A Griff 500 Statement
Discussion
There seems to have been a few negative, disgruntled, grumpy threads on here recently so in an effort to redress the balance, here is a statement :-
I have a 98 Griff 500 and am very happy with it.
I spent the winter months re building the suspension because the bushes were shot and the wishbones rotten, the paint had fallen off the chassis so that needed doing as well. Along with the leaking Diff, Steering rack gaiters, Top ball joints and a few other bits. The whole process was very enjoyable and incredibly satisfying. I did the work myself because it is (in my opinion) one of the parts of owning a “toy” car, along with driving it, polishing it and simply looking out the window at it. The German daily driver by comparison is a tool and not a “toy” and I wouldn’t even think of taking a spanner to it.
Driving the Griff is enormous fun, particularly dawdling along at 30mph, with a queue behind and then flooring it in 3rd at the de restriction sign. Oh and tunnels are quite good as well, as is the 30 mile route to the local paper shop.
Parked in the paddock at a recent hill climb The Griff attracted astonishing crowds of people gawping and photographing and requesting to hear it, one foreign visitor even recorded the “ Ze British V8 sound”, by comparison the Loti and Porsche examples got very little attention.
To top it all a neighbour who has just bought a new 350c stopped me and in a rather disappointed manner said “yours sounds a lot nicer than the 350”. Obvious really as the Griff isn’t two cylinders short of an engine, also it cost whole lot less and the whole roof comes off not just a bit of it.
Stop grumbling you lot, get out there and enjoy the whole process of owning one of the best motor cars ever made.
Sorry that is a bit of a long post, but I feel better now.
I have a 98 Griff 500 and am very happy with it.
I spent the winter months re building the suspension because the bushes were shot and the wishbones rotten, the paint had fallen off the chassis so that needed doing as well. Along with the leaking Diff, Steering rack gaiters, Top ball joints and a few other bits. The whole process was very enjoyable and incredibly satisfying. I did the work myself because it is (in my opinion) one of the parts of owning a “toy” car, along with driving it, polishing it and simply looking out the window at it. The German daily driver by comparison is a tool and not a “toy” and I wouldn’t even think of taking a spanner to it.
Driving the Griff is enormous fun, particularly dawdling along at 30mph, with a queue behind and then flooring it in 3rd at the de restriction sign. Oh and tunnels are quite good as well, as is the 30 mile route to the local paper shop.
Parked in the paddock at a recent hill climb The Griff attracted astonishing crowds of people gawping and photographing and requesting to hear it, one foreign visitor even recorded the “ Ze British V8 sound”, by comparison the Loti and Porsche examples got very little attention.
To top it all a neighbour who has just bought a new 350c stopped me and in a rather disappointed manner said “yours sounds a lot nicer than the 350”. Obvious really as the Griff isn’t two cylinders short of an engine, also it cost whole lot less and the whole roof comes off not just a bit of it.
Stop grumbling you lot, get out there and enjoy the whole process of owning one of the best motor cars ever made.
Sorry that is a bit of a long post, but I feel better now.
agree entirely, got a '99 Griff and I LOVE IT!!!
To true steve-v8, I've had fun with my 4.3 and its a heck of an exciting car to own. It is still surprising that people stop and stare when I drive past, still not used to it.
I'm moving to new pastures now, hence mines for sale. I will be buying a prewar car for that 'alternative' experience next. Get to my age and I just want to make sure I have enjoyed all of my (affordable) automotive dreams.
I'm moving to new pastures now, hence mines for sale. I will be buying a prewar car for that 'alternative' experience next. Get to my age and I just want to make sure I have enjoyed all of my (affordable) automotive dreams.
griffter said:
Shut up for Gods sake man!!!
I must be mad for trading mine.
I luuurve my 'Grif a quite pathetic amount!
Did you trade it OK with the 500 nose? No issues? I ask because my pre-cat has the same - although I've no intention of changing it.
I have the paperwork and invoice from Tower View when it was done. The guy had a lot done at the same time, inc rollbar fitted for a very expensive service!
what can I add that has not already been said, well another compliment.
I love my Griff 500. She stays in the garage rather a lot of recent days since my son was born 5 months ago, but when I get her out wow. Went out for a drive a couple of weeks back with Steve (AKA Luca) and had one hell of a time, roof off, good clear roads (it was 6am on a Sunday). Ohh and the sound of that exhaust note, I just love it.
David
I love my Griff 500. She stays in the garage rather a lot of recent days since my son was born 5 months ago, but when I get her out wow. Went out for a drive a couple of weeks back with Steve (AKA Luca) and had one hell of a time, roof off, good clear roads (it was 6am on a Sunday). Ohh and the sound of that exhaust note, I just love it.
David
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff