Ami I mad or what?
Discussion
Finally in a position where I can treat myself to a "toy" car (as Mrs BL puts it) and find myself in the process of acquiring an early Griffith 500 with reasonable mileage but many, many previous owners.
It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
Just the kinds of answer I was hoping for / expecting!
FFG - would have liked to go to the Growl but had previous engagements. Must be great fun - hopefully next year(?)
I'm having an inspection carried out by Taylor TVR on Monday. If that doesn't turn up anything imminent and / or catastrophic, I will probably be unable to resist.
Alternatively, if it doesn't pass muster, is anyone thinking of selling a really nice Griff at a modest price...?
FFG - would have liked to go to the Growl but had previous engagements. Must be great fun - hopefully next year(?)
I'm having an inspection carried out by Taylor TVR on Monday. If that doesn't turn up anything imminent and / or catastrophic, I will probably be unable to resist.
Alternatively, if it doesn't pass muster, is anyone thinking of selling a really nice Griff at a modest price...?
I know, I know.
Have loved the Griff since it first came out so I pretty much convinced myself a while ago. I was thinking someone might say "nooooo! Don't do it!" But knew better really.
Hope this one pans out ok on the inspection - it certainly drove very nicely but otoh, I want one I'll be able to drive when I want to, not when it feels like it.
Have loved the Griff since it first came out so I pretty much convinced myself a while ago. I was thinking someone might say "nooooo! Don't do it!" But knew better really.
Hope this one pans out ok on the inspection - it certainly drove very nicely but otoh, I want one I'll be able to drive when I want to, not when it feels like it.
To be honest, one of the things that attracts me to the Griffith - other than the car itself, of course - is the attitude of the owners which is apparent whenever anyone looks at the forum. Whilst I'm generally disinclined to get involved in clubs etc, I can see the advantages and pleasure of having the camaraderie and resource of the collective enthusiast owners.
Can't wait for Monday...
Can't wait for Monday...
Thanks for your posts, everyone. Looks like preaching to the converted, huh?
Petemac, I saw that thread and thought someone had picked up a bargain at £12k but I'm a bit suspicious of this too - if there's something hokey about the sale, what else is not on the level? Also it's a long way from me - the one I'm getting looked at is nice and local and many of you will know the previous owner as a fellow PH'er therefore entirely decent, honest and trustworthy (and a very nice, knowledgable guy too).
5 more sleeps..
Petemac, I saw that thread and thought someone had picked up a bargain at £12k but I'm a bit suspicious of this too - if there's something hokey about the sale, what else is not on the level? Also it's a long way from me - the one I'm getting looked at is nice and local and many of you will know the previous owner as a fellow PH'er therefore entirely decent, honest and trustworthy (and a very nice, knowledgable guy too).
5 more sleeps..
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