Griffith 500 SE

[D1ckie]

Looking for some advice please guys. I had a number of "newer" TVRs but fancy one of the calssics and saw this one at RG http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3793428.htm

I know that Griffs seem to be holding their prices well, like the Sags , but is this high even for a low mileage Griff

Also, are the wheels fitted a standard on this car or have they been changed - dont like them TBH

I assume there was two types of Griffs 400 and 500, is that correct? And was 2003 the last year the cars were manufactured?

Any help and advice appreciated

[Moycie]

The "SE" was the last run of Griffs - built from 2000-2002 (just some of them were registered later in 2003).

Check out this site clicky for information on the SE.

I believe the alloys were 16" estorils 7 spoke all round as standard, and the BBS split rims were a cost option. Personally, I love the split rims, they are very rare - and I just managed to get hold of a set for my 500.

As for Griffith engine types - have a search...you have the pre-cat (400, 430, 430 BV) and 500....take your pick!

[S6 ROR]

Those wheels were put on some of the last 100 Griffs, most were put out with the estorils fitted though. 16 inch front and back on all SE's.
Most were built in 2001, but was 2003 by the time they were all registered.
Carn't see prices falling on SE's, but you never know, he says with a vested interest

[PuffsBack]

I think from memory, 9 of the 100 had the BBS wheels fitted. Otherwise is 16" Estorils all round (normal Griff 500's get 15" up front)

[D1ckie]

S6 ROR said:

Those wheels were put on some of the last 100 Griffs, most were put out with the estorils fitted though. 16 inch front and back on all SE's.
Most were built in 2001, but was 2003 by the time they were all registered.
Carn't see prices falling on SE's, but you never know, he says with a vested interest

Thanks - see you have a Sag as well. I've always had newer TVRs and would be interested in your thoughts on older models like the Griff. Think a Griff would compliment my Sag well

[bebee]

That's very nice but I'm not sure the value is quite right just yet, maybe in another 6 to 8 years or so, something like that might be worth that kind of asking then, there's no question that the residuals are moving up but that's too pricey IMO, consider that just 6 years ago I had the chance to buy SE 100, the last one made for £31k from Graham Scarbrook, that had 4000k miles on it and I thought it too pricey then, I bought a 1999 Griff 500 for £16k with 15k miles on the ode.
I would put a value of £30k on the one you're looking at, and £33k on SE 100 if it still has low miles on it.

[S6 ROR]

Yes, they are like chalk and cheese.
Started my TVR ownership off with a griff which I had for 4 years, before moving onto several other TVR's. But I just had to get another Griff, they just get under yor skin.
They do complement each other well, as I also like the open top option.
The big difference with the T cars is the fit and finish, they are so much better put together, and much easier to drive on a day to day basis. Although part of the Griffs charm is the very fact that it has a more raw appeal.
I am very luck to own both, but would suggest that you try and get to drive one. It will still give you as big a grin as the T cars, guaranteed

[Ant.]

D1ckie said:

Thanks - see you have a Sag as well. I've always had newer TVRs and would be interested in your thoughts on older models like the Griff. Think a Griff would compliment my Sag well

Have you seen the SE on ebay ?

[D1ckie]

S6 ROR said:

Yes, they are like chalk and cheese.
Started my TVR ownership off with a griff which I had for 4 years, before moving onto several other TVR's. But I just had to get another Griff, they just get under yor skin.
They do complement each other well, as I also like the open top option.
The big difference with the T cars is the fit and finish, they are so much better put together, and much easier to drive on a day to day basis. Although part of the Griffs charm is the very fact that it has a more raw appeal.
I am very luck to own both, but would suggest that you try and get to drive one. It will still give you as big a grin as the T cars, guaranteed

Thanks - so need to find someone on the Wirral with a 500 Griff

In terms of engine - with something thats done so little miles over nearly 10 years, do you think there will be engine troubles. Big discussion the other week in the Sag forum about the 1000 mile Sag and that everythought it might have issues having not covered many miles over its life time. Or are the Griff engines much more reliable than the S6 ones?

[davemac250]

I looked at that car last week.

Reputedly the last griff made.

It is immaculate.

The wheels are superb in the flesh.

I'd suggest that it is a car destined for a collection. It is in the category of too good to drive.

[The AJP Griff]

S6 ROR said:

The big difference with the T cars is the fit and finish, they are so much better put together.....

In the nicest possible way I couldn't disagree with that more! Having owned one and driven many a 't' car I feel they are nothing like as well built as the Griffs or Chims. The trim materials on the latter cars were really cheap and never lasted well, the paint finish was thin and used tinted primer to save costs and chipped easily,also applied very poorly in a hurry, presumably as production increased? My tuscan had so many squeeks and rattles,dash pod wobbles and horrendous high speed vibration. Does anyone remember vbh testing a t350 and a knob falling off in her hand,or the terrible high speed stability of the top gear tuscan 's' which was also another symptom I experienced.
My honest thought are that the 'T' cars were no where near as good-the main reason I went back.

[S6 ROR]

The AJP Griff said:

In the nicest possible way I couldn't disagree with that more! Having owned one and driven many a 't' car I feel they are nothing like as well built as the Griffs or Chims. The trim materials on the latter cars were really cheap and never lasted well, the paint finish was thin and used tinted primer to save costs and chipped easily,also applied very poorly in a hurry, presumably as production increased? My tuscan had so many squeeks and rattles,dash pod wobbles and horrendous high speed vibration. Does anyone remember vbh testing a t350 and a knob falling off in her hand,or the terrible high speed stability of the top gear tuscan 's' which was also another symptom I experienced.
My honest thought are that the 'T' cars were no where near as good-the main reason I went back.

I was only going on my personal experience,. Having owned 3 Griffs, 2 tamoras, 2 T350's,, tuscan and a Sag.
I brought a new Griff in 98 and within 6 months the powder coating was coming off the chassis and rust was well set in, something that was vastly improved on the later cars. I must agree that the bison used in the early period of the t cars was cheap and nasty, but full hide was always the realistic option.
I'm not saying that the t cars are perfect, I to had several items that had to go back to be rectified under warranty etc, but overall, I personally feel that as time went on the quality was heading in the right direction.

[neutral 3]

500 SE , over rated And over priced .

[imuir]

Supply and demand, and they will continue to rise, not overrated, just more expensive

[anonymous-user]

Given that several SE cars appear to have sold over the last year or two for the 30K+ mark, that one on Ebay looks like great value.

[gizzer]

neutral 3 said:

500 SE , over rated And over priced .

[Mr MoJo]

neutral 3 said:

500 SE , over rated And over priced .

A car is 'worth' what someone will pay for it, so on evidence over the last few years or so, not over priced. Prices are rising. Like it or not. If someone pays the price it can't be over priced.

Over rated ? It's a Griff. You can never over rate a Griff.

Biased ? Me ? Possibly

[PSD]

Hi Mr Mojo, could not agree more, car 90 was mine and sold her last year to the current owner, have to say I got top monies for her and she's worth every panny, you may rember at the time you bought some of my items linked to the car, all the best Paul.

[Mr MoJo]

Indeed, brochures and press pack still safely in my possession