For all of its rarity, it’s not terribly uncommon to find more than one TVR 280i and/or Tasmin for sale in the U.S. at a given time. We featured one of these unusual British wedges just a few days ago, and now another one has popped up for sale here on Facebook Marketplace in North Tonawanda, NY. The TVR features the desirable color-matched BBS wheels along with the powerful Ford Cologne V6, but will need some fuel system work to be a solid runner. The seller is asking a reasonable $3,995 but I’d be prepared to offer a bit less given some of the work that this British roadster will need.
As you can see here, the rear glass is out of the convertible top, with no mention given as to whether the window is included with the sale. I would count on simply redoing the entire convertible top, as I’m sure it could stand to be replaced. The good news is some of the smaller details, like the taillight lenses, the decals, and the black bumper trim, all point to a car with decent cosmetics. The dual outlet exhaust ensure you hear every bit of that charming Cologne V6 sound, which hopefully won’t be too far off from happening once a new fuel pump is installed.
The 280i’s interior was luxurious when new, with classic British styling touches including plenty of wood trim and leather. Sadly, the interior of this TVR is looking a bit tired, with heavily weathered woodgrain and leather surfaces that are in deep need of cleaning if not outright replacement. The TVR was nicely equipped for a very low volume sports car, coming into the U.S. market with power windows, air conditioning, leather, and the aforementioned woodgrain trim. While I would be shocked if the A/C still worked or the windows roll up and down, stranger things have happened.
The later 280i’s not only got the powerful V6 but also benefited from a major styling improvement: the Series II cars like this one, starting in 1985, lost their ugly “park bench” bumpers installed per U.S. federalization requirements in favor of the tidier European units with the black rubber inserts described above. Taking the better bumpers in combo with the powerful Cologne engine and you certainly have a car worth restoring; the question is how long the journey is to roadworthiness after the new fuel pump is installed (and buy some new hood props you’re at it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck Foster for the find.
Do I need another Wedge? I’ve already got 4. Judging by the exterior damage, interior degradation and uncertain engine condition, I’d say this is more of a parts car than anything else. Odds are the frame is seriously rusted given the location and the rust visible in the engine bay. Aside from my driver, I’ve never paid more than $1,500 for a non-driving project Wedge – and that one was an ’87 that I had refitted with an injected 3.9L Rover V8 for a client that a year later got wrecked by a state inspection station. If you own one, you know how valuable a parts car can be…but not for this price.
I got a ride in one of these about 15 years ago. My son’s gocart had more suspension, but it cornered like it was on rails. Fun little car!
Interesting little car, with its upside-down Rover SD1 taillights, but it seems pretty far gone relative to its restored value.
Tell me about the El Camino behind it, though.
The “frame” is complicated and not very good rust-protected from new (powder). I would never buy a car from the East Coast. Add to that “The Prince of Darkness” electrics. The V6 will need Fuel Injection just like the small US Fords had.
Looks like it has throttle body injection already. That engine was woeful in my Mustang II back in the day. I hope someone did something bordering on magic to that engine, because calling it powerful is just laughable.
I’m restoring a 1974 2500M. These are not for the faint of heart. Jim.