TVR was established by TreVoR Wilkinson in 1947 and underwent several name changes before reverting back to TVR Engineering in 1965 when Arthur and Martin Lilley purchased it. In 1981 TVR changed owners again with the advent of Peter Wheeler – “I liked the product so I bought the company”. Through the eighties TVR did reasonably well but it was the prototype Griffith shown at the 1990 motor show that really led to TVR recognition, during the show an order was being placed every eight minutes. Unfortunately, due to a change of chassis production did not start until 1992, the first versions having an output of 280 bhp and 4.3 litres from a tuned version of the venerable Rover V8 engine, this was quickly followed by a milder tuned 4.0 litre engine producing 240 bhp.

During 1993 the now renowned Griffith 500 was released, originally with 340 bhp and subsequently reduced to 320 bhp to provide smoother idling and driving at lower speeds. Production finally ended in 2001 with 100 Special Editions being released with a modified interior, different rear light clusters, door mirrors and a SE badge on the rear. These models are now fairly rare and are sought after by collectors.

The Griffith has a glorious ageless classic streamlined shape without any door handles, petrol cap (located in boot) or radio aerials spoiling it. Add to that the weight of 1060 kgs and 320 bhp plus the lovely burburling growl of that V8 engine then you truly have one of the most exciting British sports cars ever built.

The Griffith is faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari Testarossa up to 120mph, and as fast as a Lotus Carlton until well into three figures, the Lotus being one of the fastest production cars we’ve ever put timing equipment on. By any standards its acceleration – 0-60mph in 4.7sec, 0-100mph in 11.1sec and 30-70mph in 3.9sec – is awesome. Autocar road test of a 4.3 litre Griffith in 1992.