1997 TVR Griffith 4.3L Petrol · R170 WBK
1997 TVR Griffith (4.3L, petrol). First registered 26 Nov 1997. Recorded mileage 34,844 miles. MOT valid until 06 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- TVR GRIFFITH
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 34,844 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R170 WBK Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/04/2026
- 34,844 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R170 WBK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Tvr Griffith (R170 WBK) between April 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Emissions not tested over heating (8.2.1.2 (d))”.
R170 WBK Mileage History
- 28/04/202234,761 mi
- 05/05/202234,763 mi+2 mi
- 08/04/202634,844 mi+81 mi
Average of roughly 21 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution advised for this 1997 TVR Griffith. While recent MOTs show no defects, historical braking issues and an emissions failure highlight potential reliability concerns for a vehicle of this age.
Prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection focusing on the braking system, which had multiple near-miss failures in 2014. Check for consistent service records to verify the vehicle's maintenance history. Negotiate based on the 2022 emissions failure and potential restoration costs for the braking system. Be wary of limited model-specific reliability data and verify the vehicle's provenance through the DVLA register.
As a 5.0L petrol V8, this vehicle will have high fuel consumption (estimated 18-22 mpg combined). Tax banding would be £410 annually (2026 rates for engines over 4.0L). Insurance groups for classic cars like the TVR Griffith typically range from 50-70, leading to annual premiums of £800-£1,200. Major maintenance costs could exceed £1,000 for brake system repairs or emissions compliance work.
Inspect brake pads, discs, and hydraulic components for wear given the 2014 MOT warnings. Check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission, as noted in 2014. Verify the emissions control system, particularly the heating element for the catalytic converter mentioned in the 2022 failure. Examine the vehicle's body for rust or corrosion typical of 1990s sports cars, and confirm the red paint matches the VIN details.
This 1997 TVR Griffith has a mixed MOT history with recent clean bills of health but older issues including braking system deficiencies and an emissions failure. At 34,844 miles, the mileage is below average for a 29-year-old vehicle, but its classic status and high-performance engine require careful scrutiny of maintenance records.
No aggregate MOT data available for TVR Griffith models, but historical records suggest potential braking system maintenance requirements for vehicles of this era.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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