like like a bolt-on part that could easily be replaced.