Would you pay more for low miles and provenance?

[VNarma]

I'm looking to purchase the first US imported TVR Tasmin, (chassis 004) It was 8k miles, and has been stored indoors since 1987. Even the original exhaust still looks good. The various rubber bits are rotted away (steering bellows, etc. ) Car has paperwork to document is as the first US TVR signed by the president of TVR America. Car still needs a great deal of care, despite being inside for some 26 years. Dash veneer has the usual cracks. Carpet and leather appear to be good. Undercarriage looks good and clean, with plenty of spider webs. Paint has some separation of the clear coat.

Question is this. The price is equal to running drivers car, and this is currently not running. It is complete, and was driven from its owners garage to a warehouse four years ago. Is it worth the premium ? Opinions from the many here who have gone down the TVR road. I just got my barn find 1983 Alfa Spider back on the road, so I under the down side of time and old fluids.

Your thoughts?

[Chilliman]

If it's a long term keeper I'd say yes

[swisstoni]

IMHO one day the TVR forums will not be only be talking about upgrading performance and wheels and tyres etc. but will be talking also about provenance and patina and all the other pompous terms beloved of the classic car world.

That is because TVRs will have entered Classic Car Heaven.

Because of that I think it is wise to pay attention to these factors today, but it really depends on what your plans are for the car.

[VNarma]

I like knowing it is something special, in an already special group. The condition and price premium will likely cause me not to buy the car however. I agree it will likely be worth much more ten years down the road, but that is not my primary concern. I want to enjoy the car for what iit is. I'll leave it for someone who wants it as an investment, albeit not one with a very quick or steep return. On closer examination, the car will take much more work than it iis worth.

The search continues.

[VNarma]

If anybody is interested in buying the first US TVR 280i Tasmin, I'd be happy to pass on the details. Seller had paperwork showing chassis 004 was the first car imported. Car had only 8900 miles, but had been keep somewhere hot and damp for 25+ years. Everything which could corrode, has. Paint clear coat is peeling as well. Car is gold, with tan leather/velour interior with tan top. (Despite the color it appears in e warehouse) It has new exhaust, newer tires (4 years old, but no miles), and does not run, nor has it in atleast four years. Somebody worked on it, but didn't succeed in getting it running. Car is now back the the original import warehouse TVR America was headquartered from where it came. Car would need a full redo, from rubber to paint. Seller is firm on price as the owner, his grandmother really wanted $7k.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/3788513853....

Shame a car with its history has suffered such a slow demise.