1965 TVR Griffith 200

The 1965 TVR Griffith 200, a key model in TVR’s history, stands as one of the brand’s most iconic cars, renowned for its powerful V8 engine and striking design. The Griffith was originally designed by the British manufacturer to compete with the American muscle car market, and the 200 model was part of this effort. It utilized the Ford 289 cubic inch V8 engine, which was already popular in American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang. This engine produced around 200 horsepower in the standard version, though some versions, such as the upgraded ones with the “HiPo” engine, could produce as much as 271 hp. The combination of this potent engine and a lightweight fiberglass body resulted in exceptional performance. The Griffith 200 had a top speed of over 150 mph, and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, a remarkable achievement for the time. 

In terms of technical specs, the Griffith 200 stood out for its performance-focused design. It weighed approximately 800 kg, benefiting from the use of fiberglass for the body, which kept the car light despite its large engine. The car’s handling was not as refined as some of its contemporaries, but its raw power made it an exciting and visceral driving experience. The engine was mounted in a short wheelbase chassis, which, while providing exceptional agility, also made the car a challenge to handle at high speeds. To cope with the increased demands of racing, many of the cars were outfitted with upgraded suspension systems, reinforced chassis, and race-oriented modifications, especially in later models used for motorsport.