Description
Great classic TVR 280i / Tasmin / Wedge. I have owned the car since July '14 and of course always keep it inside and only drive in the dry. I purchased it from an elderly gent in London, who hadn't driven it for 7 years prior to selling and owned it since '93 (if memory serves). I have his history and my own for the car, including the autotrader ad from the 90s! Since then I averaged roughly 1, 500 miles a year, the car has now covered 56, 000 miles. Its a classic in great, honest, original condition. You probably already know if you're looking at the car, but many wedges are not the best. So during my ownership many niggles have been eradicated with a summary below.
The car is one of the best factory spec wedges (in my opinion) its a 280i fitted with a mk1 350i body by TVR from new, giving it much sharper angles and body work, adding even more drama. The car was specced with the great momo wooden rim steering wheel and wooden shifter which really suit the interior. I have owned a few unusual vehicles and its one of my favourites! However I'm moving away and have to be a sensible adult and sell some of my classics. Its a shame to keep it locked up when it should be enjoyed!
Its a 2. 8 V6 (Cologne) so parts are accessible and surprisingly affordable for a TVR. When I purchased the car, it was was checked over with the usual mechanical bits (seals and gaskets) replaced, including other perishables, as it hadn't been used in recent years. As a low mileage car, little work was needed. We started with the usual: plugs, dizzy, fluids, HT leads, pads for good measure. The exhaust is full stainless, much better than the capri system, it sounds great, with burbles and pops coming down through the revs; its not for the faint-hearted!
Quickly after purchasing the car, I wanted to ensure I maintained its condition, so took the chassis underside back to bare metal and carefully undersealed. In recent years this was checked over and re finished where required. Because I only use the car on dry days, this was very little work. There are a few small marks on the lower bodywork, but nothing significant enough to warrant addressing. I have tried to capture everything, but if you would like more pics, just ask.
Matching numbers
2. 8 NA EFI Cologne V6, refurbished black rocker covers with new gaskets
Sounds great with two 3-into-1 de-baffled stainless steel exhausts
Half leather cream interior with factory MOMO extras pack (Wood rim steering wheel and shifter)
Electronic boot popper switch hidden in drivers door shut. Refurbished, perforated black leather TVR bonnet liner (yes its great!)
Steering column bulkhead bush (2014)
Oil and filter replaced - Castrol Edge
New spark plug set (2014)
Anti freeze flushed and changed
6 x new Ford HT leads
New distributor cap
New rotor arm
New front tyres
Underside of car waxoiled
Interior of front bumper painted black, instead of raw fibreglass by TVR (yes surprising!)
New N/ S rear wheel bearing
Front brake pads replaced
New N/ S Universal joint
High beam / horn stalk replaced (2015)
New headlight switch
New ignition relay
Tappets adjusted and 2 rocker gaskets
Rocker covers resprayed
N/ S interior door handle replaced (refurbished part)
Underside of car sprayed
New alternator
Oil change - Castrol Edge
New Vatra high power battery (2015)
New boot solenoid
New wiper rack fitted, motor checked
New wiper arm assembly and wiper blade
New horn
New mass airflow pipe (2018)
Oil change - Castrol Edge
2 x new headlights, new buckets and bulbs (2019)
Upgraded brake lights
New rear tyres (late 2019)
Relocated new full alloy radiator, with twin electric fans, reinforced hosing and new fan switch/ coupling
Replaced expansion bottle to engine hose
New anti freeze
Front underside of chassis and engine mount repainting in rust protective paint
New upgraded 4pot front brake callipers with new vented discs (2020)
2 x new front brake hoses
Replace brake master cylinder, upgraded battery, alternator (2016)
New mass airflow pipe (MK2)
New starter motor (Late 2021)
New spark plug set
New Schaeffler Clutch and decided to have the gearbox rebuilt whilst it was out in 2021
(less than 2, 000 miles ago)
New oil filter and oil - castrol edge
New Exide battery (Late 2021)
Reconditioned Gearbox (Early 2022)
New gearbox oil (replaced again after 600 miles)
Paint correction/ detailed thoroughly during my ownership (last late 2023)
New front anti roll bar bushes / drop links (mid 2023)
4 x new Nankang tyres (Late 2023)
Refurbished Ceres alloy wheels (period Italian BBS competitor) - polished TVR centre caps finished in 2 tone powdercoat (body color centres, polished alloy lips)
Re blackened hood and leather treated (Late 2023)
The info goes on but i'll leave it there as I hope most items are covered or shown in the pictures. If not, feel free to ask any questions.
My dad is a mechanic and I'm an Architect so we carefully look after everything, changing fluids, plugs etc.. regularly and always sensitively driven.
