08 April 2025|News
We serviced the lowest mileage TVR Griffith 500SE in the world?
At Hilton & Moss, we have a passion for maintaining and restoring high-performance cars, and our recent work on a 1994 TVR Griffith 500SE in iconic "Swordfish colours", Chameleon Blue, was no exception. This stunning example of British automotive engineering, with just 3,300 miles on the clock, arrived at our workshop for a comprehensive 6K service. Despite its low mileage, the vehicle showed signs of wear and tear, which required our expert attention to ensure its continued reliability and performance, particularly ahead of the summer driving season.
Initial Assessment and Issues Found
During the service inspection, our experienced technicians identified several key areas that needed attention, despite the car's minimal usage:
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Drivers Window Door Felts Dried Out: The felts around the driver's window had dried out and were no longer functioning properly, which could lead to excessive wear on the window seals and potential water ingress. We replaced the felts with high-quality replacements to restore the window's smooth operation and prevent further issues.
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Wiper Blades Juddering: The wiper blades showed signs of juddering, which not only reduces visibility but can also cause damage to the windscreen. We replaced the blades with new, high-quality wipers to ensure clear vision during adverse weather conditions.
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Nearside Anti-Roll Bar Gaiter Split: During the inspection, it was discovered that the near-side anti-roll bar bush had split. This part is essential for maintaining stability and handling, especially when cornering. We replaced both front antiroll bar drop links due to the gaiter being split, these are always replaced in a pair for stability.
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Nearside Track Rod End Boot Cracking: The near-side track rod end boot was found to be cracking, potentially leading to contamination of vital steering components. We carried out a repair by replacing the complete track rod end to ensure the longevity of the steering system and prevent dirt or moisture from causing damage.
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Offside CV Gaiters Split: The offside CV gaiters were found to be split, which could result in grease leakage and eventual damage to the CV joints. We replaced the gaiters to prevent this and ensure the joints remained well-lubricated and free from contaminants.
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Engine Noise from V-Belt Tensioner: A noise from the engine led us to inspect the V-belt tensioner. Upon investigation, it was determined that the tensioner was faulty. We repaired and replaced the necessary parts, eliminating the noise and ensuring the engine ran smoothly.
Approval and Repairs
After identifying these issues, we gained authority from the customer to proceed with the necessary repairs and maintenance. Our team carried out the work with the highest level of care and attention to detail, using only quality parts to ensure the car's performance and reliability were fully restored.
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Full Wheel Alignment and Adjustment: As part of the service, we performed a complete wheel alignment and adjustment, ensuring the vehicle’s handling was optimised and tire wear was minimised.
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MOT Inspection: To ensure the vehicle met all legal and safety requirements, we also conducted a thorough MOT inspection. We were pleased to report that the TVR passed the MOT with flying colours, providing the owner with peace of mind for the year ahead.
Delivery and Conclusion
Once all repairs, adjustments, and inspections were completed, we re-delivered the TVR Griffith 500SE to the customer using our enclosed transport trailer, ensuring it arrived safely and securely. The car was now ready for the summer driving season, with all essential systems running optimally.
At Hilton & Moss, we take great pride in providing expert care and service for performance vehicles, regardless of their age or mileage. This TVR Griffith 500SE is a perfect example of how even low-mileage cars can benefit from expert maintenance and attention to detail. We’re delighted to have been part of its journey, ensuring it remains a thrilling and reliable driving experience for its owner.
