The Griffith 200: A Revolutionary Sports Car with a Power-Crazed Legacy
The Griffith 200, a small car with a big engine, was a game-changer in the world of sports cars. Jack Griffith, a U.S. car dealer and friend of Carroll Shelby, aimed to out-Shelby Shelby by building the world's fastest production automobile. Griffith's creation was a simple yet brilliant idea: take a lightweight TVR Grantura chassis, slot a small-block Ford V8 under the hood, and voilà, the Griffith 200 was born.
What makes the Griffith 200 truly fascinating is its performance. With 192 horsepower from its 289 engine, sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission, it was a wild 1,900-pound sports car. The Griffith Motor Company claimed it was the fastest production car at the time, and it has proven to be a successful racer ever since.
The Griffith 200 was never designed to be a jaw-dropping showboat. Its crude finish, using scraps of kitchen countertops to cover cooling vents, speaks to its performance-focused nature. The car offered Cobra-rivalling performance for a considerably lower cost, with a well-specified Cobra 289 costing north of $6,000, while the Griffith 200 kicked off at just $3,995. The high-performance engine was an additional $495, making the Griffith 200 a steal.
Despite its performance, the Griffith 200 was never a volume-seller. Only 192 examples were ever produced, making it a rare find today. The Shelby Cobra, in comparison, churned out 260 street-spec 427 Cobras, excluding early S/C and Competition-spec models. The Griffith 200's rarity is a testament to its success as a racer and its enduring legacy.
The Griffith 200's legacy is further solidified by its relationship with TVR. TVR launched its own Griffith in the 1990s, staying true to Griffith's original recipe of a lightweight construction and powerful V8 engine. The new model, pegged to save the company, shares the iconic nameplate, speaking to the original Griffith's importance.
Today, finding a Griffith 200 is no easy feat. With only 192 models ever made, plus 52 UK examples and 49 Griffith 400s, enthusiasts act accordingly when one comes up for sale. Recent auction results include a wonderfully original project car and a well-presented competition-ready example. The former fetched $41,500 in 2024, while the latter has sold twice in recent years, for $100,000 in 2023 and $72,500 in 2025.
In conclusion, the Griffith 200 is a revolutionary sports car with a power-crazed legacy. Its performance, rarity, and enduring relationship with TVR make it a fascinating piece of automotive history. The Griffith 200's story is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of fast, unforgiving sports cars.
