Registration - RGA 500W

Chassis No. - WPP1257-97

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - TBC

A unique example of TVR’s Tasmin, this early model fixed-head coupe comes replete with motorsport decals and modifications, including the iconic Martini racing stripes. Having been modified for competition, ‘RGA 500W’ includes features such as an interior roll-cage, racing steering wheel, side-exit exhaust, lightweight alloy wheels, and 6mm polycarbonate windows. Powered by a 2.9-litre V6 engine from a Ford Scorpio Cosworth which has also been Turbo converted and fitted with a Mazda RX-8 six-speed manual transmission in May 2022, the Tasmin has seen a significant increase in power output, thanks in part to a remapped ECU at Bailey Performance.

Additional racing preparation comes by the way of a TVR Tuscan Red Rose brake conversion – including 322mm discs with four-pot AP Racing callipers – and Gaz Gold coil-overs installed. The original pop-headlights have been removed, and an engine bay extinguisher, Accusump system, water injection kit, aluminium racing radiator, and Quaife differential added. ‘RGA 500W’ is offered with a set of 17-inch Team Dynamics alloy wheels with Nangkank AR-1 semi-slick track tyres fitted, and there is another set of 17-inch alloys available with Dunlop slicks.

The right-hand drive interior is fitted with black seats including mountings for multi-point racing harnesses – the present belts are FIA compliant until 2028 – though much of the normal equipment has been removed in order to save weight. This has seen a fully-adjustable OBP pedal box installed, and LDperformance dash, as well as having a fully-rebuilt steering rack at the end of 2020. Factoring in the light-weighting that has taken place, the seller reckons the interior as in ‘good’ condition, though reports that the electrics, bodywork, and paintwork could do with attention since those categories are rated as ‘below average’. That said, the engine and transmission are both considered to be ‘excellent’. Having been owned by just nine keepers in its near 44-year history, ‘RGA 500W’ represents an ideal entrance into grass-roots motorsport in an unusual but desirable model.

The first of TVR’s ‘Wedge’ series models, the Tasmin was introduced by the Blackpool manufacturer in 1980, either as a two-seater convertible or 2+2 coupe. Styled by Oliver Winterbottom, who had previously worked with Lotus on the likes of the Esprit, the Tasmin was an aerodynamic shape, and the chassis designed by another former Lotus engineer, Ian Jones. It should be clear where TVR was aiming for with the launch of the new sports car at the start of the decade. To help with development costs, the Ford parts catalogue was carefully gone over. Installed upfront, beneath the glass fibre bodywork, was a 2.8-litre Ford Cologne V6 unit, and suspension components up front came from a blend of Granada and Cortina models, while a Jaguar differential was used, and in-board disc brakes fitted. In all, it was one of the most highly engineered TVRs ever at launch. There Tasmin name survived four years, and a change of company ownership, until 1984 when the models became known by engine size - either 280i with the Ford block used, or the 350i which used a Rover 3.5-litre V8, turning the Tasmin from a mild sports car into a high-performance machine.

In summary:

· Distinctive TVR Tasmin coupe

· Stripped and prepped for motorsport

· Featuring powerful six-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission