The vehicle that tried to threaten the AC Cobra.
In the 1960s, Jack Griffith made his name in automobile culture as the guy who confronted Carroll Shelby; not in a contest, but with the other trade that Shelby was always excellent at making fast cars. It wasn’t just a hollow obstacle, mind you, because Griffith pulled through and ended up with this— the Griffith 200.
Known as the TVR Griffith 200 in the United Kingdom. The grandfather of the TVR Griffith Roadster of the’ 90s may have begun as a challenge born out of inebriation. But Griffith delivered. A unique sample of the sale at RM Sotheby’s is the third Griffith factory production vehicle, carrying the chassis number 200/5/002.
Jack partnered with TVR to create the Cobra-killer, using TVR Grantura as the base vehicle and using Ford V8 as the engine. Later Griffith 200s have a 289 cubic-inch (4.7L) V8, but this sample is the only one with a 260 cu in (4.26L) V8. The concept of the new Griffith 200 for sale is the base of the 261 versions that followed.
Second Owner:
The second owner of this car has owned it for 50 years since 1968, nearly garaged for much of his career, but owned it in decent working order. Right, well, it’s still going, but we doubt you’d want to push a piece of history like this every day.
Over the years, the car has seen only minor improvements in styling. The wooden steering wheel is still original, but the rear seats have been replaced and the rear windows have been tinted.
Under the hat, however, some modifications are included. Such as the Edelbrock Streetmaster intake, modified radiator fans, MSD ignition. With Cobra aluminum valve covers, the Jaguar differential, and an aluminum fuel tank.
This sample is the only one with 260 cu in V8 (4.26L). The architecture of the new Griffith 200 for sale is the base of the 261 versions that followed.
