1986 TVR 280i Tasmin Convertible - Recent Barn Find - Car Runs and Drives - Rare

Up for auction is a super rare TVR 280i Tasmin Convertible. It is a 1986 model.   
Please read the entire description before bidding or asking questions.  


This Rare Classic TVR was recently found in the barn of a musician along side of many classic British cars and motorcycles. From what we were told. the car had been sitting for a few years.  
This car was recently revived after sitting for a few years. When we found the car. we checked the fluids and found the car's oil was clean and full and the radiator was full of nice green coolant. The brake reservoir had clean brake fluid. The gas tank was empty (like it had been drained) so we added some fresh gas. hooked up some jumper cables and she started up. This looks to have been a well maintained car. It is a running. driving Car. You should plan on doing a tune up as the throttle response is a bit off. It seems to hesitate when you apply the gas though it does seem to clear up.  
Body
The body is very straight and it looks to have its original paint with no signs of re-paint and no signs of any collisions. It does have a few minor scratches and there are some areas that have faded and there are some spots where the clear coat is peeling. The side view mirrors have been taped up with black duct tape by the previous owner. The mirror glass is good.  
Top
The top is a two part top. The front section is a "Targa Top" and can be removed and stored in the trunk.  The hard targa top is in really good condition.   The back section is a convertible that can fold up or down.  The rear top is in good shape and is not ripped but there is some welting around the rear window at the bottom edge that has started to peel. Also. the rear window has some hazing and discoloration but it is still flexible and not torn or ripped.  


Drivetrain
The 2. 8 liter Ford engine starts fine and sounds good and seems to run strong. There is some minor ticking like it may need a valve adjustment. The transmission and clutch feel good. I have only driven it down the street one time but I managed to get it up to around 40mph on the residential street I live on and went through all four gears. The exhaust really sounds sweet and has a nice Growl.  
 Wheels/Tires
The car has the stock TVR wheels with a set of Pirelli P6000 tires. Tread looks good. The lugnuts have some surface rust.  
Interior
The interior is complete and very nice. The door panels are in good shape. The dash and gauges are nice. The previous owner pulled the dash and installed new wood trim in it but he didn't finish re-installing it so the wiring needs to be hooked up to the gauges. switches. etc. and thecolumn surround and other trim needs to be re-secured. The leather is in really good condition other then an small 1" tear on the driver's seat. The carpet is in nice shape other then a few spots that have some wear.  
Electrical
As stated above. the previous owner had pulled the dash to install new wood trim on it. He never finished putting it all back together so most of the switches and gauges. etc. need to be plugged in and reconnected.  
Overall. this is a complete running TVR that was well maintained and with a bit of work. will be a great car and just needs someone that is looking to give it the love it deserves.  
The odometer is reading 06. 89 and the car looks too nice to have turned over once. The seats. carpet and engine compartment do not show the wear associated with higher mileage. True mileage is unknown.   
It comes with a clear title from the state of Maryland. The issue date of the title is from 10/20/86 and it looks to be a one owner car.  
See the You Tube video of the car starting and running.  



 Search  " 1986 TVR 280i Tasmin Convertible " on youtube for video
I have been into classic cars for over 30 years.  I have done my best to describe this car.  Please ask questions before bidding.  
A $500 non refundable deposit is due within 24 hours after auction ends. Full payment due within 3 days after auction ends. If you can not meet this payment schedule. please do not bid.  
Buyer is responsible for transporting. I will assist if I can.  

Don't miss this one.
All my items are sold As-Is. No returns or refunds.  
See my feedback and bid with confidence.
I reserve to end this auction and sell to the highest bidder so bid early.  Car is listed locally so I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.  
I reserve the right to cancel any bid.  

On Jun-16-14 at 08:59:25 PDT. seller added the following information:

Thanks to everyone for your interest and questions. I had no idea that there were so many TVR fans out there.  
The car is located in Silver Spring. Maryland (Suburbs of Washington. DC) This is on the East Coast of the USA.  
Yes. I am willing to assist with shipping it out of the country. It is your responsibility to arrange and pay for the shipping and the car and title will not be released until I have payment in full.   The Port of Baltimore is less then one hour from me so shipping to England. or other parts of Europe will not be too difficult. I have shipped other cars in the past to several places in Europe.  
As I stated. the car had been sitting for years and was just gotten running again. As with any older car that has been sitting. I would plan on doing a major tune up. changing the fluids. etc. The hesitation I mentioned seems to be when the throttle is depressed harder. If you ease it on. it seems to go well. when harder. it hesitates. I would think a good fuel injection service would take care of it. I have heard that many TVR owners remove the fuel injection systems and install a carburetor.  

There are some additional parts in the trunk that come with the car. The previous owner had lots of zip lock bags with some of the trim. etc. tucked away neatly. Please let me know if you have any other questions.  
Thanks for your interest and good luck.
This is a No Reserve Auction so the High Bidder is going to get this car!

On Jun-16-14 at 10:20:00 PDT. seller added the following information:

Here is a video taken today. Monday. June 16. 2014 with the car idling and a walk around.

On Jun-16-14 at 10:26:40 PDT. seller added the following information:

So after letting the car warm up a bit today. the engine ticking seems to be much less. I am thinking maybe a lifter had been stuck and has unstuck. See the new video above. Also. the hesitation is much less now. The throttle response is much improved then before.
Here is a video of the pop up headlights operating too.

Also published at eBay.com

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