I'm going to check out a Tasmin 280i this afternoon- there's one at the local junkyard that I'm interested in buying and completely restoring it. It looked like it was in decent condition the last time I saw it, but are there particularly expensive problems that I should be aware of?
The TVR I checked out was totally trashed- it would need massive fiberglass work plus painting, and the engine looks like it hasn't been run in a decade. On top of that, the guy wants $4k for it- yeah, hrm, let me think on that one :P
My brother restored one a few years ago (email him at jswr1@tds.net). It came out great. He is a watchmaker by profession and restored the car like it was a Rolex. Can send you some pix if you like
mate ive worked on a few different tvr's, you wont get parts from tvr coz they dont keep 'em if it hasnt been kept in good nick it will break a lot. most of the running gear is ford, euro model.
The 280i uses Ford Capri 2.8i running gear which is pretty bullet proof.The parts are easy to get here in the UK.The guys up at trevor(TVR) are really helpfull and there are plenty of owners groups.If you need any bits just give me a yell ,I have a friend with a 450i and he seems to love the things.
I'm more worried about the body and frame than the motor and driveline, since it's Ford as you say. The fiber was cracked all over the front around the headlights and it had been in a rear-end accident.
BTW isn't the 450 one of maybe 50? Rover v8? God, I'd love to see one stateside. I'd probably have better luck trying to get hit by lightning though.