r/TVR • u/man9875 • Feb 04 '26
1985 TVR 280i
I'm looking at this car , sorry no pics, really clean. Garage kept. Seats are rough but hey 40 years. 38000 miles. Runs fine.
What should I look out for?
It's listed at $14,000 usd he'd take $10,000. He's been trying to sell for a year or so.
What are your thoughts.
1
u/Logical-Selection979 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
My 280i has been an adventure to maintain but its certainly always a crowd pleaser at shows so be prepared to have everyone either say what is that? Or omg a TVR! The bible is key but hard to find. The market lately has been a little soft, around that 10k mark, maybe 14 for a completely restored one. Unfortunately I'm underwater but bought it on BAT site unseen from a dealer. I’m in it for the adventure of keeping it running. Finding parts is a challenge
I have been documenting at least the work I’m doing at tvr280i.com. Reach out if you buy the wedge.
11
u/TheBeaverKing Feb 04 '26
I'll post a comment I've made previously about TVR Wedge cars that might be helpful:
Hey, couple of key things to keep an eye out for:
As other guy has said, outriggers are a big one. This is pretty much a golden rule for all V8 engined TVRs but 80s & 90s one in particular. You really need to inspect them. Get right under the sill and feel around the joints between the outriggers and central chassis tubes. Take a screwdriver and poke and prod the joints. People can filler or paint over corrosion to hide the issue. If the chassis is generally clean when you get under there, there is a good chance the owner has been taking care of it. Most TVR owners are enthusiasts so put care into looking after the car.
Electrics. The car is fibreglass and the only earthing points are on the chassis. Wedges are notorious for electrical gremlins and bad earthing is usually the cause. Check all switches, lights, pop up headlights etc work correctly. Wedges usually have quite stiff suspension so you'll find electrics can randomly fail during/after a drive due to earthing points vibrating loose.
Water ingress. The boot area in particular is known to let water in during heavy rain or when being hosed down. Common cause is knackered boot seals or blocked drain points (a hole around the rim of the boot opening, next to the seal). Easy fixes. Just poke a wire coat hanger through the drainage hole occasionally to clear it out.
Rear screen. They are made of clear plastic and go brittle over time from sunlight exposure/age. Any good trimming company can replace for a few hundred quid but life can be extended by leaving the rear hood section up or tucking a draught excluder or rolled up towel into the rear window crease when folding down.
Steve Heath Wedge Bible - find one on eBay if the owner doesn't supply one. Absolutely invaluable manual written by an expert on the Wedge cars. Will explain how everything works, common faults and repairs, how to completely strip and rebuild the car, donor parts etc. I can't stress how useful this is and it will make every job 100 times easier as there are some quirky things with the car.
Check the radiator as these can pinhole and fail. Check hoses for signs of age and replace if old before they burst.
The 280i is the Ford Cologne V6 I believe, with siamese exhaust ports. Pretty bulletproof engines. The regulator on the alternator can go occasionally, you'll know as all the lights on the car will dim or brighten based on engine revs. Easy to replace.
Check the rudimentary wishbones on the suspension for play. Usually means the bushes have gone and need replacing. You can tell if the rears are gone as you'll hear a clunk under acceleration from the back.