TVR Griffith Launch Date Uncertain As Wales Plant Construction Stagnates

Customers who placed orders for the new TVR Griffith might not take delivery of their 500 HP sports cars very soon.

In a newsletter to prospective owners, TVR chairman Les Edgar talks of new challenges faced by the project. Seen by Autocar, the newsletter was sent to depositors last month – more than two years after the Griffith project was first revealed.

Not much happened since then at TVR’s new Ebbw Vale plant in Wales and the message to customers will likely fail to reassure them. Progress has been “slower than hoped” at the facility and the building needs a new roof. Edgar also says TVR is working to solve these problems together with the Welsh government and complete the construction.

In the document, the chairman writes that TVR has now road-registered the original 2017 show car, which is believed to be the only Griffith manufactured so far. He also mentions that the sports car will hit the road in the coming months for testing purposes and event participation.

Furthermore, the newsletter mentions negotiations with Ford for the TVR Griffith to use the latest 5.0-liter ‘Coyote’ V8 engine, updated to comply with EU emissions standards. Modifications will also include a Cosworth-developed dry sump system and TVR-specific tuning.

Finally, Edgar informs customers TVR has appointed a new CEO, Jim Berriman. He is best known for his career at the Rover Group, where worked on the first-generation Land Rover Freelander and third-generation Range Rover. He also played a key role within BMW Group in the launch of the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Berriman’s appointment is described as bringing “valuable end-to-end experience of getting new cars off the drawing board, into production and out into market.” Given the time it usually takes for a plant to be built and tooled, many months (if not years) will pass until the Griffith reaches customers. It would certainly be a surprise if TVR managed to bring the Griffith to market this year.