TVR Griffith
The TVR Griffith is a lightweight, V8-powered two-seat sports car built at Blackpool from 1990 until 2002. Mechanically it shares most of its underpinnings with the Chimaera, but it was produced in much smaller numbers and wears a more aggressive body. Later cars are usually badged Griffith 500 after the 5.0-litre version of the Rover V8 they carry.
All Griffiths use a glassfibre body over a tubular steel chassis, double-wishbone suspension front and rear, and the Lucas 14CUX engine management system on the Rover V8.
Engine variants
Section titled “Engine variants”The Griffith was offered with several capacities of the Rover V8, the largest being TVR’s own 5.0-litre development.
| Engine | Capacity | Power | Torque | 0–60 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L Rover V8 | 3,950 cc | 240 hp | 270 lb·ft @ 4,000 rpm | 4.7 s | 152 mph |
| 4.0 L HC (hi-lift cam) | 3,950 cc | 275 hp | 305 lb·ft | 4.7 s | 158 mph |
| 4.3 L Rover V8 | 4,280 cc | 280 hp | 305 lb·ft @ 4,000 rpm | 4.6 s | 158 mph |
| 4.5 L Rover V8 | 4,495 cc | 285 hp | 310 lb·ft | 4.6 s | 158 mph |
| 5.0 L Rover V8 (Griffith 500) | 4,988 cc | 340 hp | 350 lb·ft (320 with cat) | 4.1 s | 169 mph |
From 1992 the 4.3-litre was offered as an option, with big-valve heads available; in 1993 the 5.0-litre arrived and went on to define the later cars.
Chassis and running gear
Section titled “Chassis and running gear”| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual — Rover LT77, later Tremec T5 |
| Front suspension | Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, anti-roll bar |
| Front brakes | 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated discs |
| Front wheels | 15 in alloy |
| Rear wheels | 16 in alloy |
Dimensions
Section titled “Dimensions”| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2,286 mm (90.0 in) |
| Length | 3,891 mm (153.2 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,204 mm (47.4 in) |
| Kerb weight (dry) | 1,060 kg (2,336 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 57 litres |
Special editions
Section titled “Special editions”Griffith 500 SE. When TVR announced the end of Griffith production in 2000, a final run of 100 Special Edition cars was built. SEs use the Chimaera dashboard with Cerbera seats, have different rear lights, revised door mirrors, brighter headlights and clear indicator lenses, and some left the factory on 16-inch wheels. Each car carries a numbered plaque and a signature hidden under the boot carpet.
Blackpool B340 (Japanese market). A bespoke Griffith 500 variant prepared for the Japanese market — best known to a generation of players from its appearance in Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2.
2017 Griffith prototype. A new Griffith was unveiled at the Goodwood Revival on 8 September 2017, with styling input from Gordon Murray and a planned 5.0-litre Cosworth-built Coyote V8. It never reached production.
Production figures
Section titled “Production figures”Approximate annual production from Blackpool:
| Year | Cars built |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 602 |
| 1993 | 230 |
| 1994 | 292 |
| 1995 | 284 |
| 1996 | 288 |
| 1997 | 232 |
| 1998 | 231 |
| 1999 | 187 |
| 2000 | 90 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 64 |
The 1992 figure stands out because it covers the initial launch surge of the modern Griffith; production then settled to a steady few hundred a year before tailing off as the model wound down.
See also
Section titled “See also”- TVR Chimaera — the Griffith’s softer-edged sister car
- Rover V8 in TVRs — engine reference
- Buyer’s guide — Griffith, Chimaera & Cerbera
Compiled from the Wikipedia TVR Griffith article and community knowledge — always verify figures against original TVR documentation before relying on them.