Robin Roberts reports on good news for TVR devotees…
The TVR sports cars’ Welsh factory will be fitted out for assembly of its 200 mph Griffith supercar, the company has told its enthusiastic owners’ club.
Jones Brothers have been appointed to carry out the work on its site adjacent to the A465 Heads of the Valleys road and overlooking Ebbw Vale.
In a statement, the TVR Car Club said, “The TVR Car Club welcome the positive news from Les Edgar at TVR in particular the appointment of Jones Brothers for the factory fit out in Ebbw Vale. “
Richard Sails TVR Car Club Chairman said, “Les’ recent statement is refreshingly frank and recognises the challenges they have had to this point, but it looks like the factory fit out can now commence which is great news for depositors and fans of TVR.
The great relationship between the TVR Car Club and TVR the manufacturer continues as it has now for many years, and of course we are committed to support TVR however we can. The TVR Car Club’s national membership of 5500 enthusiasts and some 7000 TVRs, is evidence that the passion for TVRs remains strong. We look forward to future positive announcements and eventually welcoming new TVR Griffiths and their owners into the club”.
The factory is being adapted from a former user and the £100M investment scheduled for ten years and 1,500 jobs has been dogged by issues, but the 200 mph TVR Griffith has already been unveiled and was designed by acclaimed McLaren engineer Gordon Murray. It has been suggested it could cost about £90,000.
It uses his innovative iStream chassis architecture so weighs just 1250 kg (2,756 lb) with near perfect weight balance to fully exploit the potential of the 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine.