Highlights
- Desirable ‘pre-serpentine’ 500 340bhp model
- £7,000+ invested in suspension, servicing and brakes since 2021
- Regularly serviced with sparing use since last visit
- Long MOT to March 2025 with no advisories
- Well detailed car lavished with improvements by seller
- Classic dark blue over grey leather colour combination
The Appeal
The Griffith 500 was the last and arguably the best of a certain type of simple, brutal Blackpool sports cars. The V8 was pushed out to 5litre, power rose to 340bhp and the driver aids stayed firmly in the warehouse. These cars are all about the driving engagement.
Enthusiasts favour the early ‘pre serpentine’ models, which have shorter cogged belts that drive fewer ancillaries so are considered more reliable. This is one of them, a very low mileage car in popular dark blue metallic over grey.
The current keeper bought it in 2021 from a TVR specialist, fully intending to keep it. With that in mind he has invested lavishly in the car, including £7,000 of work by specialists Garner and Kudu, the goal being a car that drives and runs better and is more reliable. Brakes, suspension, electrics, wiring, servicing have all been attended to. The chassis has also been wire brushed and treated with protective Lanoguard.
The result is an extremely well sorted 500. It is for sale very reluctantly. Equipped with long, advisory-free MOt to March 2025 and a recent service, this well sorted 500 is ready to enjoy.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 9th May 1994
- Current keeper since February 2021
- Acquired from a reputable TVR and Lotus dealer
- MOT valid until 01/03/2025 with no advisories
- 62,040 miles on last MOT test and now on 63,304 miles
- Serviced three times since acquisition, last major service on 04/03/2024
- Early pre-serpentine 500
- Full service history documented in history file
- £6,9723.83 invested at Garner and Kudu since 2021 summarised below
- Fitted a stainless steel hand-built manifold since initial work
- Vendor says ‘no expense spared in maintenance and continued improvement’
- Selling due to moving home and unable to complete long-term goals
- Various invoices shown in photographs documenting the work summarised below
Maintenance since current keeper bought it in early 2021:
- Brake and suspension systems
- Rewiring
- Repositioning of the fuse box
- Pull cable for boot opening rectified
- New Cobra alarm system
- Chassis treatment and Lanoguard rust prevention
- Full FIA approved cut-out switch
- Regularly serviced to March 2024
- New manifolds
- Sump gaskets replaced
The Condition
- Very tidy car in dark blue metallic with few signs of age
- Due to the age and originality buyers should anticipate some age-related marks
- Fibreglass bodywork presents well with straight, undamaged panels
- Vendor advises minor imperfections and what he describes as ‘a beautiful patina’
- Chassis is solid throughout with recent surface rust removed and Lanoguard treatment
- Anodised seven spoke alloy wheels in fair condition showing some marks
- Recently fitted with a set of four new tyres
- Grey leather interior in good order showing some marks and wear in photographs
- Original dash, with the lower piece by the gear stick ideally needing replacement
- Leather seats are well kept with some light creasing and wear visible
- Veneer dashboard is presentable but shows cracking close up
- Black folding roof in good condition with clear rear screen
Vendor advises minor jobs to do:
- Driver's side window motor needs replacement
- Temperamental fuel gauge may need replacing
- Lower dashboard would benefit from replacement
The Mechanics
- 4,997cc V8 TVR engine with ‘pre serpentine’ specification
- Delivers 340bhp in standard factory form
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Newly fitted stainless steel exhaust with hand-made manifolds
- Regularly serviced prior to purchase and during current keeper’s ownership
- Serviced three times since 2021, most recently in March
- £7,000 of improvements by marque specialists detailed above and in photos
- No reported running or driving issues
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
- Described by seller as ‘superb to drive with burbling exhaust note’
The vendor tells us:
“A lovely car to drive, with the potential to drive powerfully or cruise gently with a wonderful exhaust note. I love the colour and days with the roof down. It is also an appreciating classic with the pre-serpentine 500’s becoming quite rare. I love the engine, solid chassis and bodywork colour.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
