While the name Trevor Wilkinson may not roll off the lips of every automotive fan, the name of the auto company that he founded,  TVR, is bound to stir some recall. A British manufacturer of performance-oriented sports cars, TVR has been in business since the mid-1940s and is still at it today with stunning models like the Griffith. Today’s find, courtesy of Chuck F, is a 1985 model 280i, that is located in Southington, Connecticut and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,750.

Introduced in 1980 and offered through 1987, the 280i was originally designated as the Tasmin. A name change to Tasmin/280i occurred for ’84 and it was then shortened to just 280i for the ’85 model year. The 280i is a fairly rare model as according to Hemmings, just 1,167 were produced and 862 of those were convertibles such as our subject car. After the 280i’s conclusion in ’87, TVR left the U.S. for good.

The seller claims that this TVR is a 30K mile example but freely offers that the speedo in this two-owner car doesn’t work so mileage authentication will be difficult. The images provided aren’t particularly good, but they show a finish, body, and convertible top that appear to be in sound condition. The sharp-angle, hand-built body possesses lines that are certainly in keeping with the era and present a strongly divergent design to what’s popular today. The profile is reminiscent of “The Shape of Things to Come” ala Triumph TR7/8. Good to see is the condition of the low, front chin spoiler which has not been spoiled by curbs or parking lot stops. From what can be observed, the alloy lace wheels, in particular, are in good nick and are not showing the effects of corrosive brake dust.

Things are a bit less ambitious under the hood in that a 160 net HP, Ford “Cologne” 2.8 liter V6 is in charge of forward motivation. Hardly a terrible choice, but something more exotic would not have seemed out of place. The seller adds, “Runs and drives great“. A Ford four-speed manual transmission supplies the necessary cogs.

The one image of the interior is not helpful, it looks as if it were shot through a telescope. What can be viewed looks faded and dusty and the securing Allen screws for the steering wheel show as rusty. What is notable, is the flat, angular dash and instrument panel – perfectly in keeping with 1985 favored interior designs. There are no images of the seats/upholstery but the door cards look fine – no sign of degradation noted.

So, as the seller states, “Very rare car. You’ll probably never see another one“. That’s the good news while the bad news is it’s a rare car and you’ll probably never see one. The powerplant is pretty common, so servicing and parts shouldn’t be an issue but everything else might be problematic considering this TVR’s low production numbers. What do you think, worth taking a chance on such a rare bird?