TVR CAR CLUB
  • Home
  • News
  • Shop
    • Enter Shop
    • Memberships
    • Official TVR Branded Merchandise
    • T-Shirts >
      • New Logo T-shirts
      • Classic 80's Logo T-shirts
    • Clothing >
      • New 2021 Logo Clothing
      • Caps & Hats
      • Ladies & Junior Clothing
      • Classic 80's Logo Clothing
    • Mugs
    • Posters
    • Gifts
    • Bags
    • Fire Safety Sticks
    • Garage Products
    • Events
    • TVRs for sale
  • Events
    • Events Calendar (Public)
    • National Events (Members)
  • Find out about:
    • The TVRCC
    • Why you should join
    • TVR
    • Regions >
      • UK Regions
      • International Regions
      • Region Details update
    • The TVR Models >
      • Early TVRs
      • TVR Grantura
      • TVR Vixen
      • TVR Griffith (early)
      • TVR Tuscan (early)
      • TVR M series
      • TVR Tasmin / Wedges
      • TVR S Series
      • TVR Tuscan Racer
      • TVR Griffith
      • TVR Chimaera
      • TVR Cerbera
      • TVR Speed 12
      • TVR Tuscan
      • TVR Tamora
      • TVR T350
      • TVR Sagaris
      • TVR Typhon / T400 / T440
      • TVR Prototypes
      • TVR Griffith LE 2017
    • Sprint Magazine >
      • In Sprint
      • Photo Competition Winners
      • Photo Competition
    • TVR Motorsport
    • TVR Motorsport History
    • TVR Colours
    • Classifieds
  • Members Area:
    • TVRCC Forums
    • National Members Events >
      • National Members Events Calendar
      • NEC Classic & Sportscar Show
      • Le Mans Classic
      • Pre 80s Extravaganza
    • TVRs in print
    • Digital Sprint Magazines
    • Archives >
      • Archives - Brochures
      • Archives - Factory
      • Archives - Pre M
      • Archives - M Series
      • Archives - Tasmin Wedge
      • Archives - Tuscan Racer
      • Archives - S Series
      • Archives - Griffith
      • Archives - Cerbera
      • Archives - Chimaera
      • Archives - T350
      • Archives - Tamora
      • Archives - Tuscan
      • Archives - Sagaris
      • Archives - Prototypes
      • Archives - Rover V8
      • Archives - Miscellaneous
      • Add to Archives
    • Technical >
      • Technical - Pre-M Series
      • Technical - M Series
      • Technical - Wedges
      • Technical - S Series
      • Technical - Chimaera
      • Technical - Griffith
      • Technical - Cerbera
      • Technical - Sagaris
      • Technical - Speed Six
      • Technical - T350
      • Technical - Tuscan
      • Technical - Tamora
    • Committee >
      • Minutes & accounts
      • Chairman
      • Secretary
      • Treasurer
      • Editor
      • Deputy Editor
      • IT Manager
      • Events Manager
      • Events Team
      • Competition Secretary
      • RO Co-ordinator
      • Sales Manager
      • Marketing Communications
      • Office Manager
      • Website Designer
      • Magazine Designer
    • Travel Tours >
      • Scenic and Continental Car Tours
      • Drive Espana
      • Fast Track Tours
      • Organise Your Own Tour
    • Benefits
    • Insurance
    • Valuations
    • Trade links >
      • TVR Dealers
      • Bodywork Servicing Repairs
    • RO Resources >
      • Organised Runs
      • RO handbook
      • Regional Websites & Emails
      • Region website update request
      • Forum Rules & Guidelines
      • Naming and shaming policy
      • Authorised Logos
      • Region Contact Details Change Form
      • Region Events Form
      • Region Business Card Order Form
    • Logout
  • Contact Us
Picture

TVR Griffith

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

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.
​
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
Early model with original wheels and smaller air intake on the bonnet
Later model with newer wheels and larger bonnet air intake at the front
Last SE model rear view with inset lights
500 model rear view
500 model front view
500 model rear view
500 model dashboard, some of the alloy trim are popular after market upgrades
Picture
ARCHIVES
​Find out more in the  
​
TVR Griffith Archives (Members Only) 
Picture
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? 
We would love to hear from you
Additions to the TVRCC website
Picture
Multiple Award Winners
​• Star of the future 2021
• Car Club of the Year 2017
​
• Best Magazine 2016
• Car Club of the Year 2015
• Best website 2012
• Club Personality 2011
• Best Selection of Cars 2007
​
• Best Website 2007
• Best Event 2006
• Club Personality 2005
• Best Magazine 2004
• Car Club of the Year 2000 ​​
Picture
If you are looking for TVR - www.tvr.co.uk

HOME
News

Shop
Events
Classifieds
Contact Us

FIND OUT
​About The TVRCC
Why Join 
About TVR
UK Regions
​International Regions
​
Region Update Form
Sprint Magazine
In Sprint
​Picture this winners
Picture this Competition
TVR Motorsport
​​TVR Motorsport History​
​TVR Colours
TVR MODELS
Early TVRs
​Grantura
Vixen
Griffith (early)
Tuscan (early)
M Series
Tasmin/Wedges
S Series
Tuscan Racer
Griffith
Chimaera
Speed 12
​​Cerbera
Tuscan
Tamora
T350
Sagaris
Typhon/T400/T440
​Prototypes
Griffith LE 2017​
MEMBERS AREA
TVRs in print
​Annual Events
> Le Mans Classic
> Pre-80's Extravaganza
> Classic Car Show NEC
​
Archives
Digital Sprint
Committee
​
Committee Minutes
Travel Tours
Members offers
Insurance
​
TRADE LINKS
>TVR Dealers
>Bodywork, Servicing & Repairs

​
TECHNICAL
Pre M
M Series
Tasmin/Wedges
S Series
​
Griffith
Chimaera
Cerbera
Tuscan
T350
Tamora
Sagaris

ARCHIVES

Factory
Pre M
M Series
Tasmin/Wedges
Tuscan Racer
S Series
Griffith
Chimaera
Tuscan
Prototypes
Rover V8 engine
DISCUSSION FORUMS
​
General forum
Model Areas
Suggestions
Regional forums

​
RO RESOURCES
Regional Organisers Resources
Handbook
Organised Runs
Regional Websites & Emails
​Region website update request
Forum Rules & Guidelines
Naming & Shaming Policy 
Authorised TVRCC  logos
Region contact change form
Region event form
​Business card order

POLICIES
Data Policy
Safeguarding Policy
​Cookies Policy

TVR Car Club
The TVR Car Club Ltd
Unit 5, Nova House, Audley Avenue Enterprise Park
Newport, Shropshire
​TF10 7DW
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01952 822126

email: office@tvrcc.com 
© The TVR Car Club 1999-2022
​unless otherwise stated
​All contributions to this website are the personal opinions of the individual members concerned and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Club or its committee unless specifically stated. The TVRCC accepts no responsibility for advice or information given on this website or by its members.

​Website design and hosted by Treble3  since 1999
  • Home
  • News
  • Shop
    • Enter Shop
    • Memberships
    • Official TVR Branded Merchandise
    • T-Shirts >
      • New Logo T-shirts
      • Classic 80's Logo T-shirts
    • Clothing >
      • New 2021 Logo Clothing
      • Caps & Hats
      • Ladies & Junior Clothing
      • Classic 80's Logo Clothing
    • Mugs
    • Posters
    • Gifts
    • Bags
    • Fire Safety Sticks
    • Garage Products
    • Events
    • TVRs for sale
  • Events
    • Events Calendar (Public)
    • National Events (Members)
  • Find out about:
    • The TVRCC
    • Why you should join
    • TVR
    • Regions >
      • UK Regions
      • International Regions
      • Region Details update
    • The TVR Models >
      • Early TVRs
      • TVR Grantura
      • TVR Vixen
      • TVR Griffith (early)
      • TVR Tuscan (early)
      • TVR M series
      • TVR Tasmin / Wedges
      • TVR S Series
      • TVR Tuscan Racer
      • TVR Griffith
      • TVR Chimaera
      • TVR Cerbera
      • TVR Speed 12
      • TVR Tuscan
      • TVR Tamora
      • TVR T350
      • TVR Sagaris
      • TVR Typhon / T400 / T440
      • TVR Prototypes
      • TVR Griffith LE 2017
    • Sprint Magazine >
      • In Sprint
      • Photo Competition Winners
      • Photo Competition
    • TVR Motorsport
    • TVR Motorsport History
    • TVR Colours
    • Classifieds
  • Members Area:
    • TVRCC Forums
    • National Members Events >
      • National Members Events Calendar
      • NEC Classic & Sportscar Show
      • Le Mans Classic
      • Pre 80s Extravaganza
    • TVRs in print
    • Digital Sprint Magazines
    • Archives >
      • Archives - Brochures
      • Archives - Factory
      • Archives - Pre M
      • Archives - M Series
      • Archives - Tasmin Wedge
      • Archives - Tuscan Racer
      • Archives - S Series
      • Archives - Griffith
      • Archives - Cerbera
      • Archives - Chimaera
      • Archives - T350
      • Archives - Tamora
      • Archives - Tuscan
      • Archives - Sagaris
      • Archives - Prototypes
      • Archives - Rover V8
      • Archives - Miscellaneous
      • Add to Archives
    • Technical >
      • Technical - Pre-M Series
      • Technical - M Series
      • Technical - Wedges
      • Technical - S Series
      • Technical - Chimaera
      • Technical - Griffith
      • Technical - Cerbera
      • Technical - Sagaris
      • Technical - Speed Six
      • Technical - T350
      • Technical - Tuscan
      • Technical - Tamora
    • Committee >
      • Minutes & accounts
      • Chairman
      • Secretary
      • Treasurer
      • Editor
      • Deputy Editor
      • IT Manager
      • Events Manager
      • Events Team
      • Competition Secretary
      • RO Co-ordinator
      • Sales Manager
      • Marketing Communications
      • Office Manager
      • Website Designer
      • Magazine Designer
    • Travel Tours >
      • Scenic and Continental Car Tours
      • Drive Espana
      • Fast Track Tours
      • Organise Your Own Tour
    • Benefits
    • Insurance
    • Valuations
    • Trade links >
      • TVR Dealers
      • Bodywork Servicing Repairs
    • RO Resources >
      • Organised Runs
      • RO handbook
      • Regional Websites & Emails
      • Region website update request
      • Forum Rules & Guidelines
      • Naming and shaming policy
      • Authorised Logos
      • Region Contact Details Change Form
      • Region Events Form
      • Region Business Card Order Form
    • Logout
  • Contact Us