Description
1995 TVR Griffith 500 presented in the highly desirable Starmist Ocean Haze metallic, paint code P422. The Griffith is one of those cars that needs little introduction to enthusiasts, combining dramatic styling, a lightweight construction and the unmistakable character of a large-capacity V8 engine. This particular example has now reached thirty years of age and has clearly benefited from careful ownership throughout its life having only five former keepers
TVR took a deliberately uncomplicated approach to performance pairing a lightweight chassis and glass-reinforced plastic body with a muscular V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. There is little between the driver and the engine, the road and the sensations of driving which is precisely what gives the Griffith its enduring appeal.
Finished in Starmist Ocean Haze, the long, sculptured bodywork remain attractive. The sweeping front end, low stance and curving rear quarters give the Griffith an unmistakable presence, while the compact cabin sits neatly within the flowing lines of the body. It is a design that still looks purposeful three decades after leaving the factory
One of the defining features of the Griffith is its lightweight construction. Rather than relying upon conventional steel body panels, TVR employed a glass-reinforced plastic body mounted over a substantial tubular steel backbone chassis.
The black convertible roof remains in good overall condition for its age, with no rips or tears and no repairs evident. The rear window remains clear, allowing good visibility when the roof is raised and retaining the purposeful appearance of the Griffith's compact convertible cabin
At the heart of this Griffith 500 is the legendary Rover-derived 5. 0-litre V8, producing approximately 340 bhp. In a car of the Griffith's relatively lightweight construction, that figure translates into serious performance and gives the car a character that is very different from many of its contemporaries.
The engine bay remains in an original and honest presentation, retaining the mechanical character expected of a Griffith rather than appearing overly dressed or modernised. The large-capacity V8 provides the defining soundtrack of the car, with a deep and purposeful note that builds as the revs rise.
On the road, this Griffith drives very well. The engine pulls strongly throughout the rev range, delivering considerable torque and immediate acceleration whenever the throttle is opened. Rather than requiring the driver to constantly chase the power higher into the rev range, the V8 has the capacity to deliver strong performance across a broad operating range.
Open the driver's door and the Griffith immediately reminds you that this is a product of a very different era of sports-car design. The interior is intimate, driver-focused and deliberately uncomplicated, with the controls positioned close to hand and the large instruments clearly visible ahead of the driver.
The original black sports seats remain in place and continue to provide the close-fitting support expected from a car of this nature. They hold the driver securely while allowing the connection between driver and car to remain very apparent.
The original red interior carpeting provides a strong contrast against the black seating and trim, adding a distinctive period character to the cabin.
Ahead of the driver is the three-spoke black leather steering wheel, complete with the TVR emblem embossed into the centre
The Griffith dashboard is one of the most distinctive areas of the cabin. Finished with its walnut-effect fascia, it has a deliberately traditional appearance that contrasts with the raw mechanical character of the V8 beneath the bonnet.
Considering the car is now thirty years old, the dashboard has stood the test of time well. The fascia retains its original character, while the original switchgear remains in place and operational.
The silver-embossed TVR instruments sit clearly within the driver's field of vision and remain arranged in the correct factory layout. The instrumentation provides the information required to monitor the engine and vehicle while retaining the slightly unconventional character that became synonymous with TVR.
The mileage currently indicated is just over 83, 600 miles
Accompanying the Griffith is a substantial history file which provides useful documentation covering its life and maintenance.
The original TVR book pack is present and houses the service book, which contains various entries from throughout the vehicle's history, including the original Pre-Delivery Inspection stamp. This is an especially worthwhile piece of documentation as it provides a direct link back to the car's preparation when new.
The history file is further supported by a raft of historic MOT certificates, providing additional documentation of the car's mileage and ownership history over the years.
Two original keys are supplied together with the immobiliser fobs,
