Highlights
- Extremely rare genuine factory Big Valve factory model
- One of only a dozen factory cars believed built
- High performance version of the grunty 4.3litre TVR V8
- Superbly maintained including body-off chassis renovation
- Retrimmed interior and uprated to later frontal treatment
- Long term enthusiast owner since 2004
The Appeal
The Griffith cemented TVR’s reputation as builders of classically styled, exquisitely trimmed sports cars with lots of power and the absolute minimum of driver aids.
Many different Griffith versions were built but one of the rarest and most desirable is the ‘Big Valve’ 4.3. Just 10 or 12 ‘official’ BV cars left the factory.
This is one of them. In the seller’s ownership since 2004 it has been used sparingly but lavishly maintained including a body-off chassis restoration costing £5,500. With long MOT and few miles since the last service it is a fantastic opportunity for lovers of these rarified British roadsters.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st August 1992
- Current owner since 2004
- 2 keys
- Full service history with 13 stamps mainly by TVR main dealers and specialists
- Maintained during the seller’s tenure by TVRSSW
- Last serviced 300 miles ago on 2nd September 2019 at 60,571 miles
- History file includes old MOTs back to 2003
- Service and maintenance invoices throughout the vendor’s ownership
- Original owners handbook supplied with car
- Car has covered only 6,000 miles since the vendor acquired it in 2004
- MOT until 29th May 2024 with no advisories
- The seller advises us the car is always fully checked over every MOT
Investment by the owner:
- Retrimmed in 2005 with new Mulberry carpets, cream leather seats and door trims refinished
- New Mohair hood, window panels and windscreen also in 2005
- Body-off chassis restoration including shot blasting and powder coating and repainting in zinc red at cost of £5,500
- Front cone piece conversion to later light arrangement
- Original factory fitted light pods with car
The ‘Big Valve’ factory option applied to the 4.3litre displacement of the TVR-ised Rover V8 and offered more power and increased torque. The package was available for a brief time as a factory-fitted upgrade and it is believed only 10 or 12 cars were so equipped. These cars can be identified by the ‘V’ in the engine serial number. This car has that all-important letter.
The BV package was also offered as a retro-fit option by TVR dealers and records indicate that a further 12 or 13 cars received this treatment, bringing the total ‘official’ BV cars to 25.
The Interior
- Retrimmed in very attractive combination of Mulberry and cream leather
- Seats, carpets, door cards and dashboard in excellent order
- Slight scuff on driver’s seat but otherwise few signs of use
- Equipped with Leven Technology dashboard upgrade including:
- Wood veneers replaced with machine-turned aluminium trim
- Black-rimmed, TVR branded dials
- All buttons and switches replaced
- Leven Technology LT chrome footwell embellishers and aluminium pedals
- Panasonic stereo
- No sun damage or fading to any components
- Boot area follows the same theme with excellent trim
- Steel tool box with full set of tools in boot
The Exterior
- Stand-out Formula Red paintwork, a classic convertible shade
- Paintwork in superb condition with only a handful of stone chips detracting
- Body off chassis restoration costing £5,500 by TVR specialist with few miles since
- Excellent panel gaps and alignment
- Glasswork in excellent, clear undamaged condition
- New Mohair roof and vinyl screens in 2005
- Roof remains in excellent condition with clear panels and good colour depth
- Leven Technology roof storage bag included
- New windscreen in 2005
- Front light conversion in 2002 but original pods supplied with car
- Fitted with later nose cone treatment
- Optional gold badges
- Six spoke factory alloys in excellent condition, just a small scuff on the nearside front to note
- Tyres were replaced in 2002 and 2007 and retain good tread but ideally may benefit form replacement
The Mechanics
- 4.3litre TVR ‘Rover’ V8 developing around 235bhp
- Official power outputs were never available for the BV as far as we are aware
- Warranty work undertaken in 2004 included:
- New cam
- Gearbox reconditioned
- Differential replaced
- Car has covered 6,000 miles since this work
- New wishbones and ball joints
- Full TVR service history and last serviced in 2019 300 miles ago
Summary
The TVR Griffith was in a market of its own, an analogue, engaging car in an increasingly digital world. Those qualities make these superb sports cars enduringly popularly.
The Big Valve Griffith is one of the rarest variants. This car has been lavished with investment including chassis refurbishment, retrimmed interior and the vendor has also kept ahead on servicing work. In fantastic condition it is a great opportunity for those who love British sports cars and, of course, really love to drive them.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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