Words: Nathan Chadwick
Photography: Manufacturers
1991 was a tricky year for car firms. It’s also the year of some spectacular models…
It’s fair to say that 35 years ago the luxury car market was in a tough place. US tariffs, a collapse in the Asian markets triggering a worldwide recession and a looming war. It was not a great time for all luxury carmakers – Ferrari had to offer double-digit discounts on Testarossas to clear the stock piling up around Maranello.
However, there were some great cars launched in 1991, so we’ve corralled three of them – which would you choose to own now?
TVR Griffith
The TVR Griffith is a quintessential British sports car: lightweight, loud and visceral. Built with minimal electronic aids and a focus on mechanical purity, it’s a driver’s car that wears its character proudly. Hand‑finished in small batches, each one can feel slightly unique – a bespoke experience that enthusiasts love. Its simplicity, bold wedge styling and involvement behind the wheel make the Griffith a standout among 1990s sports cars that eschew modern driver aids for pure engagement.
Powered by V8 engines in a range of displacements (4.0-litres to 5.0-litres), the Griffith delivers strong performance for its era. Output ranges from around 240bhp to more than 340bhp, with 0‑60 mph times dipping into the low‑4s for the 5.0-litre models – numbers that feel even quicker thanks to the car’s light weight and direct throttle response. Handling is lively and unfiltered, with a mechanical feel often missing from modern cars.
TVRs are hand‑built and idiosyncratic: body fit and trim quality can vary from car to car. Inspect for damp carpets or signs of water ingress, often caused by door or roof seal issues, and check for corrosion around suspension pick‑ups – front wishbones can rust. Interior electrics may suffer gremlins from ageing wiring, so test all gauges, lights and accessories thoroughly. Pay particular attention to suspension bushes and anti‑roll‑bar links – worn bushes lead to vague handling and twitchy road manners. Early cars without power steering are engaging but heavy at low speeds; ensure any retrofit is well executed.
Hagerty UK valuations (e.g., 1993 TVR Griffith 500 Convertible) suggest fair examples are around £10k to £1 k, good ones cost from £14k to £15k, excellent Griffiths are £17k to £18k and concours examples are around £24k. Values vary by engine size, condition and provenance, with early launch models often commanding slightly higher prices.
Bentley Continental R
The Bentley Continental R was a departure from the more sedate Mulsanne-derived saloons, offering a coupe body that hinted at sportiness without compromising on plush interior comfort, hand‑stitched leather and classic Bentley presence. Contemporary reviewers praised the Continental R’s composure and poise for a car of its size, earning it a loyal following among connoisseurs of understated performance luxury.
Underneath the elegant body sits a hefty twin‑turbocharged V8 displacing around 6.75 L, which produces abundant torque and effortless acceleration through its automatic transmission. While not a lightweight sports car, the Continental R can cruise at motorway speeds with authority and enjoy fast road work thanks to its Sport button, firmer suspension and gearbox mapping that sharpen responses. Handling is refined rather than razor‑sharp, favouring smoothness and composure. Its power delivery is silky and majestic, making long journeys a relaxed delight.
Rust protection was minimal by modern standards – subframe corrosion is common, particularly in salty environments, so lift the car and inspect thoroughly. Service history is crucial: belt changes, turbo maintenance and regular engine servicing are expensive but essential. Check for cracked or unavailable light lenses and ageing seals; some exterior trim and seals are no longer supplied, making replacements pricey or impossible. Mechanical checks should include gearbox and suspension compliance, as worn bushes and mounts can lead to floaty handling. Interior trim and electronics should function correctly. Consider sourcing expert advice from a Bentley specialist before purchase.
Hagerty UK data and broader market trends indicate that early Continental R models in decent condition generally trade in the low‑to‑mid five‑figure range. Good examples might be found around £15k and £30k+ depending on condition and history, with excellent and well‑preserved cars approaching the higher end, especially for desirable specs or meticulous provenance. Condition and service records hugely influence value.
Porsche 968
The Porsche 968 is the final evolution of Porsche’s front‑engine sports cars that began with the 924 and evolved through the 944 line. It blends classic Porsche proportions with a near 50:50 weight distribution thanks to its transaxle layout (engine front, gearbox rear), making it one of the most balanced and refined handling sports cars of its era. The Club Sport variant (CS) is especially coveted for being lighter, stiffer and more focused, earning accolades such as Performance Car of the Year in 1993 in the UK.
Under the bonnet sits a 3.0‑litre inline‑four with around 236 bhp that delivers smooth torque and revvy character, especially when pushed. Power is modest by modern standards, but combined with excellent chassis balance and sharp steering, the 968 feels agile and rewarding on back‑roads. The CS and Sport trims improve suspension tuning and in CS form reduce weight, enhancing both turn‑in precision and driver engagement.
The 968 benefits greatly from full documented service history, particularly timing belt and balance shaft belt changes every four-to five years (40k miles) – neglect can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Check receipts for recent belt service and water‑pump replacement. Inspect clutch operation, as transaxle layouts make replacements costly. Listen for noises around the VarioCam timing system, and test electrical components – ageing wiring can cause gremlins. Rust isn’t as endemic as on older Porsches, but look carefully around sills, wheel arches, rear hatch seams and battery tray. Originality matters – collector demand is strongest for unmodified cars in factory spec, with popular colours and good interiors commanding premiums.
According to Hagerty UK market data, well‑sorted 968s in good/excellent condition can range broadly (often £15k to £30k+ but specific values vary by spec, mileage and CS status), with pristine concours examples rarer and fetching premiums. High‑quality, low‑mileage Club Sports typically sit at the upper end of this range.
Which one of these models would you add to your collection? Let us know below.
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