TVR Griffith

In production: 1990 - 2001 
​Models: 400, 430, 430BV, 500, 500SE

History

1990 - ​The Griffith has been quoted as being TVR's New Beginning. Revealed at the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show it was a show stopper. It was said at the time that an order was taken every 8 minutes. The Griffith was the First of the Big League TVR's. A TVR developed Rover V8 engine delivers thunderous power covered under elegant curves and smooth lines.
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TVR Griffith prototype
Griff prototype at NEC: note conventional doorhandle (picture www.evo.co.uk)
1991 to 1993  - It was now re-engineered due to the 'S' Chassis not being able to cope with the power levels and developement of the Tuscan Racers Chassis was chosen. First Deliveries of the two engine specs, 4.0 ltr 240 bhp and 4.3 ltr 280 bhp were made. There were 704 made. There were also some BV (Big Valve) conversions done for the power hungry on the 4.3 and for the totally insane a 4.5 was produced. There were only about 10 - 12 originally built, although some were converted after delivery. The BV badge on the engine unfortunately doesnt mean it's an original as some were stuck on by opportunists trying to sell it as one, So please make sure you check thoroughly if buying one. Three quarters of the way through 1993 the Griffith 500 was announced, producing 340 bhp 350llb/ft. With upgraded brakes/suspension and also with catalytic convertors. Also production of the UK market stopped for a while to allow TVR to export some to Europe and the World, and to concentrate on the Chimaera.

1994 - Gearbox changed from the Rover SD1 to the near bullet proof Borg Warner T5 

1996 - TVR announce that the Griffith Speed Six would have TVR's own AJP straight six, kicking out an estimated 380 bhp. In the end The Griffith Speed six didn't enter production, better explained in Steve Heaths 'Bible' 'The TVR Griffith and Chimaera.

1997 - The engine is de-tuned to 320 bhp to aid better Idling and driving at lower speeds (Why??) 

2001 - TVR announce the Griffith production is going to end. 100 Special Edition (SE) cars were to be built to mark the end of production. Although still very similiar to the previous 500's. It has a hybrid Interior using the Chimaera dashboard. Noticeably the rear lights are different along with the door mirrors. Some also came with 16 inch wheels and each car comes with a numbered plaque in the glove box including the build number and a Special Edition badge on its gorgeous rump.

Although the Griffith is almost mechanically identical to its sister car, the Chimaera, it has a different body design and was produced (initially) with larger engines and more sports focused suspension so was produced in much smaller numbers.  Griffiths command higher prices on the secondhand market for these reasons. The final 100 SE versions command the highest prices due to their rarity.

Technical Specifications

Griffith 4.0 
Engine: 3938cc Alloy V8
Power: 240bhp
Torque: 270lbs/ft 
Performance: 0-60mph 4.8 seconds, 
Top speed: 155 mph 
Griffith 4.3
Engine: 4280cc Alloy V8
Power: 280bhp
Torque: 305lbs/ft 
Performance: 0-60mph 4.7 seconds, 
Top speed: 161 mph 
Griffith 5.0 
Engine: 4988cc Alloy V8
Power: 340bhp
Torque: 350lbs/ft 
Performance: 0-60mph 4.1 seconds, 
Top speed: 167 mph 

Some of these specifications especially power/top speed and 0-60 times may vary. ​
Dimensions, all models 
Length 3892mm, Height 1205mm,
Width 1943mm (inc mirrors)
Weight 1060kg, 
Wheel base 2282mm,
​Front Track 1460mm, Rear Track 1470mm, 
Ground Clearance 146mm
Fuel Capacity 57 Litres.
Production Numbers:
1992: 602
1993: 230 (61 500s)
1994: 292
1995: 284
1996: 288
1997: 232
1998: 231
1999: 187
2000: 90
2001: 82
2002: 64
ARCHIVES
​Find out more in the  
​TVR Griffith Archives (Members Only) 
TECHNICAL
​Find out more on the TVR Griffith Technical Page
(Members Only)

Some quotes from the period

Performances Car, Dark Satanic Thrills 1992 4.3 litre. 
A glimpse of an e-type, a suggestion of the BMW Z1, shades of the mighty AC Cobra, and a trace of Ferrari'. 'The Griffith hollers its intent down Industrial size exhausts, filling the air with a rich and heavy din'.  'But I'll leave the final words to the little lad who stood at the roadside on the 8th April, and watched as the Griffth Burbled menacingly, mesmerisingly past. His mouth moves several times before he found the right word, but it was the right one. "WOW"."
Top Gear Fast Car, 1999 5.0ltr 
Beautiful and Brutal, combining sheer power with gracious curves. You cant help but grin mischeviously as you hit the loud pedal, and boy its loud."
Performance Car 1993 Cobra Vs Griffith, Clarkson Decides 
They're loud, punk rock uncouth and who gives a damn? You would take these cars out, only to hear the noise. But take either of them home and your neighbours would buy a gun."
Evo 2001, by Roger Green 
Outrageous performance for half the price of some of the more established market names, whilst easily equalling the drama and road presence'
Owner John Simpson said " For me its the Purest TVR they have ever made. I enjoyed it so much when I had the oppertunity to buy a 500 in 1999 I kept the 4 Litre as well."
Autocar RoadTest 1992. 
So close to being a world beater it hurts."

Useful Griffith Links

Roger Shackletons The Griffith Story    www.thetvrgriffithstory.com
The Griffith Last 100 SE List    www.griffith500se.co.uk
Photos, additions or changes to this page - did we get anything wrong or do you have anything we could add? 
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