Choosing a Griffith

[srebbe64]

Having recently come back from Le Mans in my boring BMW 330, I was captivated by the various sports cars and have decided to take the 'proverbial plunge' (much to my wife's annoyance). Anyway, I'm keen to buy a TVR and I particularly like the Griffith (because I'm told that they're pretty reliable when compared to some other other TVR's). My question is this: I've got about £25,000 to play with - what advice would people give about buying a half decent Griffith? Any 'inside information'? I sure ain't a mechanic and don't want to be poncing around under the bonnet.

Anyone who's out there - your advice is welcome.

[planetdave]

£25K gets you a very late example.

Prefered things are for dry-stored and waxoyled/similar.

Go get one NOW

(planetdave; recently returned from LeMans in a Griff )

[Big_M]

We went from a BMW 325 convertible to a Griffith 3 years ago and love our Griff to bits.

Spend a while searching for the right car helps - took us 6 months to find our car - and a trip to Bolton (we live in Essex).

Join the local TVR Car club - you might find someone selling - think that car club members tend to look after their TVRs a bit better as well.

[srebbe64]

Thanks Big M. In point of fact it wont be 'us' (plural) looking - it will be 'me' (singular). I'll be keeping the Beemer for the wife - along with her MPV. She thinks three cars is too many (what do women know, eh)?

Cheers for the advice - it will be heeded.

[Big_M]

srebbe64 said:

She thinks three cars is too many (what do women know, eh)?

we are getting a 4th car next year and I am giving him some of my savings to buy it - hope he realises what a lucky boy he is.

[mrmaggit]

srebbe64 said:

Thanks Big M. In point of fact it wont be 'us' (plural) looking - it will be 'me' (singular). I'll be keeping the Beemer for the wife - along with her MPV. She thinks three cars is too many (what do women know, eh)? Cheers for the advice - it will be heeded.

Talk to James Agger, I'm sure he'll find you just what you're looking for.

[srebbe64]

Blimey - could I clone you please? Or, are you a type of "Anna Nicole Smith" - married him for his money maybe?

Take care

[Big_M]

srebbe64 said:

married him for his money maybe?

Nope - we have been together 15 years but never got married - he did ask me one New Year's Eve and I told him to aks me when he was sober - he never has.

One of the benefits of an older woman is that they normally come with a bit of financial stability - and we work harder at keeping our man.

[simpo two]

Aha, what a fun time you have ahead - the search, the hunt, the chase, the kill and then the drive home

It depends if you're buying privately or from a dealer. Obviously if you go the former route you need to be well boned up first, but stand to save a few £K. I suggest you invest £30+ in the 'Griffith and Chimaera Handbook', aka 'The Bible' by Steve Heath. www.tvrbooks.co.uk. It's the closest thing to a Haynes manual, but easier to read and better written, and has a section on 'What to look for when buying.
Ideal bed-time reading for the prospective Griff owner

We look forward to your progress!!

[srebbe64]

Thanks for the info Big M. So he married you for your money - lucky XXXXX or what! A girlfiend with money and likes cars (heaven on earth I reckon)! I won't even ask what the 'Big' means - doesn't bear thinking about!

Take care.

[simpo two]

Ptooey!

[srebbe64]

Cheers Simpo - I'll do exactly that this very week.

Much obliged to ya.

[simon.b]

You could try getting in touch with Rob Ingelby (don’t think that’s how you spell it) He’ll find one and haggle on your behalf for a reasonable fee. Not used him my self but know a few people who have. There is also James Agger, he is a sales man but works one to one and only moves the good stuff. I bought mine from him.

Both these guy’s are top blokes if you do a search on them you’ll find contact details and more info. Also join the TVRCC their details and others are in the mag.

Good hunting

Simon.

[RichB]

srebbe64 said:

Having recently come back from Le Mans ...have decided to take the 'proverbial plunge' ...I'm keen to buy a TVR and I particularly like the Griffith...I've got about £25,000 to play with

£25,000 should get you a very new and well looked after example. At that price you will see some of the last 100 limited edition ones, take a look at these as they have a different dash layout (sort of got Chimaera heater controls and Tuscan air vents) and "pepper-pot" rear lights. I'm not a fan of the styling myself but I just highlight it in case you weren't aware of the difference. Griff's are reliable, I've had mine 5 1/2 years with no problems, although there are one or two known things (otter switch, wishbones, hot air on cold setting etc.) - P'Heads will keep you informed! As has been said make sure it has been cared for and driven, OK it will have the service stamps but has it been looked after as well? Have a good look at the chassis behind the wheels in the arches and have a good look at the wishbones. The plastic coating on the chassis flakes (known problem) but it's ok as long as plenty of Waxoyle has been sprayed around. Oh and try the PAS vs. non-PAS to get a feel for both and don't dismiss non-PAS cars. Once you've seen some you will no doubt have many questions which we will try to answer here! Good luck and have fun! Rich...

[Marlon]

simpo two said:

you need to be well boned up first, but stand to save a few £K.

What are you suggesting?!
Sorry to lower the tone