| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1980 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet, produced between 1980 and 1983, represents a unique chapter in the British sports car manufacturer’s history, blending classic style with a distinctive open-top driving experience. Known simply as the Tasmin during its production, this generation is a notable example of early 1980s design and engineering. As a Cabriolet, the Tasmin offered enthusiasts the thrill of open-air motoring combined with the sporty character typical of TVR cars.
While exact dimensions for this Cabriolet variant are less commonly documented, the Tasmin models of this era generally featured a compact yet dynamic footprint. The car's length was approximately 4,300 mm (169.3 inches), making it nimble for its time and well-suited to twisting roads and city driving. The width measured around 1,720 mm (67.7 inches), providing a balanced stance without compromising maneuverability. The height was roughly 1,220 mm (48 inches), offering a low-profile design that enhanced the car’s aerodynamic and sporting appeal.
With these dimensions, the TVR Tasmin Cabriolet combines compactness with style, characteristic of early 1980s British sports cars. Its production span from 1980 to 1983 helped cement TVR’s reputation for producing driver-focused vehicles that combined performance and distinctive styling. The Tasmin Cabriolet remains a sought-after classic for collectors who value its combination of vintage charm, open-air freedom, and manageable size.
In summary, the TVR Tasmin Cabriolet from the early ‘80s stands out as an iconic vehicle for those interested in classic British sports cars that prioritize driver engagement and style. Its moderate dimensions make it a practical yet exciting vehicle that continues to fascinate vintage car enthusiasts worldwide.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 TVR Tasmin a leader in its class
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The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet, produced between 1980 and 1983, features classic sports car dimensions that contribute to its agile and sleek profile. Although specific manufacturer data on length, width, and height for this model is somewhat scarce, typical Tasmin models measured approximately 4,390 mm (172.8 inches) in length, 1,720 mm (67.7 inches) in width, and around 1,270 mm (50 inches) in height. These compact dimensions allowed for a lightweight and sporty design, emphasizing streamlined performance and nimble handling. Keep in mind that as a cabriolet, the Tasmin's roof design also influences the overall height when the top is up or down.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet has a width of approximately 1,720 mm (67.7 inches), which makes it relatively narrow compared to many modern sports cars and everyday vehicles. This narrower width enhances maneuverability in tight urban environments and can make parking easier, particularly in standard parking spaces where widths range from 2,400 to 2,700 mm (94 to 106 inches). The relatively slim profile contributes to the car's dynamic handling characteristics, allowing drivers to feel more connected to the road during spirited driving sessions or navigating winding roads.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet is known for its lightweight construction, typical of sports cars of its era aiming for performance and agility. The weight of this model ranges around 1,050 to 1,100 kg (approximately 2,315 to 2,425 lbs). This relatively low mass helps the Tasmin deliver brisk acceleration and sharp handling responses, making it a rewarding car to drive. The lightweight design, combined with its rear-wheel-drive setup, ensures that power delivery feels spirited, enhancing driving enjoyment. However, lightweight construction also tends to emphasize road feel, which appeals especially to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback.
The height of the TVR Tasmin Cabriolet is about 1,270 mm (50 inches), which gives it a low-slung, sporty stance typical of classic European roadsters. This low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving handling and cornering stability. Inside the cabin, the relatively low roofline means that headroom might be somewhat limited compared to larger cars or sedans; however, the cabriolet design offers the flexibility of open-top driving, which can enhance the feeling of spaciousness and airiness. While the low height favors aesthetics and performance, taller drivers may want to check comfort levels before long journeys.
Yes, the TVR Tasmin Cabriolet comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Typical UK garages, as an example, measure around 2,400 mm (94 inches) wide and about 5,000 mm (197 inches) deep, both dimensions are well above the Tasmin's approximate width of 1,720 mm (67.7 inches) and length near 4,390 mm (172.8 inches). The low height of approximately 1,270 mm (50 inches) further ensures it fits easily without clearance issues. Additionally, the cabriolet roof can be lowered, reducing the overall height and making it simpler to park in garages with limited overhead clearance.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet offers a relatively snug and driver-focused interior typical of vintage British sports cars from the early 1980s. While the interior dimensions do not compete with modern sports cars in terms of roominess, the Tasmin’s cabin design emphasizes the driving environment with a simple layout and moderately compact seats. Passenger space is typically best suited for two occupants, with minimal rear storage due to its cabriolet nature. Compared to other sports cars of the era, such as the Triumph TR7 or MG B, the Tasmin provides competitive, if not generous, space with a strong emphasis on classic sports-car engagement.
Compared to earlier TVR models like the TVR Taimar, the Tasmin Cabriolet offered a more modern, wedge-shaped design with slightly increased overall length and a lower, sleeker profile. Dimensionally, the Tasmin’s length of approximately 4,390 mm (172.8 inches) was marginally longer, and its overall width was similar or slightly wider, contributing to improved stability. Performance-wise, the Tasmin benefitted from more contemporary suspension setups and engine choices, offering better handling and a more refined driving experience. The design refresh also aimed to attract broader appeal with a more modern sports car appearance while retaining the classic British sports car ethos.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet’s overall size puts it well within the typical range of compact European sports cars of the early 1980s. When compared to contemporaries like the Porsche 924 or the Alfa Romeo Spider, the Tasmin’s length of roughly 4,390 mm (172.8 inches) and width near 1,720 mm (67.7 inches) are quite similar — usually slightly longer than the Alfa Spider but shorter than some Porsche variants. Its relatively modest height of approximately 1,270 mm (50 inches) helps maintain a low, aerodynamic silhouette. Overall, the Tasmin’s size balanced compact dimensions for urban usability with enough presence and road stability to compete effectively against similar classics.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet features a fuel tank capacity in the range of about 50 to 60 liters (approximately 13 to 15.8 US gallons), which was typical for sports cars of its size during the era, providing a reasonable driving range without excessively adding weight. As for luggage space, being a cabriolet, the Tasmin offers limited but practical boot storage, generally around 150 to 200 liters (5.3 to 7.1 cubic feet), enough for small bags or light weekend luggage. This space is often partially shared with the roof storage mechanism when the convertible top is lowered, so packing efficiently is advisable for longer trips.
The TVR Tasmin Cabriolet is a distinctive British sports car that stands out for its combination of classic British handcrafted elegance and sharp, wedge-shaped styling introduced in the early 1980s. Unlike many contemporaries, the Tasmin embraced a more modern design language with smooth angular surfaces while retaining TVR’s reputation for driver-focused performance and unique character. Its lightweight chassis, engaging driving experience, and relative rarity compared to mass-produced sports cars add to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. It reflects a transitional period where British sports cars began blending traditional craftsmanship with newer engineering approaches.
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