Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The September Online Timed Auction on Friday the 27th of September, Online. Background:
At the end of the 1980s, TVR moved away from its angular wedge-shaped design language, introducing smoother, more organic shapes, exemplified by the 'new for 1990' Griffith. A classic, light, powerful two-seater, very much in the spirit of the 1960s original, it was designed to appeal to drivers who relished analogue, unassisted machinery.
Complementing the smooth, sophisticated aesthetic of John Ravencrofts design, this was a classic TVR iron fist in a velvet glove, with the original 4-litre Rover V8 being upgraded to a 5-litre in 1993, boasting 345PS (340bhp) with a Rover/ Tremec 5-speed manual gearbox and weighing in at just 1, 300kg. Enthusiast drivers were not disappointed, as the Griffith 500 offered prodigious pace - the 0 - 62 sprint could be completed in 4. 1 seconds, with 100mph coming up in just 10. 5 seconds, with a top speed of 169mph. The Griffith was a big success for TVR, with more than 2, 350 hand-built examples leaving the Blackpool factory before production finally ended in 2002.
The car:
This superb example of the Griffith 500 comes fresh from a 20 year tenure, in the hands of its fourth owner, who is now retired. It has covered a mere 30, 440 miles and would appear to have led a cosseted life, with a comprehensive history file, including all the desirable TVR books and manuals. The car has recently benefitted from the attentions of a marque specialist to the tune of some £10, 000.
This 500 is fitted with the 5-litre version of Rovers light-alloy V8 and is the sought after Serpentine variety with purple heads.
The silver coachwork is in excellent condition with just one small stone chip, commensurate with its age. The dark blue leather interior and matching hood are in first class condition, with excellent woodwork in the cosy, stylish and well-appointed cockpit. The 7-spoke alloys are in superb condition and are shod with matching Bridgestone rubber, with excellent tread all round.
The car is fitted with an alarm and immobiliser for peace of mind and comes with two keys and all the owners history and paperwork.
Summary:
This Griffith 500 presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a superbly-looked-after and very low mileage example of a classic TVR drivers car. A bruiser in a stylish suit!
NB: vehicle is pictured with a private registration that is not included with the vehicle. Registration will revert back it's original which is N740 FLC.
Seller: Private
Location: Leamington Spa
Pictures: Professional
