RE: Superb, one-owner Griffith 500 for sale
Discussion
Controversially, given the love being expressed for this car, I'd rather have this which is about 3 or 4k underpriced for what it is. Has had a similar level of love lavished on it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031151...
Okay, it has a more muscular, powerfully built form than the elegant Griffith. Maybe that is, or is not, a bad thing.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031151...
Okay, it has a more muscular, powerfully built form than the elegant Griffith. Maybe that is, or is not, a bad thing.
Absolutely loved mine.. when it worked. It had had a sports exhaust, which did sound fantastic.
I did drive it to Le man's, the company we booked with had some laps of the tracks booked for us. we were all lined up outside ready to go, I'll never forgive it for braking down and failing to start just before the start!! That intermittent fault was very annoying, and chose it's moments.. It also failed to start coming off the ferry - much to the annoyance of the cars behind me.
I did drive it to Le man's, the company we booked with had some laps of the tracks booked for us. we were all lined up outside ready to go, I'll never forgive it for braking down and failing to start just before the start!! That intermittent fault was very annoying, and chose it's moments.. It also failed to start coming off the ferry - much to the annoyance of the cars behind me.
NorthernSky said:
Controversially, given the love being expressed for this car, I'd rather have this which is about 3 or 4k underpriced for what it is. Has had a similar level of love lavished on it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031151...
Okay, it has a more muscular, powerfully built form than the elegant Griffith. Maybe that is, or is not, a bad thing.
That is an entirely different car, in every way apart from being RWD. No one looking for a Griffith V8 convertible is also looking for a straight 6 BMW saloon M car. No one.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031151...
Okay, it has a more muscular, powerfully built form than the elegant Griffith. Maybe that is, or is not, a bad thing.
There are lots of cars lots of people would rather buy than a Griffith. But people who want a Griffith, want a....
Edmundo2 said:
Edmundo2 said:
robsco said:
Utterly tremendous cars, but advice to those considering their first, make sure you go in with the right mindset. Those on here who bemoan the lack of finesse when pushing on are missing the point totally. If you want to drive it like you would a Lotus, forget it - buy a Lotus.
You need to treat it like a classic rather than a modern performance car; enjoy the looks, the smells, the sound and the tactility. They were antiquated when they were brand new, not to mention that vehicle progress has been breakneck over the last 30 years, with huge performance now accessible to most rather than the few.
With regards to the performance, all the hoo-ha that surrounded the launch of the Cerbera etc, and the crazy 0-60 times the Tuscan S press cars used to set (not to mention TVR’s outlandish claims!) has caused people to look back on the cars as crazy, wild animals. Time and progress has softened their shock value - they are still quick cars, but it’s really not about that anymore. A Golf R would run rings around even the best set up TVR, on almost any road.
Yes. When I referenced them not being great or over a bumpy surface or at 10/10ths this was really advice to potential owners. I took mine for what it was...I was originally in a Chim 450 but wanted something sharper so bought an Elise...Then I missed the burble and the practicality and the torque so went and bought a Griff..You need to treat it like a classic rather than a modern performance car; enjoy the looks, the smells, the sound and the tactility. They were antiquated when they were brand new, not to mention that vehicle progress has been breakneck over the last 30 years, with huge performance now accessible to most rather than the few.
With regards to the performance, all the hoo-ha that surrounded the launch of the Cerbera etc, and the crazy 0-60 times the Tuscan S press cars used to set (not to mention TVR’s outlandish claims!) has caused people to look back on the cars as crazy, wild animals. Time and progress has softened their shock value - they are still quick cars, but it’s really not about that anymore. A Golf R would run rings around even the best set up TVR, on almost any road.
They are pretty quick but as you say you need to view it in context and the chassis/dynamics etc are old skool so point to point performance will never look impressive on a stop watch vs run of the mill modern stuff but that's not the point....You'll have a wonderfull time just pushing it along to its happy place, ( about 8/10ths )
Will always have fond memories of TVR RV8 ownership though and still think they are great things for the money..
I've seen several Griffs go for close to £20k at classic auctions the last few years that needed work. Unless you do some of the work yourself, a body removal and chassis refurb with a respray, new hood, tyres and interior refresh would take you up to about the £35k price I expect. So it's relatively reasonable! If it is as nice as suggested, the outriggers will be fine, but it's difficult to be 100% sure with the body on.
Mine has 18" / 17" wheel combination which were on it when I bought it. It gives you much more scope on tyres (15" are no longer available with the correct speed rating). Of course it makes the ride a bit harder with a lower profile, but aftermarket suspension helps. I agree PAS is a must, I've had a Chimaera without it and it's really difficult at slow speeds and almost impossible when parking.
Mine has 18" / 17" wheel combination which were on it when I bought it. It gives you much more scope on tyres (15" are no longer available with the correct speed rating). Of course it makes the ride a bit harder with a lower profile, but aftermarket suspension helps. I agree PAS is a must, I've had a Chimaera without it and it's really difficult at slow speeds and almost impossible when parking.
If you are going to use it as opposed to looking at it as an investment, I think you'd be better off with one that has done a few more miles but has received the same level of care for just over half the price of this one. At £35k, this is cheap compared to other classics. At £20k, they are an absolute steal! There are a couple in the PH classifieds.
SJR said:
I always found the Griffith a great long distance fast and comfortable GT car rather than a B road sports car in the Lotus mould.
I enjoyed 8 years and 10k miles with a 500. Perfectly reliable if regularly serviced with a rolling component replacement programme. Budgeted £500 pa excluding consumables such as tyres. Engine bay heat management by fitting heat shields for the alternator, engine mounts, suspension bushes and air intake were worthwhile and the heat haze from the bonnet vent when the twin fans kicked in in slow moving traffic was impressive.
The tensioned 3 position roof mechanism was very good even if the targa panel was a very tight fit when placing it in the electrically released boot, the dash button being unlabelled and next to the identical lights on off button. It was annoying having to stop and shut the boot when you meant to switch the lights on. Dipped beam was awful, full beam excellent.
I would certainly have another, for me it is the pick of the TVR range in terms of performance and sensible ownership costs. Not sure the last 100 SE versions are worth the premium for the largely cosmetic changes.
Starmist blue by any chance ?I enjoyed 8 years and 10k miles with a 500. Perfectly reliable if regularly serviced with a rolling component replacement programme. Budgeted £500 pa excluding consumables such as tyres. Engine bay heat management by fitting heat shields for the alternator, engine mounts, suspension bushes and air intake were worthwhile and the heat haze from the bonnet vent when the twin fans kicked in in slow moving traffic was impressive.
The tensioned 3 position roof mechanism was very good even if the targa panel was a very tight fit when placing it in the electrically released boot, the dash button being unlabelled and next to the identical lights on off button. It was annoying having to stop and shut the boot when you meant to switch the lights on. Dipped beam was awful, full beam excellent.
I would certainly have another, for me it is the pick of the TVR range in terms of performance and sensible ownership costs. Not sure the last 100 SE versions are worth the premium for the largely cosmetic changes.
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
Edmundo2 said:
Edmundo2 said:
robsco said:
Utterly tremendous cars, but advice to those considering their first, make sure you go in with the right mindset. Those on here who bemoan the lack of finesse when pushing on are missing the point totally. If you want to drive it like you would a Lotus, forget it - buy a Lotus.
You need to treat it like a classic rather than a modern performance car; enjoy the looks, the smells, the sound and the tactility. They were antiquated when they were brand new, not to mention that vehicle progress has been breakneck over the last 30 years, with huge performance now accessible to most rather than the few.
With regards to the performance, all the hoo-ha that surrounded the launch of the Cerbera etc, and the crazy 0-60 times the Tuscan S press cars used to set (not to mention TVR’s outlandish claims!) has caused people to look back on the cars as crazy, wild animals. Time and progress has softened their shock value - they are still quick cars, but it’s really not about that anymore. A Golf R would run rings around even the best set up TVR, on almost any road.
Yes. When I referenced them not being great or over a bumpy surface or at 10/10ths this was really advice to potential owners. I took mine for what it was...I was originally in a Chim 450 but wanted something sharper so bought an Elise...Then I missed the burble and the practicality and the torque so went and bought a Griff..You need to treat it like a classic rather than a modern performance car; enjoy the looks, the smells, the sound and the tactility. They were antiquated when they were brand new, not to mention that vehicle progress has been breakneck over the last 30 years, with huge performance now accessible to most rather than the few.
With regards to the performance, all the hoo-ha that surrounded the launch of the Cerbera etc, and the crazy 0-60 times the Tuscan S press cars used to set (not to mention TVR’s outlandish claims!) has caused people to look back on the cars as crazy, wild animals. Time and progress has softened their shock value - they are still quick cars, but it’s really not about that anymore. A Golf R would run rings around even the best set up TVR, on almost any road.
They are pretty quick but as you say you need to view it in context and the chassis/dynamics etc are old skool so point to point performance will never look impressive on a stop watch vs run of the mill modern stuff but that's not the point....You'll have a wonderfull time just pushing it along to its happy place, ( about 8/10ths )
Will always have fond memories of TVR RV8 ownership though and still think they are great things for the money..
SJR said:
I always found the Griffith a great long distance fast and comfortable GT car rather than a B road sports car in the Lotus mould.
I enjoyed 8 years and 10k miles with a 500. Perfectly reliable if regularly serviced with a rolling component replacement programme. Budgeted £500 pa excluding consumables such as tyres. Engine bay heat management by fitting heat shields for the alternator, engine mounts, suspension bushes and air intake were worthwhile and the heat haze from the bonnet vent when the twin fans kicked in in slow moving traffic was impressive.
The tensioned 3 position roof mechanism was very good even if the targa panel was a very tight fit when placing it in the electrically released boot, the dash button being unlabelled and next to the identical lights on off button. It was annoying having to stop and shut the boot when you meant to switch the lights on. Dipped beam was awful, full beam excellent.
I would certainly have another, for me it is the pick of the TVR range in terms of performance and sensible ownership costs. Not sure the last 100 SE versions are worth the premium for the largely cosmetic changes.
ah, this type of seats are better (by looks at least of the bolsters) then the early ones, the seats in my 4.3 BV were more like this example, no bolsters? almost flat and 'slippery' or are those filled up? or adjusted with bolsters when repaired?I enjoyed 8 years and 10k miles with a 500. Perfectly reliable if regularly serviced with a rolling component replacement programme. Budgeted £500 pa excluding consumables such as tyres. Engine bay heat management by fitting heat shields for the alternator, engine mounts, suspension bushes and air intake were worthwhile and the heat haze from the bonnet vent when the twin fans kicked in in slow moving traffic was impressive.
The tensioned 3 position roof mechanism was very good even if the targa panel was a very tight fit when placing it in the electrically released boot, the dash button being unlabelled and next to the identical lights on off button. It was annoying having to stop and shut the boot when you meant to switch the lights on. Dipped beam was awful, full beam excellent.
I would certainly have another, for me it is the pick of the TVR range in terms of performance and sensible ownership costs. Not sure the last 100 SE versions are worth the premium for the largely cosmetic changes.
I've had 6 TVR's over the last 24 years but never had a Griff.
All were used as daily drivers and made plenty of long trips while working Germany or Switzerland and of course holidays in southern Europe.
Some were painful on the wallet and some not.
The most painful and the most loved was my Cerbera.
The most reliable and most used is my current Tuscan convertible that I bought in 2009.
All were/are great fun.
TVR's taught me the meaning of the word patience.
All were used as daily drivers and made plenty of long trips while working Germany or Switzerland and of course holidays in southern Europe.
Some were painful on the wallet and some not.
The most painful and the most loved was my Cerbera.
The most reliable and most used is my current Tuscan convertible that I bought in 2009.
All were/are great fun.
TVR's taught me the meaning of the word patience.
This was ours - epic.
MyGarage said:
Chianti starmist (dark sparkly red to a bloke) with full black leather - missile fast with a kit-car build quality - buy if you dare, drive on ice if unhinged from reality - no safety aids except your own fear of impending danger......only two seats so when we became three it had to go ...boo
I bought a BRG 4.3 big valve new in 1992 and used it as my daily for 4 or 5 years and soon regretted selling it.
I did find the 500 had an annoying exhaust drone cruising on the motorway probably related to the catalytic converter mine didn’t have.
It was really quick, a couple of my friends had them too, one somewhat well known one put his on the race team 4-post rig to improve the damping
I did find the 500 had an annoying exhaust drone cruising on the motorway probably related to the catalytic converter mine didn’t have.
It was really quick, a couple of my friends had them too, one somewhat well known one put his on the race team 4-post rig to improve the damping
No probs...TBH I ended up selling the Griff in order to go racing and after that I've owned Cayman and Caterham. Currently on the verge of Evora 400 ownership which seems to tick lots of boxes, ( apart from the roof coming off )..
Will always have fond memories of TVR RV8 ownership though and still think they are great things for the money..
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Have you considered the Exige Roadster if you like to take the roof off? Bit down on power to the Evora 400, but would you really notice it, & should be cheaper, so you could upgrade & possibly still save money? Appreciate 400 is a newer looking & specced car.
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Hi. Yes I looked at Exige 350 but tbh I found it a bit underwhelming for some reason. I only experienced it from the passenger seat but the awkward access, bare alloy interior, single binacle, stripped back nature etc just felt a bit one dimensional. It seemed quite quick but if I wanted quick and stripped out the Caterham covered it..Granted the Exige would be more practical but I just found the Evoras extra space, trimmed interior, ride, noise etc brought all the performance whilst being a nicer place to spend time...A shame the Spyder never got made!
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Hi, I thought the Roadster had better interior, full carpets, quilted seats etc, stitched leather in doors, as well as better roof off ability, so you could hear the engine more - it was the attempt at a spyder halfway house? Exige is a lot lighter to.
Appreciate the extra practicality of the Evora, I had a Evora S. Quite thirsty, but I believe the 400 is actually better for mpg. Youtuber 'JayEmm' has reviewed a lot of Lotus. One thing to check is the wheel camber setup, if aggressive or more neutral. My Evora got through 4mm of rear Pirelli tread in 2000 miles, & I hadn't thrashed it at all. Quite expensive at £260 or so a tyre & doing both sides!
SS427 Camaro said:
Stunner ! What an amazing find. Someone is going to get a really good example of a late Griff ! But, those Toyos need throwing over the hedge and swapped for a set of Nankangs ( no, dont laugh, they are superb )
The long intake hose ( air cleaner to MAF ) also needs changing for an ACT one. The original collapses with age and the power drops dramatically
Dark metalic blue is my go to choice for one of these.
The only negative i can see, is that its a non PAS car, the manual rack is woefully slow and heavy @ low speeds
I have had 3 Griffs ( a 96 500, a 98 500 and one of the first 400s to be built, plus a lovely low miles Chimp 500 ) had many more through my hands and have racked up a lot of miles in them, inc 2 amazing trips to Germany, in my current one.
I bought my first one a 46,000 mile 96 500HC model, in August 07 via Autotrader. Like many of these cars, it had been through a few owners who did nothing to it and had sat around and was in need of a fair bit of tlc. A week later and an ex and i are en route to the Black Forest for one of the best road trips ive ever had. Everyone said "you are mad,you wont get to Dover in that thing ". It never missed a beat apart from the drivers window sticking just before the heavens opened up near Rheims. I went right through that car, it drove superbly and i lost count of how many smiles i wiped off of Impretsa drivers faces. I stupidly sold it in April 08, to a lovely German buyer called Dennis, to buy a 3.2 Carrera. I bought another 500 in May 10. But i wanted that first Griff back. After about 5 years of searching, i finally made contact with Dennis. He had only driven the car for about 3 months before parking it in his dry garage in summer 08 and there it sat until April last year, when i finally got it back!
Great comment. I had mine for 3 years 1998-2001, we did 30k miles and the car never missed a beat. Only one trip the starter motor wouldn't work when hot, but wife and I could so easily push-start it when we stopped for fuel in Germany and Belgium. We made it all the way back home, but we were never worried as any Ford/Rover garage would have had parts anywhere in Europe. In 99 I had the commuter package as we crossed the Channel over 10 times. Weekends, holidays, even work trips to Germany. We replaced it with the Tuscan only because the Tuscan had the roll-cage built-in going over the windscreen and the targa top. Considering the fast motorways and the mountain roads in the Alps that felt like the right thing to do...big regrets when the engine blew up after only 15k miles, like everyone else's. The long intake hose ( air cleaner to MAF ) also needs changing for an ACT one. The original collapses with age and the power drops dramatically
Dark metalic blue is my go to choice for one of these.
The only negative i can see, is that its a non PAS car, the manual rack is woefully slow and heavy @ low speeds
I have had 3 Griffs ( a 96 500, a 98 500 and one of the first 400s to be built, plus a lovely low miles Chimp 500 ) had many more through my hands and have racked up a lot of miles in them, inc 2 amazing trips to Germany, in my current one.
I bought my first one a 46,000 mile 96 500HC model, in August 07 via Autotrader. Like many of these cars, it had been through a few owners who did nothing to it and had sat around and was in need of a fair bit of tlc. A week later and an ex and i are en route to the Black Forest for one of the best road trips ive ever had. Everyone said "you are mad,you wont get to Dover in that thing ". It never missed a beat apart from the drivers window sticking just before the heavens opened up near Rheims. I went right through that car, it drove superbly and i lost count of how many smiles i wiped off of Impretsa drivers faces. I stupidly sold it in April 08, to a lovely German buyer called Dennis, to buy a 3.2 Carrera. I bought another 500 in May 10. But i wanted that first Griff back. After about 5 years of searching, i finally made contact with Dennis. He had only driven the car for about 3 months before parking it in his dry garage in summer 08 and there it sat until April last year, when i finally got it back!
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 29th March 08:33
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 29th March 08:34
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 29th March 08:37
Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 29th March 13:10
Please don't troll me. This was a quintessential "Brutish" firm, but I wish that a Far Eastern (any) conglomerate would have bought the brand, not a 21yrs old Russian boy. It would be in better shape. Look at even MG, whatever your judgement, at least they are alive. Not to mention how ze Germans resuscitated Bentley / RR from the Vickers death trap and that Canadian nuveau riche is saving AstonMartin.
Bought a chimaera a couple of weeks ago to offset Porsche track car and Giulia Quadrifoglio daily and I’m really enjoying it. Done about 500 miles in it, and it’s a glorified kit car but honestly they are superb value. Figured I would buy it as a keeper and really invest into making it into a nice restomod for myself whilst offsetting the inevitable fridge on wheels purchase.
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