TVR Griffith
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The TVR Griffith, later models being referred to as the Griffith 500, was a sports car designed and built by TVR starting in 1991 and ending in 2002.
Like its forerunner namesakes, the Griffith 200 and Griffith 400, the modern Griffith was a light weight (1048 kg or 2310 lb) fiberglass bodied, 2 door, 2 seat convertible with a large V8 engine. Originally it had a 4 L 240 hp (179 kW) Rover V8 engine but that could be optionally increased to 4.3 L 280 hp (209 kW) in 1992 with a further option of big valve cylinder heads. Later it was replaced entirely in 1993 with a TVR developed 5 L 340 hp (254 kW) V8 (though still based upon the original Rover V8). All models use a five speed manual transmission.
Although the Griffith is almost mechanically identical to its sister car, the Chimaera, it is a cleaner body design and was produced in much smaller numbers. As such well-maintained examples command higher prices on the second-hand market.
During its production run, the Griffith offered comparable super car performance at a sports car price. The combination of light weight, high power, and well-balanced chassis make it much sought after by those looking for a car that challenges the driver to bring out its best. A comprehensive History with pictures of the Griffith can be seen on The Griffith Pages this also has the early 1990's press packs from the British Motorshows and postcards sent out by TVR to the garages which includes information on the speed six Griffith.
In 2000, TVR announced that the Griffith production was going to end. A limited edition run of 100 Special Edition (SE) cars were to be built to mark the end of production. Although still very similar to the previous 500's, the SEs have a hybrid interior using the Chimaera dashboard and Cerbera seats. Noticeably, the rear lights are different along with different door mirrors, higher powered headlights and clear indicator lenses. 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 boot. All cars also have a unique signature in the boot under the carpet. The SEs were built between 2000 and 2002, with the last Griffith registered in 2003. A Register of the last 100 SEs can be found at TVR Griffith 500 SE Register.
Every Year to celebrate the TVR Griffith owners have a meet called " The Griff Growl" with over 100 owners gathering together the event has grown in the 5 years it has been going. More can be found Griff Growl
[edit] Specifications
Engine
Rover alloy V8
Valvetrain setup: 2 valves per cylinder, Overhead Valve
| Model | Capacity (cc) | Power (bhp) | Torque | Max speed | 0-60 mph (s) | 0-100 mph (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 3,950 | 240 | 270 lbf·ft at 4000 rpm | 152 mph (245 km/h) | 4.7 | 12.1 |
| 4.0 HC | 3,950 Hi-Lift Cam | 275 | 305 lbf·ft | 158 mph (254 km/h) | 4.7 | 12.1 |
| 4.3 | 4,280 | 280 | 305 lbf·ft at 4000 rpm | 158 mph (254 km/h) | 4.6 | 11.3 |
| 4.5 | 4,495 | 285 | 310 lbf·ft | 158 mph (254 km/h) | 4.6 | |
| 5.0 | 4,988 | 340 (320 with cat) | 350 (320 with cat) lbf·ft | 169 mph (272 km/h) | 4.1 | 10.5 |
Transmission
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual (Rover LT77 or Tremec T5)
Suspension
Front: Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars
Rear: Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars
Brakes
Front: 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated disc brakes
Rear: 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated disc brakes
Wheels
Rear: 16 in
Chassis/body
Body Panels: Glass fibre
Fuel Capacity: 57 Litres (12.5 Imp. gallons, 15.0 U.S. gal)
Weight: 1060 kg (2336 lb)
Length: 3892 mm (153.2 in)
Height: 1205 mm (47.4 in)
Width: 1943 mm (76.5 in)
Wheel base: 2282 mm (89.8 in)
Front track: 1460 mm (57.5 in)
Rear track: 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Ground clearance: 146 mm (5.7 in)
