Discussion
I viewed two 4.3s earlier this year, both of which had merits and downsides, then lockdown came along and I parked the idea of buying one. I'm resurrecting my search, not in a rush, and hopefully something that suits will come along over the winter ready for next spring.
My question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
My question is why do pre-cats continue to sit towards the bottom of the price range? To my mind the lack of pre-cats is a major benefit and I prefer the lack of pas and pre estoril wheels. Is the increased ethanol content in petrol a problem for these engines or fuel lines? Is the 4.3 fragile? Or is there simply a market assumption that a 500 must be better so worth more?
There are only a couple of 4.3s in the classifieds and I'm after a well maintained example that has seen regular recent use. The example for sale with the Surrey dealer appeals, apart from the grey trim, but goes against everything I've read on this forum in terms of buying advice. Where does one find such a car - calls to dealers, facebook (don't use it), TVR CC or PH ads? Given I believe they were mostly all registered in 1992 and not all survive I guess maybe it's just a case of waiting for a good one to be advertised.
Patience now wearing thin waiting for a good 4.3 to come to market and wondering if I should have bought one of what sounded like some nice 500's that have come and gone. I really would prefer a 4.3 though.
I'm only aware of two 4.3s currently advertised;
- red one in Suffolk that has been for sale for ages and the description differs materially from the MOT history.
- green one up Yorkshire way, for sale on behalf of a customer also for ages on and off, which appears nice but the selling garage doesn't appear to have great reviews.
If anyone knows the green car or any others that might be available please point me in their direction.
Many thanks.
I'm only aware of two 4.3s currently advertised;
- red one in Suffolk that has been for sale for ages and the description differs materially from the MOT history.
- green one up Yorkshire way, for sale on behalf of a customer also for ages on and off, which appears nice but the selling garage doesn't appear to have great reviews.
If anyone knows the green car or any others that might be available please point me in their direction.
Many thanks.
So I've finally got myself a 4.3 Griff. My first TVR.
Confess I've not followed all the buying advice in that my car doesn't have a thick pile of invoices for maintenance and improvements. It is in fact an extremely original and unmolested very low mileage example in timewarp condition in terms of body, trim, chassis and even the OZ Racing wheels. The main giveaway to its age is a couple of cracks and lifting to the dash veneer. Don't think she has seen rain too often and the last long term owner clearly loved her.
Had a fabulous drive home Wednesday on the A272 from Haslemere to E Sussex. I love the way she sounds and feels even just cruising along country roads in traffic. I imagine the noise and hint of hot oil on the nostrils must be quite similar to what a WW2 pilot experienced flying their Spitfire. My 7 year old son burst out laughing when I started her up in the garage for his first ride out and spent most of the trip waving to everyone. We both had silly grins on our faces.
Massive thanks to Simon and Graham at Fernhurst TVR for giving the car a thorough pre sale going over, preparation and handover. A really pleasurable buying experience and I have every confidence they will look after me should the car exhibit any issues.
Obligatory pics;
Confess I've not followed all the buying advice in that my car doesn't have a thick pile of invoices for maintenance and improvements. It is in fact an extremely original and unmolested very low mileage example in timewarp condition in terms of body, trim, chassis and even the OZ Racing wheels. The main giveaway to its age is a couple of cracks and lifting to the dash veneer. Don't think she has seen rain too often and the last long term owner clearly loved her.
Had a fabulous drive home Wednesday on the A272 from Haslemere to E Sussex. I love the way she sounds and feels even just cruising along country roads in traffic. I imagine the noise and hint of hot oil on the nostrils must be quite similar to what a WW2 pilot experienced flying their Spitfire. My 7 year old son burst out laughing when I started her up in the garage for his first ride out and spent most of the trip waving to everyone. We both had silly grins on our faces.
Massive thanks to Simon and Graham at Fernhurst TVR for giving the car a thorough pre sale going over, preparation and handover. A really pleasurable buying experience and I have every confidence they will look after me should the car exhibit any issues.
Obligatory pics;
ric p said:
As we are doing new 4.3s today, love that colour, Pete!, I picked up this last Monday and drove it back in the pi##ing rain from the SE.
3+ hour trip and didn’t miss a beat. A big step forwards in comfort and ability from the v8s.
Not yet driven it since. However first impressions are good. It does not give you a wet knee in the rain, which is a first. The 4.3 engine feels strong and rev-ier than the 4 litre previous TVRs I’ve had. Like my 4.3 chimp of years ago. And the sound is good! But I’d expect that.
More pictures to follow once I get to some days off and have a play.
Glad to see you closed a deal on that one Ric. Maybe confidence from your previous TVR ownership, or perhaps you've got much bigger gonads than me, as I waited for a dry day to collect mine.3+ hour trip and didn’t miss a beat. A big step forwards in comfort and ability from the v8s.
Not yet driven it since. However first impressions are good. It does not give you a wet knee in the rain, which is a first. The 4.3 engine feels strong and rev-ier than the 4 litre previous TVRs I’ve had. Like my 4.3 chimp of years ago. And the sound is good! But I’d expect that.
More pictures to follow once I get to some days off and have a play.
Pagey430 said:
Looks a great example SFTW, what's the colour? looks very similar to mine which is Vanguard red
re your car K606 YNC above....I'll have a look in my photo's as I'm sure there is a K605 YNC, mine is K604 YNC (also 4.3)
Snap. Vanguard red with flint trim. Was put off by grey trim at first but it's grown on me now. Reminds me of an old gentleman's club.re your car K606 YNC above....I'll have a look in my photo's as I'm sure there is a K605 YNC, mine is K604 YNC (also 4.3)
Edited by Pagey430 on Sunday 27th June 11:39
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