TVR Griffith 500 1999
General description :
Model History
Arguably Peter Wheeler’s finest design, the second generation Griffith was launched in 1990 to rave reviews, reputedly with orders being placed every 8 minutes during the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show! The Griffith was a seismic moment in TVR’s history and was a genuine challenge to the traditional automotive order of the day.
Five variants of the Griffith were built, namely the Griffith 400, 430, 430BV, 500 and 500 SE with approximately 2,600 cars produced before production ceased in 2002.
The Griffith 500 utilised a 4988cc alloy V8 mated to the Borg Warner T5 gearbox. Power was rated at 340hp with 350 lb/ft of torque. Performance was lively and often required close attention, especially in the wet!
With Peter Wheeler looking to the future, the ambition was for TVR to create its own engine for the Griffith, but it was not to be. That engine was produced, however, and is known as the AJP V8 and was used in later TVR models.
Equipment
Iris Blue Metallic paint, Two tone leather upholstery, Stainless steel dash fascia, Removable carbon fibre roof panel, Leather steering wheel, Electrically adjustable door mirrors, Electric windows, Alpine CD player, Dash clock, Oil pressure gauge, Battery voltage meter, Remote central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Spare key.
Exterior
Resplendent in Iris Blue the fibreglass bodywork appears in pristine condition throughout. The metallic paint is showing no signs of age or wear, and presents with a depth of shine that is really quite stunning – our studio photographs don’t do it justice! The complementing blue hood and removable carbon roof panel also retain a perfect, unworn appearance.
The Griffith has just returned from an inspection that found the underside to be in excellent, structurally sound condition. A common issue with TVRs can be rusted outriggers that are extremely costly to put right. Formerly part of a collection, this example has always been garaged when not in use. As such it remains in very good order underneath with no signs of any damage or cause for repair.
Interior
The beautifully crafted upholstery is well appointed in the two tone colour scheme of navy blue and cream. Soft and supple leather covers not only the seats but extends right across the doors and dashboard before it wraps its way around the transmission tunnel and into the rear. All the leather is in exceptional condition with not a single mark or scratch to report. The dash fascia panel is stainless steel and features an oil pressure gauge, dash clock, and voltmeter with the usual array of switches and counters. Everything works as it should with positive and precise movements of the switchgear, just as if the car was new.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Griffith 500 is equipped with the TVR developed 5-litre V8, which roars into life with a deep and aggressive exhaust note. With 340hp on tap and a 0-60 time of little over 4 seconds, driving the 500 at full pelt is certainly not for the faint hearted. Despite its low mileage this example has been well maintained at close mileage intervals. Most recently Racing Green Cars carried out a major service at 18,578 miles.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The seven-spoke alloys are curb-free and in flawless condition all round. They are wrapped in matching Toyo tyres; the fronts have plenty of tread remaining and the rears were replaced less than 200 miles ago. On test the brakes feel strong, with new rear discs and pads having just been fitted at the current mileage.
History File
The TVR was first registered in April 1999. It was supplied new by WLA Specialist Cars in Kent and has had only two keepers since that time. The second owner purchased the car way back in 2003 and has kept it garaged ever since. The History File is complete with a stack of invoices, MOT certificates, and the original TVR owner’s handbook. The Griffith has been serviced at the following mileages: 1k, 2k, 6k, 9k, 10k, 11k, 15k, and most recently at 18k miles by Racing Green Cars.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/tvr-griffith-500-for-sale/
1999 TVR Griffith 500 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £31995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : TVR Model : Griffith Model Version : 500 Engine size : 5.0 Model Year : 1999 Sub type : Race/Rally Car Location : Hampshire
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About TVR
TVR, a quintessential British cottage industry and master sports car manufacturer, has a rich and storied history that spans several decades. Known for its distinctive and high-performance vehicles, TVR has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.TVR's history can be traced back to the early 1950s when Trevor Wilkinson founded the company in Blackpool, England. Initially, TVR focused on producing affordable and lightweight sports cars that offered exhilarating driving experiences. One of their early models, the TVR Grantura, gained popularity in the 1960s and set the tone for what would become a legacy of sporty and characterful cars.
Throughout the years, TVR produced a series of memorable models, each known for its unique style and impressive performance. Some of the notable models include:
TVR Griffith: Introduced in the 1960s, the Griffith was a powerful and lightweight sports car that gained a reputation for its speed and agility. It featured a V8 engine and distinctive styling.
TVR Tuscan: The Tuscan series, starting with the Tuscan V8 in the late 1960s, continued TVR's tradition of creating high-performance sports cars with bold design elements. The Tuscan line evolved over the years, with each iteration offering improved performance.
TVR Cerbera: Introduced in the 1990s, the Cerbera was notable for its unique design and the use of in-house developed engines. It was one of the fastest sports cars of its time.
TVR Sagaris: The Sagaris, launched in the 2000s, was a lightweight and aerodynamic sports car known for its aggressive styling and impressive track performance.
TVR Tuscan S: A modern version of the Tuscan, the Tuscan S featured a straight-six engine and modernized styling while staying true to TVR's sports car heritage.
TVR also gained a reputation for its "no-nonsense" approach to sports car manufacturing. Their cars were often devoid of electronic driver aids, focusing on the pure driving experience.
However, TVR faced financial challenges and ownership changes over the years, which led to periods of inactivity. The company's production ceased for some time, but TVR enthusiasts remained passionate and hopeful for a revival.
In 2020, TVR announced its comeback with the Griffith, a modern interpretation of the classic model. The new Griffith retained the essence of TVR's legacy while incorporating modern engineering and design.
In summary, TVR is an archetypal British cottage industry and a master sports car manufacturer that has consistently delivered exciting, high-performance vehicles with unique character. Despite its challenges, TVR's legacy remains alive, and its return to the automotive scene with the Griffith marked a new chapter in the company's storied history.