Highlights
- Very well known Griffith with fascinating TV, media and factory history
- Factory demonstrator developed to ultra rare pre-cat ‘Big Valve’ 4.3litre specification
- Excellent history file including fully detailed service history
- Low mileage car in desirable colour combination with scintillating performance
The Appeal
In the early 1990s the tiny Blackpool TVR concern was on a roll. Alongside a rush of new models there was the Griffith, the firm’s smaller, lighter alternative to the bigger Chimaera that fitted into a long tradition of grunty British sports cars like the 1960s Austin Healey.
Fewer than 3,000 Griffiths were built of which this car is amongst the most interesting. Initially a TVR development and press car, latterly for the very rare ‘Big Valve’ models, it then spent time as an Autocar and Motor magazine long-termer before being restored for an episode Wheeler Dealers.
Now in the hands of an enthusiast private owner it is a well known car with a fascinating history. In excellent condition with low mileage, a thick ownership file and full service records, it is surely a unique opportunity to buy one of the desirable ‘BV’ Griffith. It is arguably one of the most desirable of that rarified group.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 10th December 1992
- 2 keys
- Only around 25 ‘BV’ models were sold, half built by the factory and have converted by dealers
- MOT to 21st May 2024 with no advisories
- Impeccable MOT history with no advisories back to 2006
- 13 service stamps showing continuous maintenance:
- Verifies the low mileage
- Most recently serviced in August 2022 1,300 miles ago
- Some very minor discrepancies in mileage figures likely due to recording errors
- Service book helpfully records all changes of ownership
- Includes hand-written notes regarding the car’s time as a factory demonstrator
- Factory service book and handbooks included
- Photographs and video from the car’s time as a TV star
- Magazine articles from Autocar and Motor featuring the car
- Much of the Wheeler Dealers restoration work apparently undertaken by Top Hat TVR
This 31 year old TVR has led a truly fascinating life, any one aspect of which would make it stand out in the market. But there are several such instances.
For the first eight years of its life it was a factory development car and demonstrator for customers and media. We understand from the seller that this included being used to develop the 500 - the car has a 500 nose cone - and for test drives when it was piloted by famed TVR Tuscan Challenge driver Steve Cole.
Latterly it was converted from its factory 400 specification to 430BV ‘Big Valve’ including an ECU remap.
In 2000 it was sold to Motor magazine and used as a long termer, featuring in Autocar and Motor, before being bought soon after by an enthusiast who owned it for 20 years. In 2020 it was acquired by Mike Brewer’s Wheeler Dealers team who set about bringing the car back up to standard, including a mechanical and bodywork restoration. The car features in Series 17 Episode 2.
The seller bought the car from the programme makers in August 2021 and has used it sparingly since.
The Interior
- Exquisite TVR blend of tradition and technology with neat hand-crafted detailing throughout
- Attractive blend of mid-grey leather with wood veneers in very good condition for the car’s age and mileage
- Some very minor marks to note but nothing unsightly or requiring immediate attention
- Quality Pioneer stereo fitted
- Very original interior that has been nicely preserved
- Factory-built stainless steel toolbox that is believed unique
From the mid 1980s TVR always specialised in a very particular style of interiors and stepping into this 1992 model it is immediately clear you could be in no other car. It is a wonderful symphony of swoops and curves and clever detailing abounds, from the hidden door handles to the chrome switchgear. It feels special and entirely ruled by one thing: the driver.
The interior of this car is beautifully trimmed in mid-grey leather with matching grey/blue carpets. The trim is in excellent condition, only some very minor marks on the centre console to note but nothing that is unsightly. The carpet appears to be coming away very slightly on the B post on the offside. There are some creases on the driver’s seat and very light wear on the seat edges. A professional valet would likely recover this and restore some of the colour, but it is by no means essential.
The lovely wood veneers, apparently replaced in 2020 by Wheeler Dealers, are in excellent condition, nicely complementing the grey materials and connecting this 90s car to the British classics of bygone eras.
In the boot there is a superb factory-built stainless steel toolbox holding the handbooks and full set of tools. We are told that this item is unique because TVR quickly realised the cost of producing it was prohibitive.
The car is fitted with a Clifford alarm and immobiliser.
The Exterior
- Very attractive grey metallic paintwork in excellent condition following a respray by Wheeler Dealers in 2020 and with no visible marks
- Factory standard 6-spoke alloy wheels in superb condition with no obvious deterioration
- We understand that the car has its original chassis, which has been Waxoyled
- Quality Toyo tyres in good condition with decent tread
- Useful hood cover provides protection to the roof in inclement weather or during storage
- ‘Surrey Top’ style folding roof replaced in 2020 and in excellent condition and complementary grey finish
The subtle shade of grey across this car nicely underplays its capabilities and accentuates the simplicity and purity of the Griffiths shape. It is an outline that is at once of its time yet reminiscent of all those 60s two seater classics that went before it.
We understand from the seller that the car was resprayed in 2020 during its time with Wheeler Dealers. He states that the programme spent £11,000 transforming the car. The paintwork is in excellent condition with no visible marks on the bodywork, the only signs of use being two small chips on the nearside B-post return edge.
The neat ‘Surrey Top’ style roof, which allows for targa or full convertible modes, is in a complementary shade of grey and in very good condition. A fitted roof cover, for use when the car is parked in inclement weather or garaged, reflects the fastidious owner’s care and is a useful accessory for the buyer.
The car sits on factory correct 6-spoke alloys that are in excellent condition with no visible deterioration. Toyo tyres with good tread complete the picture and were apparently fitted in 2020 by the TV programme makers.
The seller states that the chassis is original and in very good condition. It has clearly been WaxOyled and appears to be in as good condition as the bodywork.
The MOT runs to May 2024 with no structural advisories. There have been, in fact, no advisories on any MOT back to 2006.
The Mechanics
- 4.3litre Rover V8 engine with 275bhp in standard form
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Big Valve factory conversion, one of a believed maximum 12 such factory cars
- Engine rebuilt by Wheeler Dealers and has been carefully detailed
- Brakes and suspension apparently overhauled or replaced during the car’s time with Wheeler Dealers in 2020
- Uprated ECU that TVR test driver Steve Coles allegedly states makes the car quicker and sharper than a 500
- Full service history, most recently in August 2022 less than 1,500 miles ago
It is easy to fake the look of TVR’s unicorn BV ‘Big Valve’ because the only visual differentiation is a small badge. But creating a genuine one is significantly harder, so hard in fact that the firm only made 10 or 12 factory cars before realising that the conversion was prohibitively expensive.
This car is one of those 12. Another dozen were apparently converted by dealers. The work involved fitting high lift cams, bigger valves - of course and a ported head to the grunty 4.3litre version of Rover’s venerable V8. The hike in power is difficult to ascertain but Steve Cole, TVR’s renowned test driver, apparently said that the 430BV was sharper and quicker than a 500. Consequently these rare cars are very sought after by TVR enthusiasts.
We understand that this low mileage car was treated to a full engine rebuild during its time with Wheeler Dealers, much of the work completed by specialists Top Hat TVR. It has a full service history as part of the thick history file, 13 stamps since 2004 over just 5,500 miles attesting to the level of care that this car has clearly enjoyed.
The MOT history is similarly impeccable with a run of advisory-free tests right back to 2006. There is a gap between 2011 and 2016 when the car appears to have been unused while it was with its long term owner.
Summary
In the annals of British motoring classics, the TVR Griffith surely represents the last hurrah of a tradition we are unlikely to see continued any time soon. Big engines, simple mechanicals, few driver aids and lots and lots of power make the Griffith a distinctly Anglicised motoring experience and, of course, hugely entertaining.
Little known outside enthusiast circles, the 430BV is very rare and very desirable. This car is one of a handful of factory-built BVs and comes with a fascinating history file marked by a succession of highlights. Comprehensively restored for TV fame it has clearly been cared for. We are proud to have the opportunity to present this remarkable car and envy the lucky buyer.
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.
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.
