1997 TVR Griffith 5.0L Petrol · R762 AAH

A pattern of tyre and fluid-related advisories defines the roadworthiness profile of this TVR Griffith, with the most recent MOT on 7 May 2026 returning a clean pass and no defects recorded. Over the four documented tests since 2022 the vehicle has passed every inspection without a single failure, but the advisory items form a consistent thematic trail. Both rear tyres were flagged for perishing in 2023 and again in 2025, front shock absorbers showed light oil misting in 2022, and a recurring oil leak from the engine area has been noted on three successive tests. The overall trajectory is stable rather than worsening, yet the recurrence of the same observations across multiple years points to age-related deterioration in rubber components and engine sealing rather than isolated wear events. Against a 29-year span, 23,389 recorded miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 807 miles, which is exceptionally low for a hand-built British sports car of this era. The mileage progression is broadly linear with no evidence of large gaps or sudden surges, and the car appears to have been tested consistently every twelve months without any extended lay-up periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in prolonged periods of stationary storage, which can be particularly damaging to an ageing TVR. Seals that would normally be kept supple by regular use can harden, brake calipers can bind due to corrosion on pistons and guide pins, and the cooling system, fuel lines, and underbody components are more vulnerable to degradation from infrequent use than they would be on a regularly driven vehicle. A prospective buyer should treat the recurring rear tyre perishing advisories as confirmation that the compound is breaking down through age rather than wear, and both rear tyres should be replaced regardless of remaining tread depth before the car is driven regularly. The shock absorber misting observed on the nearside and offside fronts, and on the offside rear, in 2022 should be monitored closely by inspecting for any increase in damping fade, nose-diving under braking, or uneven body roll through corners, all of which would indicate the units have progressed beyond light seepage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the Griffith's wishbone bushes and ball joints are known wear points that would have been subjected to far more standing time than driving time. The persistent engine oil leak, noted on three separate occasions from different areas, warrants a thorough inspection of the cam covers, the A-frame backplates, and the rear main seal area while the engine is warm, with particular attention to oil pooling on the chassis and exhaust manifolds given the fibreglass bodyshell's proximity to heat sources. Beyond the advisories on record, a buyer should perform a careful manual check of the brake system because low-mileage TVRs are particularly prone to seized calipers and corroded brake lines that would not necessarily show up as an MOT failure unless the imbalance triggered an ABS or efficiency warning. Pull each wheel to confirm the discs rotate freely without binding, inspect the handbrake mechanism as the Griffith's cable arrangement is a chronic weak point, and examine the underbody and chassis rails closely for corrosion, paying particular attention to the outriggers and suspension pick-up points where moisture can collect during long periods of storage. Finally, verify the history of the timing chain and tensioner, the condition of the cooling hoses and radiator, and the operation of the electronic management systems, as these are far more likely to have suffered from intermittent use than from the modest mileage recorded on the odometer.