1998 TVR Griffith 500 5.0L Petrol · S50 LTR

Tyre surface condition dominates the MOT narrative – every year since 2021 an advisory has been recorded for front and rear tyres showing slight cracking or perishing, and the most recent 2026 test was passed with no defects but still without a tyre advisory, suggesting the current set may be the first replacement since the earlier warnings. Apart from that, the car has enjoyed a clean streak of passes from 2022 onward, with the only major failure occurring in mid‑2021 when an off‑side rear drive‑shaft CV boot was split, the stop lamp failed, and the headlamp aim was excessive; those items were rectified before the next test. With just 23,317 mi logged over 28 years the annual average is roughly 830 mi, well below typical usage for a sports coupé of this age. The low mileage points to limited running time, which reduces wear on wear‑items such as brakes, clutch and suspension components, but it also means the vehicle has spent considerable periods idle, allowing age‑related corrosion to develop unnoticed. The MOT record shows no gaps in testing after 2021, confirming the vehicle has been regularly inspected despite its modest use. The tyre advisories merit immediate attention: inspect all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracks, and any bulges; any tyre showing more than 1 mm tread loss or visible perishing should be replaced before a further test. While the CV boot split was cleared, a visual inspection of the constant‑velocity joint boots and surrounding grease seals is advisable, and a short road‑test should be used to listen for whine or feel for vibration under acceleration, which would indicate residual joint wear. The 2019 oil‑leak advisory also calls for a thorough check of the engine bay for fresh oil stains, especially around the valve cover and oil filter housing, and the oil level should be verified after a warm‑up cycle. Finally, confirm that all lighting functions are fully operational: the stop lamp, direction indicators and headlamp aim must be checked for correct illumination and alignment, as past failures suggest the electrical system may have been serviced. Examine the steering rack, tie‑rod ends and suspension bushes for any signs of corrosion or play, as the 2019 advisory noted general age‑related wear; during a test drive, feel for any steering pull, clunking over bumps, or uneven brake response, which would highlight deteriorated bushings or brake components that may not have been captured by the MOT advisories.