TVR Griffith Hire

Our TVR Griffith 500

Our gorgeous car is a 1997 Griffith 500 which is still sporting its original 'TVR' registration plate.

It is in superb condition throughout, including a new hood and uprated front suspension which is set up for comfortable cruising.

The interior looks very classy, mainly black leather and trim apart from the yellow dials set into the walnut dash which match the Halcyon Midas paintwork. Click on the thumbs for a closer look.

The power comes from the Rover-derived 5 litre V8, which was fitted in all but the earlier cars and characterises what this car is all about - masses of torque capable of launching this lightweight car to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.

Our model does not have the optional power assisted steering which is actually a benefit as it means you get great feedback through the wheel whilst still being manageable at low speeds.

This really is a lovely car to drive and to be seen in - you will certainly get noticed whether its the sight or sound of the car that turns heads first.

We are confident that TVR's most iconic car will appeal to those who wish to experience driving a 'proper' British sports car.

TVR Griffith Driving Experience

The Griffith is a rear wheel drive, 2 seater sports car with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The doors are opened by pushing on a small aluminium door handle concealed in the B pillar and once in you fit snuggly into the drivers' seat and are enveloped by the curved dash and high transmission tunnel with it's stubby, short throw gear knob.

Starting up always puts a grin on your face as that rumbling Rover V8 makes a sound that many of us will always associate with TVR.

On the road the car handles well as it is underpinned by the stiff chassis developed for the Tuscan Challenge racers. You do need to remember that there are no drivers aids to stop the wheels spinning or anti-lock brakes to slow you down for the corners or air bags if you over-do it.

Luggage capacity is adequate for a weekend away, a couple of medium sized bags will drop comfortably into the boot. The centre panel of the roof fits neatly into the boot without compromising too much storage space.

Dropping the roof is very simple, with TVR's tried and tested folding rear screen needing only a tug on the supports and the top panel lifting off for putting in the boot. Putting the roof back up is just as simple and its surprisingly refined with this in place.

To summarise, the car is surprisingly user-friendly to drive and the ample torque makes for relaxed driving. It is comfortable on longer journeys and yet very responsive when you want to push on.

Please call us to check availability.

We will familiarise you with the car during the Driver Briefing on the day of hire.

TVR Griffith History

Encouraged by the popularity of the 'retro' shaped TVR S, Peter Wheeler asked John Ravenscroft to design another 'traditional' looking car for their new model.

The prototype for shown at the British Motor Show in 1990 and such was the immediate popularity, as demonstrated by the number of orders taken, that it was clear they were onto a winning formula.

It still took two years to get the Griffith to the market, time well spent developing and honing the car, notwithstanding the factory was very busy supporting the Tuscan Challenge series as well as keeping up with orders on the S and producing the last of the 'pumped up' wedges.

Not only had TVR produced a beautiful looking car, but they had stylishly resolved such issues as door handles, fuel filler caps and panel fit. Not only this but the car was cheaper to build as well.

Peter Wheeler had switched from Ford to Rover power to overcome resistance in the lucrative Middle Eastern market. Naturally the Griffith would pack Rover V8 power also, initially the 240 bhp 4.0 litre in the 'base' model and the 280 bhp 4.3 litre.

TVR were now competing in terms of style and performance on the world market with the Italians and Germans, albeit at 'bargain' prices.

Throughout it's 10 years of production, the Griffith remained virtually unchanged apart from the 5.0 litre engine being introduced and PAS being offered as an option. This in itself proves you cannot improve on perfection.

Overall, 2,265 Griffiths were built, less than half the number of Chimaeras, but it is still TVR's best ever creation - a real classic car to hire.