2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Saturday the 14th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. TVR introduced the Griffith at the 1990 British Motor Show in Birmingham, where it was met with a wholeheartedly positive reception as it was perceived as maintaining the true TVR ethos being compact and lightweight with a stonking V8 up front. While it wasn’t the most technologically advanced car on the market at the time, it certainly offered a unique driving experience back then, as it still does to this day.

In 2000, TVR announced that production of the Griffith was coming to an end and to mark this, a final limited run of 100 Special Edition cars was commissioned and known as the Griffith 500 SE. Built between 2000 and 2002, with the last cars registered in 2003, the SE models retained the proven 340bhp 5.0-litre Rover V8 drivetrain, allowing the car to complete 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to 169mph, while also gaining a number of distinctive features. These included a hybrid interior using the Chimaera dashboard and Cerbera seats along with revised rear lights, different door mirrors, more powerful headlights and clear indicator lenses with some cars being fitted with 16" wheels. Each finished car displays a numbered plaque in the glove box including the build number and carries a Special Edition badge on the boot. A unique factory signature is concealed in the boot under the carpet.

This phenomenal example is #6 of 100 and is finished in Rolex Blue (purple in reality) with a Portland and Purple leather interior and grey carpets piped in purple. Having covered a mere and documented 15,400 miles from new, the condition is stunningly well preserved and maintained. The paintwork is consistent with careful ownership and presents with good depth with the panels remaining true. The car is currently fitted with BBS style wheels, which suit the car visually, with the original set of wheels also supplied with the car.

Inside the cabin, the SE specific layout is evident, and the seats and dashboard trim remain in good order, benefitting from an upgraded stereo with two additional speakers and an amplifier. The installation is neat and unobtrusive whilst providing improved audio capability over the original equipment.

The mechanical condition reflects light usage and regular maintenance, with the car benefitting from a small number of upgrades including a stainless steel TVR clamp set, a stainless V clamp Y-piece with main catalytic converter, Pro Tech front and rear shock absorbers, and a set of ET38 Calibre Vintage 7 x 16" alloy wheels included as part of the package. Owned by Iconic Auctioneers Chairman and Founder, Nick Whale, who enjoyed a close working relationship with the late owner of TVR, Peter Wheeler, he bought the car because it is simply the very best example of what he believes is one of the ultimate British sports cars ever built. Having owned 3 in period he is completely confident that this is the best example he has ever seen and driven. His view - “ Raw performance and handling is the appeal, it is probably quicker to 100 mph than any car I have ever owned or driven. Not for the faint hearted, it has no ABS, traction control or driver aids and is simply ballistic and totally thrilling. The best value, pound for pound, performance car in the world!"

The car is supplied with a comprehensive history file and paperwork supporting the stunning condition, maintenance and servicing over the years. Numbered SE models such as this remain among the most collectable TVRs, with clear evidence of provenance and specification. Viewings and inspections are welcomed and encouraged. Please note that the Cherished Registration Number displayed in our images, does form part of the sale. This car is the best example of the Griffith 500 Iconic have ever offered.