A TVR Griffith sports car review, covering the development, important features and technical data of this classic car from Classic to Modern.
In 1991, the TVR V8S sports car was introduced, powered by the 3948cc Rover V8 engine.
However, although it was produced until 1993, it was overshadowed by the imminent launch of its successor, the TVR Griffith.
With an eye toward its predecessors, the TVR Grifith 200 and 400, spanning the period 1963 to 1967, the new variant was projected to be a fiberglass-bodied two-seater convertible with a V8 engine and the same chassis and running gear than the V8S.
When TVR entered the 1990s, the order book was dominated by TVR S, and customers made it clear that they wanted an even more powerful version.
At the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show, the Griffith concept car was unveiled and was an instant hit with 350 pre-production orders.
Using the reinforced chassis of the V8S, it was powered by a modified 4-liter Rover V8 engine, with a body that would become a design classic.
In addition, the lack of bumpers emphasizes the curves of the body.
Although the V8S chassis was sufficient to accommodate engines with a power output of up to 270 hp, a Griffith with a more powerful unit needed a stronger chassis.
In 1991, TVR decided to use the same chassis as the Tuscan Racer on the new Griffith, which had been shortened by 2 inches.
This stiffer chassis could easily handle power greater than 270bhp, as the power of a Tuscan would exceed 400bhp.
In addition, at that time some additional design modifications had been achieved.
As a result, the re-jigged Griffith was unveiled at the 1991 Birmingham Motor Show, and the first cars were delivered in 1992, equipped with a 4-liter or 4.3-liter engine.
A combined total of 704 units were built, equipped with either engine.
In addition, there was the option of a 4.3 liter large valve version. In addition to this, there was also a 4.5-liter variant, although originally only 10-12 units were built, with some other versions converted after delivery.
However, within a year, the 5-liter variant became the only option.
Launched in 1992, the new Griffith was initially powered by the same 4-liter engine as the V8S, developing 240 hp at 5,250 rpm and 270 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.
In a redesigned body, and using a Lucas 14CUX engine management system, this meant the car had a top speed of 152 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and a 0-100 mph time of 12.1 seconds. .
After its introduction, three-quarters of the 1992 production was delivered to the Griffith, when a total of 604 units were built in that first year.
Since the new car was now cheaper than the TVR 400SE, this eliminated any remaining demand for the wedge-shaped models.
This marks the end of my TVR Griffith Sports Car Review
I will review in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1946 to 2000+.
I hope you join me in my Reviews