1998 Exceptional One Owner TVR Griffith 500 HC

We are delighted to offer this superb, low mileage and one owner example of the fantastic TVR Griffith 500.

Having started my career with TVR in the early 1990's, it is no exaggeration that I have sold literally thousands of examples over the past 30 or so years. Being a huge fan of the Griffith and in particular the 5Ltr model, occasionally one example will stand head and shoulders above the rest and this is one such car.

TVR made much of the fact that at the 1990 NEC Motor Show an order was taken every 8 minutes for their new Griffith. It's a testament to both John Ravenscroft and Peter Wheeler who penned the design that it still looks as fresh and modern today as it did when first launched over 30 years ago.

The proven recipe of shoehorning a large capacity V8 into a TVR began in 1964 when Jack Griffith replaced his Grantura's 4 cylinder lump with a Cobra 289 V8 - in doing so he not only lent his name to the now iconic model but also formulated a design principle that TVR have followed ever since. So much so, that these same dynamic ingredients have been employed by Gordon Murray and TVR engineers with the latest and third generation of the Griffith.

This particular example was first registered in January 1998 and as such, benefits from the many updates and improvements made to the model over the preceding years. Having already owned both a 4.5 and 4.5 Big Valve pre-catalytic Griffith (both very rare models), the owner decided on delivery of his new 500 that it was to quote, 'not quite quick enough'. Given the standard 500's performance figures and 0-60mph times of 4.1 seconds, this was a bold statement to say the least. To remedy this, the owner decided to enlist the help of TVR Power to embark upon a series of upgrades to enhance both the performance and power delivery of this very special example. With the full list of 'Taraka' improvements to provide both more torque and BHP, suspension was uprated with Nitron adjustable shock absorbers and necessary braking enhancements made with the fitment of larger Willwood brake calipers and discs.

Finished in immaculate pearlescent China Blue paintwork with a Nimbus Grey full leather interior, Navy blue mohair hood and wool carpets. The list of optional factory fitted extras includes heated seats with lumber supports and having covered just 25,750 miles and with a full service history from respected TVR service agents, the car is both mechanically and cosmetically excellent throughout.

Having owned a ‘98 Griffith from new and driven more examples than I could possibly remember, I am well placed to recognise an exceptional example and this Griffith 500 is exactly that. The engine is as strong as any I have encountered and despite the increase in performance thanks to TVR Power, the big V8 pulls smoothly and evenly throughout the rev-range. In addition, the car feels taught and exactly as it should (unlike many 25 year old examples) and the chassis is in fantastic condition and free from the usual points of concern having been regularly waxoyled and cared for from new.

With a full service having just been completed by marque experts APM TVR together with a new MOT showing no advisories, this exceptional Griffith 500 is now ready to be enjoyed by its second owner.

It would be a pleasure to answer any additional questions you may have and please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss this wonderful example in more detail.