Winning bid
£17,750

1996 TVR Griffith 500

Highlights

  • Thoroughly extensive history file
  • Smartly presented in great mechanical and aesthetic order
  • New Surrey foldable hood
  • Raw, V8 convertible. TVR in its finest form

The Appeal

By the time the 1990s had begun to usher in, the world of cars and automotive design was changing. TVR at the hands of Peter Wheeler had been reinvigorated after his acquisition of the company in the early 80s, but the wedged format was beginning to grow tiresome. What the marque needed was something fresh, and that was precisely what they got in the form of the now legendary Griffitih.
A proper British muscle car and a genuine thinking man's alternative to the 911. The Griffith took those core principles that made TVRs so special; a lightweight rear drive design with a thumping great engine residing in the front, but shed the dated wedged design and instead dressed it in advanced tubular construction and curved body lines to bring TVR bang up to date.
This later and more desirable 1996 Griffith is a wonderful example of the coveted 5.0 litre model. In great mechanical and aesthetic order, accompanied by a wealth of history, this is undeniably a great well loved Griffith, and paired with a new Surrey folding top and servo assisted clutch presents as an entirely usable modern classic ripe for the upcoming summer months.

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 01/10/1996
  • Sold new through Station Hill Garage of Farnham, who proceeded to service the car through until 1998
  • Purchased by the current owner in 2017, touring across the UK and Northern Spain in it
  • Understood to have originally worn the registration mark P482 APM but now sits on the desirable private registration P900 GRF
  • Accompanied by the original Griffith 500 owners book
  • Service book is present and contains an extensive collection of stamps at regular intervals right up to the 56 thousand mile mark
  • An incredibly expansive history file accompanies the TVR, rife with service invoices and receipts for parts bought to maintain the car from original purchase all the way through to the modern era
  • Comes with some great pieces of literature on the history of the Griffith
  • Vast collection of previous MOT certificates including the car’s first one in 1999
  • Current MOT valid until April of 2024
  • V5 registration document present with the vehicle
  • Dry stored in an air chamber throughout current ownership

The Interior

  • Well presented stylish interior space that simply screams quintessential TVR
  • Magnolia half leather in good form throughout
  • Sculpted leather sports seating presented nicely with just a subtle patina to them
  • Curved blue dash panel, a work of art in its own right, presents very well, notably lacking in fading, wear or sun damage
  • The walnut dash insert has recently been replaced and exhibits with a great shine although the vendor does note a small crack between the instruments
  • JVC radio head unit
  • Two excellent neat and simple magnolia and blue door panels sit at either side of the cabin, in great shape
  • Britannia Blue carpeting throughout, slightly faded so a replacement wool mix carpet set is included with the car upon sale
  • Marvellous collection of gauges and instruments situated around the driver in the dash panel are all of a great quality and are understood to be working
  • Clean and simple black carpeted boot area

The Exterior

  • Finished in an original shade of metallic Starmist Blue
  • Impeccable curved styling based around tubular frame construction, a thoroughly revolutionary car for TVR from an aesthetic standpoint
  • Paintwork presents well across the car, exuding a deep shine throughout
  • Fitted with a new Surrey folding top with storage bag, which the vendor states transforms the usability of the car through the summer as the top can be removed without sacrificing use of the boot
  • Original TVR Estoril alloy wheels at all four corners, in good shape
  • Still looks fresh and modern despite 27 year age
  • Panel gaps appear straight and consistent across the car
  • Badging and exterior trim present extremely well, in good clean order
  • Roof unlatches and retracts comfortably and with ease to provide a great open top experience

The Mechanics

  • A later Griffith 500, fitted with the more desirable 5.0 litre V8 powertrain
  • A simply thunderous engine, with a glorious accompanying V8 soundtrack
  • Fitted with a servo assisted clutch which the vendor advises completely transforms the driving experience of the TVR for the better
  • Under its current ownership the following tasks are reported to have been undertaken. New power steering pump, radiator, new silicone coolant hoses, new immobiliser and alarm and a new battery
  • Inspection underneath highlights what appears to be a well preserved clean and solid underside, with the vendor advising the chassis has been waxoyled for added protection
  • Regularly serviced by TVR main dealers and independent specialists since original purchase in 1996
  • Long MOT stretching into April 2024 for added peace of mind
  • The car fires into life comfortably and with ease and has taken the current owner on tours of the UK and northern Spain with no qualms

Summary

An era defining car for the marque. The one that changed TVR from a nostalgic memory into a genuine contender in the 1990s modern sports car game. The Griffith was a highly significant car in TVR’s and British sports car history, boasting some impressive engineering and design practices and as always, a truly exceptional driving experience.
A good honest highly original Griffith 500, this 1996 model is a wonderful and well cared for example of the coveted nameplate and paired with a vast history file and some choice mechanical refreshments and upgrades, would make a welcome addition to any prospective buyer's driveway.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1996
  • MakeTVR
  • ModelGriffith
  • ColourStarmist Blue
  • Odometer61,429 Miles
  • Engine size4997cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownTicknall
  • CountyDerbyshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

19 Bids

cgregor••••
Bid
£17,750
04/07/23
Vette••••
Bid
£17,500
04/07/23
Vette••••
Bid
£17,250
04/07/23
cgregor••••
Bid
£17,000
04/07/23
Vette••••
Bid
£16,750
04/07/23
Malcolm••••
Bid
£16,500
04/07/23
Malcolm••••
Bid
£16,250
04/07/23
Vette••••
Bid
£16,000
03/07/23
kyalami••••
Bid
£15,000
03/07/23
Vette••••
Bid
£14,750
03/07/23

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