New owner...sort of!!

[shmooauto]

Hello chaps,

I've done it again....I've gone and sold a sensible car and taken in two TVR's as part exchanges. But I just can't resist that Rover V8 in the Griff!! (1995 5.0 Serp).

Very tempted to keep hold of the Griff for a while as a lovely car with a cracking history. If I do I'd be thinking of making a few changes, first and foremost I'd like to get away from the wooden dash for black or ally so any suggestions would be most welcome.

I used to have a Pre-cat 4.3 (Now for sale again I noticed at Tony Gilberts, her name is Jlo if anyone buys her by the way) and that had a very loud exhaust, which would set alarms off on start up and was rather funny. The car I'm getting is all standard, any thoughts on a direction I could go on an exhaust mod? Looked at ACT website and listened to various clips on youtube etc.

Thanks,

Ed

[angry jock]

Welcome back to the fold. May I be the first to say...

[EGB]

I have a blank Griff alli dash. Will swop with your wooden veneer acrylic dash if in good order. Send email. Cheers.

[shmooauto]

Not sure if I know what I'm doing with the photo upload, but hopefully.....pics below?! Didn't want to post as have my plates on and don't want to get told off for advertising my company.

[PeteGriff]

shmooauto said:

Not sure if I know what I'm doing with the photo upload, but hopefully.....pics below?! Didn't want to post as have my plates on and don't want to get told off for advertising my company.

Hi, keep the wooden dash, they look so 'British Sportscar' and not cold German! Suits the character of the Griffs! I am bias as mine has a wooden dash, and when looking for a Griff specifically wanted it. The 500 looks good, nice interior,you got to keep it for at least next summer to enjoy the full roof down V8 experience. Pete

[shmooauto]

I know Pete, not sure what to do but it's a nice problem to have. Just want a few dry crisp days over Christmas so I can go and have a play.

[JulianHJ]

Looks just like my old car. Last letters aren't 'KPC' are they?

[shmooauto]

No, URD. 6 owners 55k and enough paperwork to decorate the downstairs loo with! Belonged to a friend of mine who is a Lotus and TVR nut. He fancied my 996 Turbo so I took this and a 4.5 Lightweight Cerbera off him in a deal. The 996 was very fast and very German. I love all the air-cooled cars I've owned and sold over the years, but there is something about a V8 that I do rather like. As I often say to my other half (she doesn't listen of course...) we are all very lucky to have been born when we were. Snarly engined cars will be long gone when our great grandkids get to their 17th birthdays I would guess.

[davetherave1970]

shmooauto said:

and a 4.5 Lightweight Cerbera

Ooo, mail me the details! Wasn't going to look until the spring but.......

[shmooauto]

Dave,

You are very welcome to take a look at my website, and by all means have a chat with me about the Cerb. I am still after advice on Griff exhausts mods as well if anyone can help. Don't want to go too far off topic.

Website is www.shmooautomotive.co.uk Few pics in Classic Car section.

Cheers,

Ed

[neutral 3]

Keep the Orig Wood dash ! They look classy and The heat thrown back at your face and eyes on a hot summers day from an alloy dash Is Very Unpleasant as I discovered I'n a Never forgotten blast through France and to The Black Forest I'n N435 DDY I'n Aug 07 .

De Cat it . They sound So much better And Much quicker ! Re your 996 , I went from a 911 then a Griff then back to a 911 ( A Huge £ Mistake ) then Griff again . Bring on next summer .

[davetherave1970]

shmooauto said:

Dave,

You are very welcome to take a look at my website, and by all means have a chat with me about the Cerb. I am still after advice on Griff exhausts mods as well if anyone can help. Don't want to go too far off topic.

Website is www.shmooautomotive.co.uk Few pics in Classic Car section.

Cheers,

Ed

Very nice Cerb. Wish i was in more of a position to consider it
As for the sun reflections from the ali dash, i only find it a problem with low winter sun.

[shmooauto]

I think the De-cat is the first port of call if I'm keeping her. Something that can be done DIY?

Ali-dash...maybe a matching leather dash in Flint grey, or black? I don't mind the wood, just love the look of the more modern dash. If the car had a cream interior like my old car, Jlo then I think you have to stick with wood, but Flint and blue paint allows for more options?

Thanks re-Cerb, yes it's a stonking car. TVR demo and then one private owner until late this summer. My pal buys and sells his cars (Mainly to moi) like he changes his socks, in fact Ross if you're reading this I 'd put money down that the cars are changed more often!!

[shmooauto]

Yes, I know what you mean. The V8 makes you forgive it almost anything, but I always say to anyone buying a TVR that they are held together with 'glue and hope'.

Just want a dry crisp day now this salt has all been washed away.

I'd swap all my Christmas presents for a morning of 'planet warming' fun!