The TVR Griffith is possibly the most important British sports car since the Jaguar E-Type. If it had failed the future of TVR would have been uncertain. But it didn’t and TVR have gone on to build some of the fastest and most uncompromising sports cars in the world.

 

Powered by a high performance Rover V8 the early 4.0 litre cars produced 240bhp, respectable in a car weighing just 1060Kg. But that was only the start, soon the engine grew to 4.3 litres and power leapt to 280bhp. Aware that owners still craved more power TVR offered a BV (big valve) version, squeezing 300bhp from the 4.3 litre. With small numbers of the BV version produced they have become very sought after and represent a virtually depreciation proof investment.

 

With the Griffith a success and sales of over 700 cars in just 2 years TVR now had the resources to deliver the ultimate Griffith, the 500. Powered by a 5 litre V8 and developing a lusty 340bhp these cars were capable of reaching 100mph in less time than most cars take to hit 60mph.

 

Despite changes to the Griffith engine, cosmetically the cars styling has remained almost unchanged and with early cars available for as little as £12,000 they look both good value and fresh faced. But spending a couple of grand more will get you into a post 1994 Griffith 500 so it’s probably money well spent.

 

TVR technology is more akin to track cars than road cars so weight is reduced through the use of composite bodies and tubular steel chassis’s. With this in mind power steering was deemed a luxury and was not even an option until 1994; even then many owners prefer the feed back afforded by the non assisted system. Air condition too was considered a little ‘girly’ by the boys at the factory and with customers having to pay extra large numbers of cars left the factory without it.

 

But the Griffith 500 is not about luxury it’s about power, it’s organic and aural. The burble and pop from the engine as you change down through the gears on over run will have you grinning from ear to ear. Accelerate hard in second gear and you will laugh like a banshee. Short of riding a racehorse blind folded through a forest there are few experiences that can both delight and terrify as much.

 

But don’t imagine that the Griffith wants to hurt you; it’s just that it exists in a world where levels of grip and performance exceed the comprehension of most mortals. And like all forces of nature they have there faults, Griffith owners will describe their cars as a hobby not a daily means of transport.

 

When you’re buying a used TVR Griffith the list of items to check runs to several pages so unless you’re a previous TVR owner my advice is to buy from a TVR dealer. They will check the car over thoroughly and provide a comprehensive warranty.

 

Most commonly faults are with the electrics so check windows, mirrors, alarms and gauges all are prone to failure or intermittent problems. The hoods are also susceptible to water leaks although it can be difficult to spot as most cars are garaged. Engines and gearboxes are strong but check oil pressure which should sit between 25lbs and 30lbs when the engine is warm. Any smoking from the exhaust is a bad sign as is a lumpy idle. With big disc brakes all round and only 1060Kg to halt brake wear is not particularly high.

 

TVR customers  were able to specify any colour they wanted for there new car and many went wild so watch out for loud body and trim combinations and don’t buy anything hoping that the colour will grow on you, it won’t.

 

Check the following

 

Exhaust – Early cars may be ‘de-catted’ for more performance 

Stone chips – all TVR noses are prone, no chips could be a sign of repair after accident damage

Seats – leather upholstery standard, but high mileage cars may require re-connolising

Air conditioning – an option on Griffith 500 only

Power steering - optional on Griffith 500 and not available on pre 94 cars

Traction control – not available, make do with a limited slip differential

Engine – should idle at 1000 rpm

Oil pressure – should be 25-30lbs when warm

Brakes – check for judder and pulling to one side

Insurance – group 20 but limited mileage use can reduce premium

Chassis – check plastic coating is intact or it can lead to rust

Heated front seats option since 1994

Brakes – big discs but no ABS option

 

The one to buy 

 

TVR Griffith 500

1996 ‘N’ with 60,000 miles and full TVR service history

Pay £18,000 at a dealer or £14,500 from a private seller