TVR Griffith Classic (1991-2002) reliability
TVR Griffith Classic built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average
TVR Griffith Classics built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a TVR Griffith Classic?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
10% of MOT tests on TVR Griffith Classics built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on TVR Griffith Classics built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.
Based on 881 tests of Griffith models registered 1991-2002.
About 1 in 25 Griffith Classic MOTs (4.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 881 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.2% and 5.9%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 75 Griffith Classic MOTs (1.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 881 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 0.7% and 2.2%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Classic fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Griffith Classic compares
At each age below, see how the Griffith Classic holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 3,813 tests across 4 TVR models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Griffith Classic.
- 1
Mercedes-Benz SL
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.5%
No clear edge over the TVR Griffith Classic on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
5,842 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the TVR Griffith Classic on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
16,460 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
MG B
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.5%
No clear edge over the TVR Griffith Classic on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,865 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Alfa Romeo Spider
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
No clear edge over the TVR Griffith Classic on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,562 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the TVR Griffith name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Griffith Classic cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 77 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 16% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How Griffith Classic cars have aged
How Griffith Classic cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Classic variants compared
Griffith Classic variants built before 2000
The fail rate for each Griffith Classic variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- GRIFFITH 5009.8%447 tests
- GRIFFITH10.0%432 tests
Most common issues on TVR Griffiths of this age
This list covers every TVR Griffith built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Classic on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 110.1%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 23.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 32.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 42.1%Major
Exhaust emissions above the limit
- 52.0%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
Based on 882 tests
Looking at a TVR Griffith Classic?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the TVR Griffith Classic (1991-2002) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 881 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.