1991 TVR Griffith

TVR Griffith (Convertible), 1990-2002

The TVR Griffith was in production from 1990 until 2002. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive convertible range seating two adults.

Based on an uprated version of the chassis fitted to the V8S convertible and fitted with a 4.0 litre Rover V8, the Griffith's body owed much to the Tuscan racing series as well as to TVR and Healey models of the 1960s. Tweaks to the chassis between 1991 and 1993 distanced the Griffith from the V8S, bringing it more into line with the Tuscan racer under the skin. The Griffith 430 of 1992 took that up to 4.3 litres, partially replacing the larger engined models in the now defunct Wedge series. This could further be boosted with a big valve head, or even taken to 4.5 litres for those seeking the ultimate raw experience. A larger engined Griffith 500 model followed by 1993, with a 5.0 Rover V8 fitted.

The Griffith would also spawn the softer, longer wheelbase Chimaera model, while a planned entry level model featuring TVR's new Speed Six engine never came to fruition. The Griffith would outlast the revolution within TVR, avoiding the Speed Six engine and while the Tusan Speed Six was intended as a Griffith successor, the older car continued for three years alongside the Tuscan. Production would only cease in 2002, ready for the launch of the new Tamora and T350C entry level models. 2351 Griffiths would be produced in total, across a twelve year production run. The last 100 cars were badged SE - a special edition 500 using the Chimaera dashboard and new rear lights. These models are especially collectible today.

The softer Chimaera makes an interesting Griffith alternative, as does the fixed head Cerbera. But if you really want a car that captures the aggression of a big engined Griffith, then the car you want is the earlier Wedge - anything from the 390SE up to the fearsome 450SEAC. The Tamora that replaced the Griffith is also a fearsome model in its own right, even if by the early 2000s it had become the entry level model.