1994 TVR Griffith 500: Extensive Maintenance, Stunning Car, in Wisconsin, USA
1994 Other Makes TVR Griffith 500
Intro:
For sale is this impressive condition 1994 TVR Griffith 500. I personally legally imported it and it has a clean Wisconsin title in my name. It is largely in original condition, retains its original 5.0L V8 engine, and has a few important driveability upgrades throughout. The body and finish is in excellent condition as is the interior. An extensive folder of maintenance receipts and history is included. The frame on this Griffith is excellent as it had a “body off” refurbishment including sandblasting and re-powdercoating. This is an impressive car, an incredible value for the experience and performance, and is something that is ready to be driven and thoroughly enjoyed. Included in this listing are a 20 minute video with commentary, and 140 photos, extensive details about this model, and extensive details about this Griffith’s condition. I take my vehicle representations very seriously as evidenced by my 100% feedback.
~Shane
262.391.1069
Video:
https://youtu.be/eEyrfgIQ4XM
A 20 minute video with commentary is provided thoroughly showing this Griffith. The video shows exterior general condition, exterior details, interior condition, engine bay and engine running, underbody, and driving footage. The video will answer a significant amount of questions but please read the ad as well as there is more detailed info below.
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA2KZ1
140+ large photos of this Griffith are hosted via Flickr with the link provided above. Please go through all of them as it will answer many questions. Shown are exterior condition, interior condition, details, engine bay, trunk, underbody, documents, and more.
Model info:
Many people are not familiar with TVR or the Griffith so here is some basic info for those unfamiliar. TVR was an automaker based in the United Kingdom. They produced cars from 1946 to around 2008. In the 1990’s through the 2000’s TVR began to produce in my, and many’s opinion, their most interesting and wild sports cars as evidenced by stunning designs and higher horsepower engines. TVR is similar to Lotus in that they were small volume, hand built, often used fiberglass for bodies, and focused on light weight. Less than 2,000 Griffiths were produced. While Lotus tended to stick with 4 cylinders and turbos, TVR threw in torquey V8s. That is where the Griffith comes in!
The 1990’s Griffith by many is argued as the pinnacle of TVR. The Griffith is more aggressive and sporting than the similar Chimaera, and more compact and purpose built than the Cerbera. The exterior is very simple, smooth, curvaceous, and beautiful, almost looking like a proper sports car from the 1960’s. Size wise they are similar to the compact Mazda Miata and come with a similar very light weight as well being only 2,300 lbs! In the 1980s TVR started installing and tuning the very compact Rover all aluminum pushrod V8. The first years of the Griffith, in the early 1990s, it came with a 4.0L 240 horsepower or optional 4.3L V8 280 horsepower. That was an incredible power to weight ratio for the era. The chassis is a rigid steel tube frame chassis, of course with independent suspension all around, and other specs such as disc brakes all around, limited slip, and five speed manual transmission. Because TVR is crazy, they thought sticking an even more powerful V8 into the Griffith was the right thing to do resulting in the Griffith 500 in 1994.
The engine in the Griffith 500 is still the TVR tuned aluminum Rover V8 but now with a displacement of 5.0L rated at 340 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the light weight, this caused the Griffith 500 to be one of the highest performing road cars of its era. 0-60 mph time was 4.1 seconds stock. This Griffith has a few minor upgrades resulting in 350 horsepower to the rear wheels and even brisker acceleration. The Griffith 500 is the rowdiest version and represents exactly what TVR of the Peter Wheeler era is all about.
Driving Experience:
The Griffith 500 is a true driver’s car and definitely a unique driving experience. It feels like a proper lightweight rear wheel drive flickable sports car through the twisty roads. Corner turn-in is exceptionally quick due to the light weight and excellent center of gravity with the aluminum engine set very far back behind the front axle. So much speed can be carried through a corner. Exiting a corner is when the true fun comes in. The 5.0L V8 responds right away, offering gobs of torque pulling you out of a corner and continuing to pull hard through the RPM range. The engine is lowkey at first then screams when you get on it. It is strange at first for such a light car that handles so well to have such aggressive grunt. The experience is unique and difficult to compare to other sports cars. Some other sports cars I have owned from the era include the Viper Gen 2 RT/10, Porsche 930, 964, 996 C4S, Vette C4 ZR1, C5 Z06, Ferrari 308 QV, 348, and Lotus Esprit S4S. Every one of those vehicles was very fun but for back roads fun driving they do not compare to the Griffith. A Shelby Cobra might be the closest comparison with the Griffith offering more competent handling and being an actual original design instead of being a kit car. Another comparison would be calling this a “mini Viper” in terms of offering similar feeling of excessive torque and acceleration but with about 1,000 lbs less weight resulting in quicker turn in and cornering.
Another strength of the Griffith is its ability to just cruise. Pushrod V8s tend to be great at this with being comfortable at 2,000 RPM and just cruising. It does not feel high strung at all. The seats and driving position are comfortable as well. Right hand drive only takes a couple drives to get used to as does the left hand shifting (shift pattern and pedals are in the same position). It is the type of car that gathers a crowd at cars and coffee type events as well. Whether cruising or spirited driving, for the value the Griffith offers just about the best bang for the buck and most smiles per mile.
Exterior Condition:
Visually this is a stunning car. It looks like a proper exotic and is in the condition as would be expected for a premium sports car. It gathers a significant amount of attention at car events and gives an impressive presentation. From 5 to 10 feet away the Griffith looks just about perfect. The finish was redone at some point and was completed to a high standard. The Blue Mica color is a factory color. In sunlight the blue metallic really sparkles and shifts colors from a vibrant blue to a deep blue. The finish is exceptionally glossy, deep, and smooth. Absent are amatuer issues like texture, sanding marks, overspray, drips, fish eyes, and so on. The car has just been fully detailed. I personally wet sanded the finish with 2000 grit, buffed with compound, buffed with polish, and waxed it in June of 2022. The finish really is stunning and matches on all body panels. There is some typical wear due to age, use, and being a fiberglass car. There are a few stone chips on the front, some of which have been touched up and some which still could. Behind the wheels on the lower extremities there are some typical expected minor chips as well. The right rear quarter panel near the trunk has a crack in the surface of the fiberglass from what looks to be something touching that area. There is a bubble under the finish not far from that area on the back panel. There are a few other very minor things here and there typical to fiberglass cars. There is absolutely nothing body or finish wise that is distracting to the presentation of the car or really stands out. As stated, from about 5-10 feet away the car essentially looks just about perfect and the finish truly is stunning in smoothness, reflectiveness, and color. Notice in the photos and videos how reflective and smooth the finish is.
A critical part of any TVR is the frame. The 1990s TVR frames are known to have rust issues due to the moisture from UK driving. Many of these TVRs by now either need repair or have been repaired, which is an extensive endeavor. Take caution if you are buying a TVR that has never been repaired. VERY importantly… this TVR Griffith did NOT need its frame re-welded but it did have a “body off” refurbishment to help preserve the frame further. This entailed removing the whole fiberglass body and all other components from the frame. The frame was then sand blasted and re-powdercoated. This is a HUGE positive aspect of this example having had this important work performed causing not only the frame to be preserved but also piece of mind that there is NOT hidden rust issues. The frame visually still retains its powdercoating and is in excellent shape! It of course has road grime and dirt on it from use but it is in excellent shape and solid. The frame is shown more thoroughly in the video.
The remainder of the exterior is in excellent presentable condition. The windshield is the TVR original one and in excellent shape with no significant chips or cracks. It is not delaminating like on many TVRs. The side window glass is original and in great shape as well. The front lenses, lens covers, and tail lights all are in great shape with no cracks or issues. The convertible top is in very good condition and not needing any attention. The rear plastic window is in excellent shape with no rips or cuts. The top is one of the easiest convertible tops to put up and down. The two aluminum struts in the back near the roll bar just need to be pulled and then the top center section of the top can be removed. The top can be used in multiple positions such as fully closed, top center section removed but back still up so it is like a targa top, and back dropped for full convertible mode. The top center section goes in a bag when not in use and can fit in the trunk which is rather sizeable. Interesting note, from the factory the top center section is carbon fiber!
The five spoke rims are new as of July 2022 thus are in perfect condition. They arguably give the Griffith a more aggressive stance and match the character of the Griffith far better than the stock ones. I still have the stock 7 spoke silver “Estoril” rims which are all in very nice condition. Included are a couple photos of them on the car. The stock rims ARE included with the sale of this Griffith. There are tires on the stock rims yet which are kind of dry rotted but good enough to be used to drive the car short distances if needed. The tires on the new rims are brand new July 2022 and are excellent.
In conclusion on the exterior, it is a stunning car in design and in condition. If one is not needing a perfect flawless car, then this should meet their needs. This Griffith 500 is of the condition one can stare and admire it, maybe even drool a little bit over it.
Interior Condition:
The interiors on this 1990s TVRs are enjoyable places to be! They are unique in design with their organic shapes and orientation. It is a proper hand built exotic with being covered with high quality leather and using a very limited amount of plastic. The interior on this Griffith 500 is in original condition and spec. It is in impressive condition with only a few limited areas showing typical use. The driver seat outside bolster leather shows some typical wear but it is NOT worn through or falling apart. The remainder of the driver seat is excellent. The seat itself is very comfortable for a sports car and still has excellent foam. The passenger seat is in excellent condition. The three spoke steering wheel feels excellent and is in great shape. The door panels are excellent. The carpet throughout is excellent with no notable stains, smells, or issues. The floor mats themselves of course show use. The whole dash, leather, wood, and gauges, are in excellent condition with no issues really to note. The wood is glossy, not warping, and not cracking. The center console area is in excellent condition. An excellent and very uncommon addition is a color matching roll bar. TVR had these as an additional option and I would assume this is a TVR OEM roll bar installed at the factory.
There really is not a whole lot else to say about the interior. It is an excellent and comfortable place to be. Aesthetically it is very appealing. Condition wise it is excellent.
While the exterior is beautiful and the interior is in excellent shape, the mechanical condition of this TVR is probably its strongest positive aspect. This is a true well sorted driver’s car. Maintenance is upto date. Every system on this car has received maintenance and updates. In addition to being fully sorted there are thousands of dollars worth of preventative maintenance and upgraded components of typical weak spots on these cars. This is a robust Griffith ready to be driven and enjoyed as it is for quite some time. Thorough documentation in the form of receipts, dealer stamps, MOT/inspection tests, and other documents are included. Please see the photos of some of this. It is more extensive than can be gone through here but I will try to summarize and point out things of note. The majority of the significant upgrades and mechanical work was performed around 2008 when the car went through a refurbishment.
The engine is the original numbers matching 5.0L engine and it is strong. See the dynograph picture from 2021 showing rear wheel horsepower of 350 and 350 lb-ft of torque. There is absolutely no smoking, oil consumption, valvetrain noise, or issues. It does not drip on the ground, does not consume coolant, does not run hot. Oil pressure is excellent. A weak spot on these engines is the camshaft which wears prematurely. The camshaft on this Griffith has been replaced and mildly upgraded to a “Stealth” camshaft, receipt shown. Another weak point is the stock ECU. This TVR’s ECU and related systems have been upgraded to a standalone Emerald ECU which is a significant upgrade! This has resulted in a more robust and dependable system, one which can be tuned, and updated ignition system. Numerous receipts are included related to this work showing tuning, part replacements, and more. The original Emerald documentation is present, they are a company that is still around, and there is a Facebook Emerald ECU tuning group if someone wanted to keep upgrading this Griffith. There is a switch on the dash that allows the driver to switch between three different tunes (emissions friendly, normal driving, pops and bangs driving). Another weak point on these cars are the stock exhaust manifolds. The stock ones are prone to cracking. The stock catalytic converters also are a weak point as they are very restrictive thus reducing power, get hot, and also crack. The FULL exhaust system on this Griffith has been upgraded to the expensive ACT stainless steel system (see receipt). This includes stainless steel manifolds/headers, stainless high flow catalytic converters, and a full ACT stainless cat back system. Also included are “de-cat” pipes that can eliminate the catalytic converters if even more sound and flow is wanted. The exhaust has a nice deep rumble to it. It is proper sounding as it is aggressive sounding when you get on it but not when cruising. The cooling system also has been updated to a new aluminum radiator, electric fans, cooling system pipes, and thermostat. Other miscellaneous engine related maintenance includes injectors, regular fluid changes, air filter, intake hose, intake plenum, engine mounts, spark plugs, alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel filter, relays, spark plugs, fuel pump, and so on.
The rest of the drivetrain is also excellent. The drivetrains on these Griffith 500s are very robust. Earlier and smaller displacement Griffiths used a weaker Rover based transmission but the Griffith 500, including this example, get the much stronger and better shifting T5 transmission. The clutch is newer. The differential is a limited slip unit and is in excellent condition with no issues. U-joints have been replaced. There is no whining, no drips, no grinding, no issues.
The chassis, suspension, and braking systems also are extremely well sorted and are up to date on this Griffith. As mentioned, this Griffith received a body off refurbishment around 2008 with the chassis being completely disassembled, sandblasted, and re-powdercoated. An extensive amount of components were replaced around this time and including after. Damping is provided by GAZ shocks and springs which were installed new at that time. Control arm bushings and anti-sway bar rose joints were replaced and upgraded at that time. The suspension is in excellent condition. It rides firm and controllable. There are no odd noises or issues to note. The steering system is in excellent condition with replaced rack boots and other work being performed. The braking system was refurbished with new calipers, pads, and stainless lines. The rims are new upgraded ones in July 2022. The tires are brand new at the same time, Falken RT660 high performance very grippy tires! There really is not much else to note here. It is just very well sorted and in excellent condition.
The remainder of the systems in the car are in good working order. Everything works electrically including all of the gauges which read accurate, fans, lights, wipers, and so on. The window motors have been replaced prior. Door latches, hood latch, and trunk latch all are functioning properly.
There really is nothing that needs attention mechanically. The UK has stricter and more regular inspection laws (MOT) that require owners to keep their vehicles in well sorted condition. This Griffith has passed that recent inspection of course. It can be seen that the car was regularly cared for throughout its life. It was regularly serviced at TVR specialists. Dealer maintenance stamps in the owner’s manual are present through the early 2000’s and thereafter extensive other receipts are present. So much of the expensive work and maintenance has been performed on this Griffith 500. It is ready to be enjoyed exactly as it is.
Conclusion:
The purpose of getting a car like this is to drive and enjoy it. Due to the extensive maintenance, mechanical/dependability upgrades, and performance upgrades, this Griffith 500 stands above the rest in the driving enjoyment that can be offered. Setting a value is difficult. If you do not feel the asking value is fair then submit what you think is. Around this price range and under there is not much that can compare related to stock acceleration capabilities, handling performance, exotic and original style, condition, miles, maintenance history, and low production numbers (under 2,000). A Dodge Viper feels tame compared to the Griffith 500. A 964 or 996 C4S 911 feels like a boring daily driver compared to it. Vipers, 911s, Esprits and others in similar condition tend to be more expensive but not necessarily offer a better experience. These Griffiths really offer an incredible value. The Griffith 500 is iconic and this is an excellent example of one ready for the car connoisseur.
As stated, this Griffith has been legally imported to the United States with all necessary customs documents completed, and has a clear Wisconsin title and registration in my name. There is a significant amount of value in having that process completed. The Griffith is located at my residence in Sussex, WI 53089 USA. I prefer to sell the Griffith outright. I could consider interesting trades up or down (other sports/exotic cars, sports/exotic/classic motorcycles, Ducati, MV Agusta, etc.). I do not mind at all working with your shipper. Pending distance I could transport the car for a fee in my enclosed trailer. I do not mind working with out of country buyers. Wire transfer or cashier’s check are the preferred method of payment. Any questions or special needs just reach out and ask!
If you made it this far through this detailed ad, all the photos, and video, thank you for checking out this Griffith. It would look great in your collection.
Regards,
Shane
262.391.1069
- Make: Other Makes
- Model: TVR Griffith 500
- SubModel: 500
- Type: Convertible
- Year: 1994
- Mileage: 59900
- VIN: SDLDGC5P6RD011435
- Color: Blue
- Engine size: 5.0L V8
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Gray
- Drive side: Right-hand drive
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!
