J524 MHG Griffith Press car restoration
Discussion
Those with grey hair might remember either me/the car or both! J524 was one of the press & development cars and later Neil Andersons car which he sprinted successfully in the mid 90s. It was fully rebuilt onto a new chassis back in 2003 and drives extremely well, with a 4.5BV engine and uprated brakes, suspension etc but now the paint needs refreshing so the question is...what colour? Of course I could keep it 100% original (and I certainly intend to leave the interior 'as was' when it was a factory car complete with prototype instruments) but frankly I think the paint work would benefit from something a shade lighter, gunmetal perhaps, and would work better with the interior and charcoal spiders. Any suggestions, comments and views much appreciated as I'm well aware this is a piece of TVR history. The picture is from today's visit to Surface & Design where they are prepping it - so it's in the best hands possible. Thanks Steve.
Irrespective to the fact, that it is a piece of TVR history, i have just looked at your profile picture of the car and it looks fantastic in the colour it is now.
Just my opinion, but repaint in the same colour.
Mess about changing the wheel colour to suit the car, but not change the car colour to suit the wheels !
Just my opinion, but repaint in the same colour.
Mess about changing the wheel colour to suit the car, but not change the car colour to suit the wheels !
Thank you for your comments, much appreciated.
Yes, it is a great colour. Perhaps I'm just bored of it, and I guess when you spend a chunk of cash repainting then it's nice to get a 'new' car back.
The gunmetal silver I'm considering is still quite dark, not a bright silver, and I think will look equally stunning. I suppose as you say a future owner could change it back easily enough.
I've not made a final decision so all views greatly appreciated.
Yes, it is a great colour. Perhaps I'm just bored of it, and I guess when you spend a chunk of cash repainting then it's nice to get a 'new' car back.
The gunmetal silver I'm considering is still quite dark, not a bright silver, and I think will look equally stunning. I suppose as you say a future owner could change it back easily enough.
I've not made a final decision so all views greatly appreciated.
You're right Geeman, the car became a test bed for all sorts of developments and the new chassis became a necessity as the old one was shot after years of press duty and neglect. Essentially the car is now as it was when Neil had it, and I'm also restoring the suspension settings he used which he supplied me some years ago.
The top gear episode featuring the car is still on YouTube for anyone interested. Search TVR Griffith 1992 top gear.
The top gear episode featuring the car is still on YouTube for anyone interested. Search TVR Griffith 1992 top gear.
There is something to be said about keeping the car original...My 400 is 8 digits away from the Motorshow car, and has a big '8' scrawled on the rear(bulkhead??) panel...Which leads me to believe that it was the 8th one made.!!
I've totally nut 'n' bolted it, but had the body wrapped, and was going to have a custom interior...
The wrap looks amazing, from 8 feet away, so I'm going to paint it black, and probably trim it in the original magnolia
I've totally nut 'n' bolted it, but had the body wrapped, and was going to have a custom interior...
The wrap looks amazing, from 8 feet away, so I'm going to paint it black, and probably trim it in the original magnolia
My first sentiment is its your car so you should do what you like with it. Any future owner can undo what you have done if they so please.
My second thought is that if it is no. 8 it will be worth more if original and therefore if you are undecided then financially it would be best to keep it the original colour scheme.
Most important thing is you are looking after it and enjoying it.
My second thought is that if it is no. 8 it will be worth more if original and therefore if you are undecided then financially it would be best to keep it the original colour scheme.
Most important thing is you are looking after it and enjoying it.
sprevett said:
The gunmetal colour I am considering is possibly a Mustang Mineral Gray from late 60s. 
Ford colours are good and easily available. I’m personally looking at a Ford shade for my Griff. Easy to get a code and mix 
I wouldn’t worry too much about originality because your car has had major mechanical items changed, main thing is keeping its history together that shows how and when it has changed.
Back to the colour. Ford do a good mid shade of silver, named Machine Silver not too bright. That goes well with a black interior but also any polished aluminium exterior parts. My old jag coupe is being done in that colour
All good points. I believe that particular colour was used for Eleanor (mustang in gone in 60 secs) and what appeals is the hint of bronze so it's not a straight silver in that sense.
Here it is :
https://goo.gl/images/rDv1w1
Here it is :
https://goo.gl/images/rDv1w1
sprevett said:
All good points. I believe that particular colour was used for Eleanor (mustang in gone in 60 secs) and what appeals is the hint of bronze so it's not a straight silver in that sense.
Here it is :
https://goo.gl/images/rDv1w1
Yep I can see the appeal there Here it is :
https://goo.gl/images/rDv1w1
.Ford have a limited Bullitt version of it’s latest Mustang in a colour called Dark Highland Green.
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