Views on this 500?

[MikeE]

While I really want an original 4.3 precat this 500 caught my eye, whats peoples views on it's level of spec for the price? Whats like to still need doing if anything?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3699190.htm

thanks!

[Springbok]

Seems a bit pricey and I would want to put the correct wheels back on the car.

Too many TVR's modified badly - all IMHO.

[carsy]

I'd go get it before it goes. Dont know the car but if its as good as it reads it should be a good one. Like you say just a shame its not a pre cat but then that would put the price up a few grand .

[Apache]

I'd consider that to be a well looked after car with sympathetic TVR mods. The wheels are fine in my opinion but it's what you like that counts

[RichB]

Looks like a really nice example of the more desirable 500 model which has been sympathetically modified with the correct components in keeping with TVR. The seller sounds like he's put an honest description of the car without hyperbole or exaggeration.

[griffter]

It looks good value with all that work done. Try to speak to whoever did it. If you want ac buy it - its rare. Its got 5 stud hubs so you cant put original wheels straight back on but many people consider spiders an advantage. Beware that new mot rules may come down harder on decatted cars than previously.

[RichB]

Could just be the pre-cats which have been removed because the wording is slightly ambiguous when it says "exhaust manifolds decatted". The pre-cats are in the manifold as opposed to the main cat which is not.

[Apache]

RichB said:

Could just be the pre-cats which have been removed because the wording is slightly ambiguous when it says "exhaust manifolds decatted". The pre-cats are in the manifold as opposed to the main cat which is not.

That's the usual way of doing it. I'd tweak that blue one a little more if it were mine

[RichB]

I'd stick RL7s on it if it were mine, oh hang on...

[Apache]

don't

[Podie]

Apache said:

RichB said:

Could just be the pre-cats which have been removed because the wording is slightly ambiguous when it says "exhaust manifolds decatted". The pre-cats are in the manifold as opposed to the main cat which is not.

That's the usual way of doing it. I'd tweak that blue one a little more if it were mine

Looking at the photos I would suggest the pre-cats have been knocked out.

[Podie]

[redacted]

[Barreti]

Its a 500, so it goes without saying its never going to be as good as a 4.3 precat, but other than that it looks like a very well cared for Griff with some sensible mods.

£15k is a pretty good price IMHO and it doesn't cost anything to go look at it.

[RichB]

small engine syndrome

[Podie]

RichB said:

small engine syndrome

[Barreti]

Rumbled

[MikeE]

So it would appear to be a good buy then, subject to the usual checks (whatever they are?!!?)

I'll give him a call tonight and get me info, it looks from his profile he's had 4 griffs, a tuscan S and Cerbera before so he must know his stuff....

As for originality, I really wanted an original 4.3 precat if I could find one but they are so few finding one thats in the right specc (Ocean haze would be ideal) is a challenge. For some reason if I go for a 500 I'm not so worried about modifications and think the spiders and big brake upgrade make a lot of sense. This car has up rated shocks, better brakes and poly bushes so I assume it should handle significantly better than a standard set up?

[jeboa]

Just my two-pennies worth - I have Spiders and AP front calipers, been very pleased so far - the improvement in the brakes is very good. Wouldn't worry too much about the pre-cats being removed, I think for the MOT the main cat will suffice once it is warmed up (I stand to be corrected - but I think the pre-cats were for emmisions from start???).

With the Cam, chassis and suspension work I would expect it's a car you could drive for a good few years without worrying about any major bills....

[7 TVR]

I think this car is reasonably priced and seems to have alot of the bases covered!
You'll still end up tinkering with it trust me!

[Apache]

MikeE said:

This car has up rated shocks, better brakes and poly bushes so I assume it should handle significantly better than a standard set up?

Yes, but that's not to say a standard one is poor, far from it, the main thing is to realise the settings will change so regular geo checks and OCD level of attention to tyre pressures will repay you with spot on handling.

Get it bought, that car is a cracker!