1985 TVR 280i

Description

The TVR brand, if anything, is known for powerful fun to drive cars and their boundless independent resilience within the British automotive industry. This is particularly true of the TVR 280i, introduced in 1980. A sleek and distinctive sports car, the 280i blended V6 performance, and classic British style wrapped in an innovative bold, angular design. Its powerplant was a potent 2.8-liter Ford “Cologne” V6 engine under the hood producing 160 horsepower. Today, the 280i commands attention in the collector car market, especially in the United States where a TVR of any type, is a rare sight. Convertible versions of the 280i, like the example on offer, feature a three-position top allowing you to also use it for targa-style open-air driving. This example was purchased from the original owner out of a private collection in Nevada where the car was found, non-running but in excellent condition with what are believed to be under 17,000 original miles.

Highlights

• Powered by a Ford sourced 2.8-Liter “Cologne” V6 engine producing 160 hp and 162 ft-lb of torque equipped with Bosch fuel injection

• Zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 130 miles per hour

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Three-position convertible top with a removable top panel

• Oliver Winterbottom-styled fiberglass body mounted to a tubular steel chassis designed by former Lotus engineer Ian Jones

• Finished in silver over a blue upholstered leather interior

• Showing 16,744 miles at the time of listing, which the consignor believes to be original 

• This low mile example still wears its original Good Year tires

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• Pop-up headlights 

• MOMO steering wheel

• Leather and burled walnut interior

• 14 inch basketweave wheels

• Four wheel disc brakes with inboard rear rotors

• Four wheel independent suspension

• Power windows 

• Air conditioning 

• Dual exhaust

• Blaupunkt London MR 21 headunit powering 15 watt Blaupunkt speakers

Known Imperfections

• Some surface rust noted on undercarriage

• Some cracking noted on the interior wood

• Original tires are dry rotting and will need to be replaced for driving

• AC converted to R134 but needs to be recharged to function

• Front spoiler has various small chips from road wear and tear

Included 

• Factory spare tires with original cover

• Factory tool kit

• Factory cover to targa top

Ownership History

The consignor reports acquiring this 1985 TVR 280i from the original owner who had purchased it new in Kansas and later moved it to Nevada where it remained in long term storage among his collection. The accompanying CARFAX shows no accidents.