Lurking under that tarp is an example of perhaps the “wedgiest” production car in history! When the TVR Tasmin was introduced in 1980, its Oliver Winterbottom-drawn lines left no doubt as to the designer’s intent. This one has been stored in a barn since 2002 and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $10,000 near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Thanks to Otto M. for telling us about this cool find!
Pre-Tasmin, TVR production cars were known for being rather curvaceous — and the Tasmin’s long hood actually hid a relatively powerful (for the time) Ford V-6 engine. Unlike most “boutique” fiberglass body manufacturers, TVR was known for its quality bodies and won several awards at European car shows for the quality of the factory finish. I’m hoping that means that things are still pretty solid, at least as far as the shell goes.
The Tasmin convertible (there was an even more angular coupe model) features a rather unusual top arrangement that has a rigid center section that stows and a folding rear window area.
This car is wearing the earlier wheels of the two types specified for the Tasmin, and also has the smaller and more attractive bumpers of the two types. A friend with one told me once that the long front overhang meant that you had to be very careful when driving up a steep ramp not to damage the front spoiler, and I can believe it based on this picture.
We’re told in the ad that the car is now running, although no details are given. Unfortunately, there’s no telling what the steel frame looks like under the attractive fiberglass, so I would certainly plan on an in-person inspection prior to purchase. The amount of oxidation on the cast aluminum engine cover has me a little worried as to how dry the storage has been for the car.
There are several pictures in the ad that seem to show the car after having been rinsed down, and they give me hope that the paint and top can be saved with some elbow grease. I only wish the seller had shown some interior shots, as I rather like the design of the Tasmin interior but there’s a lot of expensive wood and leather that can deteriorate. What do you think about this British wedge?
I have never had one
In canada , i have only seen one up close
But i have seen the frame and suspension design on line and i have to say that its impressive
I would have pleasure dismantling all of the pieces and powdercoating them , the re assembly would be my a joy and i think i would drive it with a mirror hanging under it …
That car has a really good-looking angular design, unlike a lot of 80s cars. I do wish they had a picture with the top down and also of the interior.
They’re very nice to drive. Lots of fun with the Eurospec rover V8 drive train. I currently own 4 Wedges – my 280i driver, the 350i I built for a client (subsequently wrecked), and two 280i projects. Definitely have to see the interior and frame tunes before plunking down top dollar for an early Tamsin model. Nice ones can be had for less.
Eurospec rover V8 drive train. ???
Inquiring minds want to know !
Guess the Canadians didn’t have to get that awful cow catcher front bumper! No side markers either. These look nicer on the original wheels seen here v. the later mesh ones.
Not a fan of the rear suspension on these. That damned stepped pin on the trailing arm creeped me out.
This Automotive Wedgie looks like your Triumph TR 7 had a child with its Italian girlfriend…
The girlfriend in that scenario was an X1-9.
I like the looks of these, never been in one. I see it has been posted over a month ago.
Quite expensive for what it is., which is the base model. This TVR was mechanically well-conceived.though, forming the basis of the later, curvier Peter Wheeler cars.
The fibreglass 1980s wedges of the likes of Oliver Winterbottom, Harris Mann , Chris Humberstone did no-one any favours in the UK. i know they were copying Italians like Giugario and Gandini, but at least those guys got it right some of the time-
here’s dash anyway
/AND/
a buncha Hemmings (god, I hate them) BS
could do w/o:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1980-1988-tvr-tasmin-280i
$10,000 Canadian is less than $8000 US . Not a bad deal