I find that people ask quite often what should you look for when buying a TVR Griffith so I have decided to try and list a few things I looked for when buying mine. Also I have added some more that after owning one now that I would also look out for and other tips/look fors that other owners have found helpful to would be buyers.

Check

The stuff of nightmares!

Front upper wishbones/outriggers for corrosion as they are prone to rust as stones are thrown up from wheels and chip the paint. Stones also sit between the Chassis and Bodywork down the sides aswell and can damage both. If its been looked after it would have been re-hammerited/waxoyled.

Most Prone Places

Suspension Bushes can take a bit of a hammering and can collapse, Replacements can be done with nylon/plastic ones.

The cooling system should be in top condition otherwise you'll have overheating problems due to the engine being surrounded by GRP. Check for leaks and run the engine and check cooling system Fans work . Look in sill under RAD for Water Leak also.

The Rover SD1gearbox(upto 94 ish) are general good but the Borg warner box is near enough bullet proof.

Check clutch for slip normally last around 30k but have been known to last for a lot longer.

The GKN (early cars) Diff prone to leaks, Later BTR one is Good

Look at carpets/seatbelts etc to see if the car leaks and general condition of interior as this will tend to show how well its been looked after.Older cars check the door seals for wear.

Very Rusty Outriggers!

Body work is very prone to stone chips on the nose cone. The wing mirrors get chipped easily also, can be pricey if you have re-flex paint job.

Wheels for curbing, as its hard to find them now as they have stopped making them. TVR do do a wheel and Brake upgrade so there seem to be a few more about on the 2nd hand market.

Lower corners of windscreen suffer with a milky effect due to water ingress due to sealant coming loose. Not to expensive to replace.

Check all dials work as can be a bit temperamental due to dodgy earths but not the end of the world.

Good history and IMO high mileage shouldnt be a problem as I believe these cars a better used weekly than left to sit about.

Under the PAS pump as the pipes here are prone to leak occasionally.

Brakes for Judder a under Breaking as disc can warp.

Alarm operation as can be dodgy as it can get soaked where it is splashed behind RAD.

After a run and Engine has got up to Temperature and you have checked Fans etc, stop and restart a few times as Starter motors are known to stick due to heat soak, £80-£100 for a Recon one.

Engine pressure normally 10-15psi @ tickover and around 30 psi when moving.

There should be good Service History and in my opinion a high mileage car isn't necessary a bad thing as at least it hasn't been sitting about seizing up.

Also a good source of information for would be owners and owners all ready is 'THE BIBLE' as it is known, which is Steve Heaths excellent book 'The TVR Griffith and Chimeara' .

If anyone else can add to these please fell free to e-mail me and I will add them.

Disclaimer. These are all a rough guide of what to look out for and its your responsibilty to check yourself or have it checked by a competenat person(see links page) and be happy yourself before buying.