This Odd Tiny British Sportscar has an American V8 drivetrain

Unique ONES - In the dynamic world of classic British sports cars, one gem shines with unparalleled power, a compact wheelbase, and a distinctive fiberglass body. Forget about the Sunbeam Tiger or the AC Ace; let's talk about the 1965 Griffith Series 200. This exceptional vehicle, born from the imagination of Jack Griffith, a Ford dealer from Long Island, New York, seamlessly blends British craftsmanship with American muscle.

The Griffith Series 200 exceptional vehicle, born from the imagination of Jack Griffith, a Ford dealer from Long Island, New York, seamlessly blends British craftsmanship with American muscle.. (Picture from: ClassicMotorSports)

Jack Griffith, deeply immersed in SCCA racing, conceived the idea of a hybrid hot rod in 1963. He envisioned taking a British sports car, the TVR Grantura Mk. III, and giving it the heart of an American Ford V8 engine reminiscent of the legendary Shelby Cobra. In England, the transformation from a modest MG engine to a powerhouse Ford 289 birthed the TVR Griffith 200.

The Griffith Series 200's tiny fiberglass bodywork built on a modified TVR Grantura Mk. III chassis. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Debuting at the 1964 Boston Motor Show, the Griffith Series 200 aimed to outshine the Shelby Cobra in the U.S. market. Jack Griffith, the mastermind assembling the cars from exported kits, established a network of dealers to distribute this lightweight sports car. 

The Griffith Series 200's compact cabin features two racing bucket seats, a three-spoke wooden steering wheel, and a streamlined dashboard hosting instrument panels and gauges. (Picture from: ClassicMotorSports)

Limited to only 192 examples, the Griffith Series 200 rolled off the assembly line in Syosset, New York, on a modified TVR Grantura chassis, boasting a Ford V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission.

The Griffith Series 200 powered by a Ford V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: ClassicMotorSports)

Despite its impressive specifications, the Griffith 200 wasn't without its challenges. Its short wheelbase, lightweight fiberglass body, and potent engine demanded skill and respect from drivers. Challenges included overheating engines, undercharging electrical systems, failing rear axles, and leaking gas tanks. It was a thrilling but demanding ride for those lucky enough to experience it.

Production of the Griffith Series 200 concluded in 1965 with only 192 unit ever made, marking the end of an era for this iconic British-American hybrid. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Production of the Griffith Series 200 concluded in 1965, making way for the TVR Griffith 400. Interestingly, all Griffith production shifted to the UK, exported to the US, and continued its legacy through the Griffith 600 under different ownership. Eventually, production came to a halt, marking the end of an era for this iconic British-American hybrid.

The Griffith Series 200 stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of its creator, Jack Griffith, and the fusion of British elegance with American muscle. (Picture from: ClassicMotorSports)

Looking back, the Griffith Series 200 stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of its creator, Jack Griffith, and the fusion of British elegance with American muscle. As an enduring symbol of the golden age of sports cars, the Griffith Series 200 occupies a special place in automotive history, leaving an indelible mark on enthusiasts who appreciate the marriage of power, style, and exhilarating performance.

In the realm of classic British sports cars, the 1965 Griffith Series 200 is not just a vehicle; it's a timeless tale of ambition, craftsmanship, and the thrilling marriage of British and American automotive excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CLASSICMOTORSPORTS | CLASSIC ]

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