TVR Griffith

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1998 TVR Griffith 500

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.

Many automotive reviewers lamented the Griffith's build quality and difficulty of driving it without laying down black streaks at every start-up, but true enthusiasts do not seem to mind.

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 it 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.

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.

Model	Capacity (cc)	Power (bhp)	Torque	Max speed (mph)	0-60 mph (s)	0-100 mph (s)
4.0	3,950 V8	240	270 lbf·ft at 4000 rpm	152	4.7	12.1
4.0 HC	3,950 Hi-Lift Cam V8	275	305 lbf·ft	158	4.7	12.1
4.3	4,280 V8	280	305 lbf·ft at 4000 rpm	158	4.6	11.3
4.5	4,495 V8	285	310 lbf·ft	158	4.6
5.0	4,988 V8	340 (320 with cat)	350 (320 with cat) lbf·ft	169	4.1	10.5