The TVR 280i, also known as the Tasmin, is not an uncommon sight around these parts despite being a limited-production model that is reserved for a select group of enthusiast owners. The wedge-shaped profile and Cologne-V6 power make it a choice reserved for non-conformists, but that’s also part of the TVR experience – marching to the beat of your own drummer. It’s also a relative bargain on the performance car landscape with hand-built construction and still respectable performance. It’s listed here on eBay with bids to bids to $4,378.45.

It became a bit of a running joke a few weeks back with one reader recognizing I have a weak spot for TVRs, and he started sending me listing after listing for 280i’s, all of which were available for short money. It’s an incredibly tempting car to buy, especially given all of the credentials listed above. What’s also interesting about the 280i is that it has some serious engineering behind it, but that doesn’t seem to factor into its stagnant values. For instance, the tubular steel chassis was designed by an ex-Lotus engineer, which offers a bit of a clue to which competitor TVR was targeting when it launched the 280i.

And unlike other TVR products that were hand-assembled, the 280i’s interior was a fully-finished space with high-quality materials and a clutter-free design. Even when you discover these cars with the top missing and stored outside for a few years, the interiors seem to survive in decent condition, making them a bit like the Mercedes-Benz W123 lineup in terms of durability. The seller’s car features handsome beige leather seats with a matching dash and door panels. The steering wheel is a period-correct aftermarket wheel covered in wood trim, a clear reminder of when this car was made. There’s real burlwood throughout the cockpit, and the seller notes that the steering column had been rebuilt and various electrical issues sorted out.

Mechanically, this 280i has been thoroughly gone through. The seller lists numerous repairs and upgrades, including a new Offenhauser 4 bbl intake manifold, Holley 390 4 bbl carburetor, electric fuel pump, fuel lines and inline filter, and accelerator cable, among a variety of other improvements. The 280i remains a relative deal on the 80s enthusiast car marketplace, as it offers rarity and performance in an attractive package for well under $20,000. And despite being an obscure model from an small company, keeping that Cologne V6 in good order won’t be much of a headache. What do you think is a fair price for a clean 280i like this one?