Three for One: TVR 280i Projects
When it comes to self-inflicted pain, car enthusiasts are typically in a league of their own. We like to think we’re having fun, but in reality, we’re just trying not to reveal how much we’re crying on the inside. Yes, I’m being dramatic, but you’re kidding yourself if there’s never a moment where you wonder why you didn’t take up whittling. The seller of this package deal of TVR 280i’s is made of stronger stuff than me, as this is a level of commitment I don’t yet posses. Find the listing here on craigslist where he’s asking you to take all three for $8,000.
All kidding aside, if you’re into this classic British wedge, that’s a hell of a deal. These 280s, also called the Tasmin, don’t look all that bad, and at least they’re being stored indoors. I’ve always had a soft spot for TVRs and actually owned one of these for a hot second before finding out it was equipped with the rare automatic transmission option and quickly bailing on the opportunity to own such a monstrosity. These all apparently have the sexy Cologne V6 and there is one automatic in the bunch.
That Cologne V6 is what has made me love these things far more than I should. When you hear this engine uncorked, it really is a beautiful sound, especially for an engine that wasn’t intended to be particularly sporting. The seller doesn’t seem particularly enamored with the collection and mentions “…they must be moved by September 10th” – guess that didn’t happen – so my assumption is he’s just responsible for clearing out the property rather than a long-suffering TVR fanatic.
Truth be told, they all look restorable, and the interiors are usually one of the first places you see completely trashed on a TVR. Not so here, as the cabins captured in the photos look fairly well-preserved. There has to be a good story here in terms of who in Manhattan (of all places!) had a panache for these unusual British roadsters and seemingly kept them out of the elements for years in one of the priciest places on Earth to store a car. Good luck and Godspeed to the next caretaker of this unusual lot.
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Comments
Jeff, I loved the intro to the writeup!
And, if a fella had the space and the penchant for these things, this is the deal of the year.
best
bt
The TVR properly sorted is an excellent sports car. A slightly better all around performer than the Lotus and 4 banger Alfa coupes, which were fantastic themselves. Too far from Texas and too many projects to add them. Jay Leno should tell Seinfeld to snare them for him. Leno would know who to get them to and grab one for himself in the process.
Add says they need to be removed by the 10th. This being the 13th I wonder if I can get them cheaper and get until the 20th give me time to drive the 2500 miles and rent the equipment needed to get them home should be able to flip them.
Not exactly Manhattan, for you non-New Yorkers. Long Island, but fairly close.
Export comes to mind.
Scott you beat me to it Belle Harbor on long island is suburbs and not anything like storing cars in Manhattan! Not bad if the 8 k is actually for all 3 too bad I am in SC my daughter lives in the east village maybe a trip to visit is in order if they are still around this weekend
Hauling 3 vehicles out of Long Island is gonna cost some moneys.
Tolls are crazy, and you’re not hauling 3 vehicles through NJ with out a CDL. Well…legally anyway.
Anyone have an idea what TVR stands for?
That cantilever bridge of a front end must have made parallel-parking a full-contact sport. The breadbox on the console is a nice touch also.Perhaps a bit of toast for the morning commute?
Trevor Wilkinson > Trevcar > TVR Engineering
If I lived anywhere near there I’d have been there already and cleaned him out. But a 5,000 mile round trip is a tad long.