1986 TVR Tasmin 280i Series II Ford Cologne 2.8L V6

Summary:

A unique and immensely fun sports car

Faults:

Head gaskets on the 2.8L V6, brake pads, cracked windshield when newly purchased requiring windshield replacement, premature wear on some leather seating surfaces, rear deck lid tensioners, high level rear brake light bulb, AC needs recharging next Spring.

General Comments:

PROs:

- One of the most cleverly designed sports cars ever.

- Exhilarating handling combined with a comfortable ride.

- Sumptuous hand crafted walnut and leather interior with firm, very comfortable seats.

- Ingenious removable targa panel stows in the trunk, top flops down, carpeted storage shelf in back of seats, plus all of the trunk for luggage.

- Handsome, upscale wedge styling + beautiful interior.

- Firm shifting Ford 4-speed manual feels great.

- Ford and Jaguar components are easy to find.

- Very light weight aids acceleration.

CONs:

- Mazda RX7-like acceleration times are a bit slow.

- Ford Cologne V6 could use more low-end torque.

- Only fair electrical system reliability.

- TVR specific parts can be difficult to find.

- Temperature-controller garage prevents hairline cracks in fiberglass body.

- No overhead lighting in interior.

- Confusing, un-intuitive AC controls.

- Big and very tall persons won't fit comfortably in the interior.

- Awkward temporary spare tire location in the trunk.

- AC or power steering were available but not both; steering effort at very low speeds is excessive.

- Gap between the front fender and door is excessive.

- Struts supporting the convertible top and targa panel must be fully locked in place to prevent the targa panel from exploding above the car at high speeds. This is also true for the Griffith, Chimaera, Tamora, and Tuscan targa convertibles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2023

1981 TVR Tasmin 2.8 litre, injected

Faults:

In three years and 155,000 km. now has 216,000

- fuel pump failed

- required head regrind, seats

- brake pads twice

- tires twice

- axle outer u-joints

- transmission replaced

- front end required 1 bushing, and new rack gaiters

General Comments:

It is driven very hard, and driven in all weathers. I have driven at 225km/h (required exceeding red line by 600rpm), and often drive between 140-160 for 30 minutes at a time.

Love the car, and use it as a daily driver. For the price, combined with the service, it still costs me less than a late model economy car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 1998

4th Dec 2000, 23:16

I continued to put miles on this car at a high rate - now at 415,000km it runs good, the clutch has been replaced, but it now needs additional work as the clutch hydraulics have failed.

Some wiring, and an interior are due.

The car has required two water pumps, a couple of bushings, and a couple more sets of tyres.

Still like the car, but have bought a 350i coupe, and it is now getting the miles (owned for nearly one year now). Next step a Griffith, had the use of one for a couple of days and enjoyed it more than any other car I have driven (some exotics included). Cheers.

18th Aug 2008, 08:47

Hi, just bought a TVR 280i from a well known auction site for...get this! 1,400 pounds with full mot and history, restored in 1998. What a steal. Great fun.

5th Sep 2010, 19:09

I have a 280i. Loved it when it was running. Having a hard time locating parts in the US. Things like front brake parts and window lift motor are tough to find. I would buy another one in an instant. A fun little car.