The proprietor of a race preparation shop in Syosset, New York, Andrew ‘Jack’ Griffith first hit upon the notion of building what was essentially a Ford 289ci V8-powered TVR Grantura MKIII during November 1963.

Some say he was inspired by a bet with Carrol Shelby as to who could create the fastest car, while others claim an impromptu ‘can it be done’ engine swap that his mechanics carried out between USA TVR importer Gerry Sagerman’s Grantura and Mark Donohue’s Shelby Cobra prompted the lightbulb moment.

Greatly aided by David Hives back at the Blackpool Works who reengineered the design to accommodate the larger powerplant, Griffith secured a supply of chassis / body units which were then shipped to his premises for completion.

Available in standard (195hp) or ‘HiPo’ (271hp) states of tune, the Ford 289ci (4.7 litre) V8 was allied to four-speed manual transmission.

Marketed Stateside as the Griffith Series 200, the two-seater proved ferociously fast albeit the immediacy engendered...