Winning bid
£19,800

1998 TVR Griffith 500

Highlights

  • Exceptional example
  • No expense spared
  • Ready to be enjoyed
  • 1998 model

The Appeal

A roaring, muscular V8, voluptuous curves and unique styling is exactly what TVR are known for. This example has has few owners, the previous owner having it for some 11 years and not sparing a penny in maintaining whether needed or not. Even at 24 years old you would not think it, with superb paint and mechanically sound throughout and the performance to match almost any modern equivalent, this is a perfect opportunity to own an exceptional example of an increasingly rare British icon.

The History and Paperwork

  • Huge paperwork folder with nothing missing
  • Kent TVR inspection just carried out
  • Recent MOT
  • 2 sets of keys & alarm fobs
  •  nearly every MOT from new Fernhurst service bills including outrigger replacement
The paperwork folder that accompanies this TVR is massive! The vendor told that the previous long term owner recorded absolutely everything. The service history is very good, with Fernhurst stamps up to 2011. After that the owner, a mechanical engineer, looked after the servicing himself, leaving absolutely nothing out when it came to the car’s care. Invoices for parts and work to make this possibly one of the best on the market are listed on a spreadsheet summing up to the region of £18,000. This was not because of unreliability but simply to keep this car as immaculate visibly and mechanically as possible. 
Simply nothing is missing, leaving the next owner a large amount of peace of mind regarding the future longevity of the car and of course for investment purposes.
image0.jpeg 1.06 MB

The Interior

  • Beautifully kept & original
  • Plush paint matched upholstery 
Opening the door with the usual quirky TVR designed door handle, you are greeted with deep merlot coloured carpets and rich cream leather that’s followed throughout the whole interior. The seats are in really good condition overall, very little sag in the drivers bolster which is a common sight usually, only in need of a little cleaning and TLC to bring up to par with the rest of the cars condition, this is probably the most this car needs.
Throughout the car’s interior the condition is very very good, nothing has notably been damaged or repaired, generally looking well cared for. The speedometer reads a smidge over 45,000 miles and the instrument cluster is nice and clear, surrounded with a wooden dashboard insert, this too is very good showing slight signs of discolouration typical of convertible cars, but this is totally in keeping with the age of the car. The weatherproof interior mats have been doing their job well and so the interior carpets are in immaculate condition along with the passenger bulkhead foot rest.
The satin finished aluminium switches are in a condition you expect, just very minor surface marks, also the 4 Pioneer speaker covers are in perfect condition from what we could see.
Moving into the boot it’s the same story, the spare wheel looking unused, the carpets absolutely perfect along with the roof cover, leaving plenty of space for luggage of the one or two occupants.
Overall a very good example of a Griffith interior, not needing for much other than a light clean for the usual surface dust.

The Exterior

  • Beautiful glossy finish on the recent paint
  • Upgraded headlights
  • Spotless aluminium wheels
  • Recent targa top
Defiantly the party piece for any TVR are the looks and this one is no exception with a recent fresh coat of paint that is finished like a mirror with deep colour and heavy metallic flake that really accentuates the lines, it looks the part in the late afternoon light and almost flawless. The is one slightly more notable mark on the passenger door, but other than that the exterior is near blemish free. Complementing the exterior are the bright polished stainless twin tail pipes and the gold finished Griffith badge to the rear and TVR badge to the front, all these being in great condition. To be noted a few stone chips have accrued on the front of the vehicle that the vendor mentioned.
15’’ & 16’’ Wheels shod with Toyo Proxes T1R’s complete with 7mm of tread are in flawless condition that we could see and hiding behind these you can see the newly painted red brake callipers that have been fully refurbished, this sets off the wheel arch bringing the colours together.
The exterior lights front to rear are crisp and clean with no obvious damage or fogging from water ingress with the front headlamps having the wonderful tinted look ties in so well with the overall look and the bumper mounted fog lamps also look undamaged and clear.

We have been assured that anything and everything that TVR cars need had been seen to giving peace of mind to the buyer. included in the sale a box of useful spares (Pulley belt / Fuses / Temp sensors / wheel bearings & original cats)

The Mechanics

  • Low miles
  • Matching tyres all round
  • Very clean engine bay
As stated before, this TVR lacks nothing when it comes to maintenance! Likely still producing each one of its original 340bhp the 5.0 V8 (37A50P5777) has been meticulously maintained with some tasteful modifications. 
The original catalytic converter has been kept to one side to make way for a fabulous looking ‘Y’ shaped de-cat pipe fantastically on show at the front of the engine connected together with ‘V’ band clamps making a secure and perfect seal. On top of that, a set of purple silicone hoses implement the bay with their vivid colour and of course the renowned reliability.
Other mechanical upgrades include:
  • All gaskets have been replaced with no oil leaks
  • Front calliper refurb 
  • New H/T leads
  • Replaced engine bay fuel pipes
  • Replaced outriggers (common issue)
  • C-TEK trickle charger cable fitted for ease of use
  • Radiator fan override 
  • Clutch at 43,000 miles
  • A fabulous looking Clive Ford ‘Y’ shaped de-cat pipe
We have been assured that anything any everything that TVR cars need had been seen to giving peace of mind to the buyer.
TVR-1420.jpg 8.68 MB

Summary

A real head turner, whether it’s the colour, the sound or the rarity, this is one TVR not to be missed. A vast amount of paperwork to back up the condition of the car, and the upgrades most people would do already take care of, makes this one exceptional example. 
An utter joy to drive, blisteringly quick even by todays standards. With a paint job finished to an very high standard and a tidy interior, this TVR is ready to be enjoyed now.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Auction Details

  • Year1998
  • MakeTVR
  • ModelGriffith
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer45,000 Miles
  • Engine size4997cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLougton
  • CountyEssex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

9 Bids from 7 bidders

dan-cla••••
Bid
£19,800
06/09/22
martin-••••
Bid
£19,250
06/09/22
sean.wa••••
Bid
£19,000
06/09/22
martin-••••
Bid
£18,750
05/09/22
graham-••••
Bid
£18,250
03/09/22
martin-••••
Bid
£17,750
01/09/22
Martek••••
Bid
£17,500
30/08/22
Dduqu••••
Pre-bid
£5,000
26/08/22
Rbw90••••
Pre-bid
£5,000
28/08/22

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