The Imperial Blue Mettalic Pimpernel!!

[TrevorFan]

Ladies/Gents,

Anyone seen this Griff before?

I am a newbie (I can hear the groans!!) who is just about to buy this from a garage near to me having researched it extensively

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/41436.htm

From what I can ascertain it has been advertised twice on PH before, once at 44k miles (?price) and then again at 47k (£16250) by a Dr Hill who then went on to buy a Tuscan S from another PHer

It is being advertised by the garage at £16k and they are not budging much on the price. Only thing that concerns me is that they are a non-TVR dealer and it is due an annual service (the 54k service) because last one was in March 2004 so a bit overdue.

Any advice as to whether this would be a good purchase?

Thanks

[wryka]

i take it you bought it as it says sold on the listing

I looked at this one myself but decided it was a bit too bling bling for me. Looks ok as long as the service history is complete.

[TrevorFan]

Well it says sold because the previous owner (who is a PHer) sold it to a garage in px for a BMW Alpina (or so they say!) and I am buying it direct from them

Service history is VERY complete. I know what you are saying about the bling bits (aluminium dash etc) and may well tone it down a bit (perhaps go back to walnut dash) in the future. But for a first TVR I think it is pretty good. Has recently had:

1. New Camshaft
2. New Rear Screen
3. New Roof Seals

And is under mileage for service so I am quite happy. Also has a large file of previous history

Will let you all know how I get on

[David H]

Looks very nice mate

I don't think I would turn a car down on the fact that it has a shiny dash! Get rid of the chequer plate heel plates and it'll look alot better

I'm sure they'll be many takers for the dash if you don't like it.

Best of luck

[groucho]

Nothing wrong with an ally dash. When I was looking for a Griff, I wanted a wooden dash, but I'm glad I chose one with an ally one. Looks far better IMO.

[TrevorFan]

Bought it!!

Well I have spent the last 24hrs learning about the 'Griff grin factor' and am still smiling.

Taking the car in to Penninsular this weekend for its 54k (6k) service so hope I will still be smiling next week.

Quick question for those experts out there.....

When I open up the throttle hard the V8 does seem a bit lurchy and juddery, is not exactly as smooth as I would expect....is that normal or is it something that will be picked up on the service (is there a test drive at the end of the service for that sort of thing?). Sorry for being so green but have not yet received my 'bible' from Steve Heath (in the post!!)

Thanks

[griffter]

TrevorFan said:

Bought it!! Well I have spent the last 24hrs learning about the 'Griff grin factor' and am still smiling. Taking the car in to Penninsular this weekend for its 54k (6k) service so hope I will still be smiling next week. Quick question for those experts out there..... When I open up the throttle hard the V8 does seem a bit lurchy and juddery, is not exactly as smooth as I would expect....is that normal or is it something that will be picked up on the service (is there a test drive at the end of the service for that sort of thing?). Sorry for being so green but have not yet received my 'bible' from Steve Heath (in the post!!) Thanks

Mention it at the service. I'm not sure quite what the service includes in the way of tuning - I'm fairly certain my ignition timing hasn't been checked for years (despite FSH...). Ask them to do a quick once over and test drive and call you if there's anything untoward.

[TrevorFan]

Many thanks...will do

Sure they wont complain too loudly about driving my new baby...has a nice set up with Mark Adams ECU and ACT induction kit...certainly has the power just does not seem as smmmoooottthhhh as I would expect from some a genius piece of machinery

Will post the results of the service!