While looking up more info on the 280i, or TVR Tasmin as it was first called, I was relieved to learn that Autoweek in 2003 said many people, like me, thought it was a Triumph TR7 at first. After closer examination, it is easy to see it is a TVR. The TVR Tasmin was introduced in 1980 and marked a departure for TVR from traditional sports cars to the wedge shape that underscored performance and aerodynamics. The Tasmin name was dropped in 1984, and the 280i was born. This 1986 TVR 280i is available here on Facebook Marketplace, in Dover, Arkansas. The asking price is $7,995. Thanks, Terry, for the Brit tip!
The Cologne V6 that Ford produced for 49 years was one of the most reliable V6 engines they ever made. This little 60-degree V6 produced 160 horsepower at 5700 RPM and 163 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4300 RPM. That seems like a lot for a little 2400-pound flying wedge! The transmission is a 4-speed manual sourced from FoMoCo and specifically designed for TVR. The seller states that the car runs great. The air conditioning compressor and evaporator were removed by the previous owner but are included in the sale along with several other parts. It is also listed that the car has Jag Independent Rear Suspension, and I cannot find a source that tells me if that is original, and the seller does not mention any details.
The exterior paint doesn’t look bad for a 40-year-old car. There’s no mention of whether it was a respray, but if it wasn’t, the original paint looks decent. The fiberglass doesn’t appear to be damaged in any of the pictures, as far as I can see. The black leather interior is a great match for the bright red paint, as is the black top. Both seem to show wear consistent with a car from the 80s.
The seller says this car was raffled off in 2019 by the TVR Club, and sure enough, if you look it up, you will find many more pictures of this car in its 2019 state. Hagerty valuations list a 1986 TVR in #2 excellent condition, which I believe this one is, with a high of $17,300 and a low of $14,433. For a TVR 280i that runs great and looks like you could hop in and drive it down the road, the asking price of $7,995 seems pretty reasonable. Are you ready for a wedge of British sports car?
IMHO the TR8 has more graceful lines. Won’t see yourself coming or going behind the wheel of this example. Agree with Kevin, price seems on the low side.