Brief History
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), fiberglass bodied, 2 door, 2 seat convertible with a large V8 engine. Originally it had a 4.0 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.
Sources: wikipedia.org, newspress.co.uk