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Tuesday
Apr122011

Purity, Restraint, and Brute Power - TVR Griffith 500

On the subject of 90s cars with pleasing lines, I couldn't help but think of the TVR Griffith 500. When I first saw a photo of this handmade British roadster in Road & Track as a teenager, I was bowled over by it. I think the ultra-clean design still looks fresh and pleasing today. The front end evokes a classic 1960s sports car, and the tidy rear end is unhindered by such frivolities as bumpers. The rump of the Griffith almost is vaguely reminiscent of the Ferrari 250GT SWB, but with parts-bin tail lamps!

Don't let the sleek lines fool you though! The Griffith was a true beast. With a Rover-sourced 340hp 5.0L V8 in its peak form and a svelte 2336lb curb weight, the roadster could hustle from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.

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