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.
Source:
http://www.jasondawe.com/
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