| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1984 |
| Production Years: | 1984 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The TVR 280 Cabrio, produced between 1984 and 1987, represents a distinctive British sports car from the mid-1980s. This cabriolet version of the TVR 280 epitomizes the blend of lightweight design and open-top driving pleasure, typical of the era’s sports cars. While exact dimensional data for the 280 Cabrio is limited, this generation was known for its compact yet agile proportions, tailored for spirited driving experiences. The cabriolet body style provides an engaging open-air experience, enhancing the car’s appeal to enthusiasts. The TVR 280’s design was relatively minimalist, characterized by a focus on performance and driving dynamics rather than luxury appointments. As a lightweight vehicle, it contributed to nimble handling and spirited acceleration, traits highly valued by drivers seeking a pure sports car feel. The British automaker TVR utilized a straightforward and functional approach to this model, which reflected the automotive trends of the 1980s for small, sporty convertibles. The 280 Cabrio stands out in the lineage of TVR sports cars due to its rare open-top version during a period when few other similar vehicles offered the same blend of raw driving pleasure and exclusivity. This classic British cabriolet caters to collectors and driving enthusiasts who appreciate a vintage vehicle with a purposeful design and a focused performance package. Its production span from 1984 to 1987 sets it firmly in the context of 1980s British sports car history, showcasing TVR’s dedication to creating driver-centric machines.
Discover the standout features that make the 1984 TVR 280 Cabrio a leader in its class
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The TVR 280 Cabrio from 1984 to 1987 is a compact sports convertible with a length of approximately 3,990 mm (157 inches), a width around 1,650 mm (65 inches), and a height close to 1,160 mm (46 inches). These dimensions contribute to its nimble handling and classic roadster proportions, making it a lightweight and agile vehicle characteristic of TVR sports cars of this era.
With a width of about 1,650 mm (65 inches), the TVR 280 Cabrio is relatively narrow compared to modern sports cars. This narrower width enhances maneuverability in tight urban environments, making it easier to park in smaller spaces. However, drivers should still be cautious in narrow street areas, as the car’s width is typical for roadsters of the mid-1980s but smaller than many contemporary cars.
Standing approximately 1,160 mm (46 inches) tall, the TVR 280 Cabrio has a low profile typical of classic British sports cars. This low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and cornering performance. The low roofline also adds to the car’s sleek appearance but may reduce headroom, especially with the convertible top up.
The curb weight of the TVR 280 Cabrio is approximately 1,020 kg (2,250 lbs). This relatively light weight helps the car deliver spirited acceleration and responsive handling. The lightweight construction, typical of TVR’s focus on raw driving enjoyment, results in an engaging driving experience, balancing power-to-weight ratio effectively for a car produced in the mid-1980s.
The TVR 280 Cabrio features a wheelbase roughly 2,285 mm (90 inches) long. This moderate wheelbase gives the car a good balance between stability at speed and agility in tight corners. It’s long enough to provide solid high-speed stability but short enough to maintain sharp, responsive handling in twisty driving conditions.
Yes, the TVR 280 Cabrio comfortably fits into a standard home garage. With its overall length of approximately 3,990 mm (157 inches) and width of about 1,650 mm (65 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars. Most garage spaces, which typically accommodate cars around 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length and 2,500 mm (98 inches) in width, will have ample room for this classic convertible.
The TVR 280 Cabrio is a two-seater convertible emphasizing sporty and compact dimensions rather than spacious interiors. Passenger space is snug but driver-focused, with limited rear room as it has no rear seats. Headroom and legroom are adequate for average-sized adults but can be tight for taller individuals, reflecting typical sports car packaging priorities in the mid-1980s.
The TVR 280 Cabrio was developed as a more refined and slightly sportier evolution of earlier models like the TVR Tasmin. Dimensionally, the 280 Cabrio is somewhat more compact with a lower profile, enhancing its sporty appeal. Performance-wise, it offered an improved power-to-weight ratio thanks to a lightweight chassis and a tuned V8 engine, making it more agile and quicker than the Tasmin while maintaining classic hand-built British sports car character.
Compared to contemporaries such as the MG B convertible or the Triumph TR7, the TVR 280 Cabrio is generally smaller and lighter, emphasizing a raw, driver-centric experience. Its low height and narrow width make it more agile, while the classic British roadster styling with a manual convertible top sets it apart as a purist’s sports car of the period. It tends to be more exclusive and hand-built compared to more mass-produced rivals.
The TVR 280 Cabrio, being a compact two-seater roadster, offers limited trunk or cargo space. The boot can typically accommodate small luggage or a few grocery bags but is not designed for large cargo loads. This is typical for sports convertibles of its era, where performance and driving experience took precedence over practicality. The space is suitable for weekend trips or light errands but may be restrictive for longer journeys with significant luggage.
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