TVR replaced their long-running M-series with the wedge shaped Tasmin in 1980, available in both two-seat coupe and convertible form, with the convertible allowing for top-up, top-down, and Targa-style configurations courtesy of a smartly designed center roof panel. Oliver Winterbottom of Lotus fame designed the body, which sat on a steel tube frame. TVR relied heavily on Ford components for wheels, brakes, front suspension, the four-speed transmission, and of course the engine, which was a Ford Cologne V-6 in a 160-hp state of tune.

By the time the Tasmin reached the U.S. in 1983 it was called the TVR 280i, and the German Ford V-6 had been smogged down to 145 hp. The car did boast leather interior and burled walnut trim, but the 280i’s 0-60 time was a tad too close to 10 seconds for its $25,000 price tag, and reportedly inconsistent build quality held sales to only 1,200 or so, with most being convertibles.