Highlights

Extremely rare genuine factory Big Valve factory model
One of only a dozen factory cars believed built
High performance version of the grunty 4.3litre TVR V8
Superbly maintained including body-off chassis renovation
Retrimmed interior and uprated to later frontal treatment
Long term enthusiast owner since 2004

The Appeal

The Griffith cemented TVR’s reputation as builders of classically styled, exquisitely trimmed sports cars with lots of power and the absolute minimum of driver aids.

Many different Griffith versions were built but one of the rarest and most desirable is the ‘Big Valve’ 4.3. Just 10 or 12 ‘official’ BV cars left the factory.

This is one of them. In the seller’s ownership since 2004 it has been used sparingly but lavishly maintained including a body-off chassis restoration costing £5,500. With long MOT and few miles since the last service it is a fantastic opportunity for lovers of these rarified British roadsters.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st August 1992
Current owner since 2004
2 keys
Full service history with 13 stamps mainly by TVR main dealers and specialists
Maintained during the seller’s tenure by TVRSSW
Last serviced 300 miles ago on 2nd September 2019 at 60,571 miles
History file includes old MOTs back to 2003
Service and maintenance invoices throughout the vendor’s ownership
Original owners handbook supplied with car
Car has covered only 6,000 miles since the vendor acquired it in 2004
MOT until 29th May 2024 with no advisories
The seller advises us the car is always fully checked over every MOT

Investment by the owner:

Retrimmed in 2005 with new Mulberry carpets, cream leather seats and door trims refinished
New Mohair hood, window panels and windscreen also in 2005
Body-off chassis restoration including shot blasting and powder coating and repainting in zinc red at cost of £5,500
Front cone piece conversion to later light arrangement
Original factory fitted light pods with car

The ‘Big Valve’ factory option applied to the 4.3litre displacement of the TVR-ised Rover V8 and offered more power and increased torque. The package was available for a brief time as a factory-fitted upgrade and it is believed only 10 or 12 cars were so equipped. These cars can be identified by the ‘V’ in the engine serial number. This car has that all-important letter.

The BV package was also offered as a retro-fit option by TVR dealers and records indicate that a further 12 or 13 cars received this treatment, bringing the total ‘official’ BV cars to 25.

The Interior

Retrimmed in very attractive combination of Mulberry and cream leather
Seats, carpets, door cards and dashboard in excellent order
Slight scuff on driver’s seat but otherwise few signs of use
Equipped with Leven Technology dashboard upgrade including:
- Wood veneers replaced with machine-turned aluminium trim
- Black-rimmed, TVR branded dials
- All buttons and switches replaced
Leven Technology LT chrome footwell embellishers and aluminium pedals
Panasonic stereo
No sun damage or fading to any components
Boot area follows the same theme with excellent trim
Steel tool box with full set of tools in boot

The Exterior

Stand-out Formula Red paintwork, a classic convertible shade
Paintwork in superb condition with only a handful of stone chips detracting
Body off chassis restoration costing £5,500 by TVR specialist with few miles since
Excellent panel gaps and alignment
Glasswork in excellent, clear undamaged condition
New Mohair roof and vinyl screens in 2005
Roof remains in excellent condition with clear panels and good colour depth
Leven Technology roof storage bag included
New windscreen in 2005
Front light conversion in 2002 but original pods supplied with car
Fitted with later nose cone treatment
Optional gold badges
Six spoke factory alloys in excellent condition, just a small scuff on the nearside front to note
Tyres were replaced in 2002 and 2007 and retain good tread but ideally may benefit form replacement

The Mechanics

4.3litre TVR ‘Rover’ V8 developing around 235bhp
Official power outputs were never available for the BV as far as we are aware
Warranty work undertaken in 2004 included:
- New cam
- Gearbox reconditioned
- Differential replaced
- Car has covered 6,000 miles since this work
New wishbones and ball joints
Full TVR service history and last serviced in 2019 300 miles ago

Summary

The TVR Griffith was in a market of its own, an analogue, engaging car in an increasingly digital world. Those qualities make these superb sports cars enduringly popularly.

The Big Valve Griffith is one of the rarest variants. This car has been lavished with investment including chassis refurbishment, retrimmed interior and the vendor has also kept ahead on servicing work. In fantastic condition it is a great opportunity for those who love British sports cars and, of course, really love to drive them.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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