Any Griffith 200 or 400 Owners Here?

[RodKnock]

There was a nice one page write up this month in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine on Jack Griffith. I've always really liked the car and was wondering if someone here owns one and is willing to admit it.

[ERA Chas]

They are autocross killers. I've seen a 'race rat' one locally which flies between the cones. No stigma attached to them.

[RodKnock]

Several years ago, I had an itch for a Sunbeam Tiger, scratched it, and while I do like them, they've got their indiosyncrasies and I've "been there done that."

I was always curious about the Griffith's and this month's article sorta rekindled my interest, though at present, I'm not intererested in buying one.

Gotta save for my magnesium wheels and SOHC motor.

[SUNBEAMTIGER65]

I've got one...it's the real deal...a series 200...it's been sitting in a garage since the early 80's. Someone used it as a drag car before putting it up...

[Jac Mac]

Dont own one, but have done a lot of work on a 69 Tuscan racer with SBF, I'll stick my neck right out and say they are everything a Cobra could have been.......

[mr bruce]

I'm developing a kit, 200 series, uses a Miata as a donor, chassis is almost there , starting on the molds next, link here for pictures- http://rides.webshots.com/album/569503155GpCaji

[Justin O'Rourke]

I have a 400. Needs some work, been sitting since 1970. Regards.

[Riverside racer]

I own a mk2 Grantura that did the Kyalami 9 hr race
Fun car for almost everything except cruising. Never driven the Griffith unfortunately.Have a spare copy of Mike Mooney`s The griffith years if you would like it. Pay postage and its yours
Regards
Ross

[JimH]

Had a Griffith 400 in 1966. I lived in Rochester,NY and sold it in 1969. Autocrossed it and won many 2nd and 3rd places, 1st places were usually won by Lotus Super Sevens. It had a 289 w/ 271 HP, Salsbury 3.08 rear drive unit, American Racing Mags, but could fit only 185mm size tires maximum without rubbing, which led to interesting handling and traction issues. I believe it had an 88" wheelbase--shorter than my FFR Roadster! Gearing top speed was 154MPH, but I chickened out at 135 MPH, as the rear end was getting really light. I could hit 70 in 1st, 93 in 2nd, 115 in 3rd. I'll try to find some photos and scan and post them. Sold it for $2800.--wish I had it now!
Jim

[Mark IV]

The best thing about the Griffith 200 was the large rear window. Gave you a very good view of where you were going if you gave it a little too much throttle! Big power, short wheelbase, small tires= 180

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Riverside racer

Have a spare copy of Mike Mooney`s The griffith years if you would like it. Pay postage and its yours
Regards Ross

Will you PM you my info. That's such a wonderful and generous offer. Thank you.

[Mark IV]

And remember, Mark Donahue drove one.......

[RodKnock]

Sunbeam & Justin, do you have any pics that you could share of your Griffith's?

[JimH]

Some pictures of my Griffith 400. Changed orginal Black paint to Orange. The picture at the race track was not my car, but shows some really wide tire conversion. Jim

[SUNBEAMTIGER65]

Here are a couple of recent photos of my Griffith 200. The car needs total restoration...but as you can see...it is all there.

[Justin O'Rourke]

Hi; It is buried in a warehouse with some other projects. When I can, I will get some pictures to you. I n the mean time, maybe I can find some of a friends 400 and send them. I believe that he is interested in selling his. Regards, Justin

[Don A]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

There was a nice one page write up this month in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine on Jack Griffith. I've always really liked the car and was wondering if someone here owns one and is willing to admit it.

I own a Series 200 and am just about done with an extensive and detailed 5 year restoration. The suspension looks stock, but it's upgraded for safety reasons. Interior is all redone to original standards. I ("accidentally") installed a motor that looks like a 289 with all the correct date casting marks, but somehow I wound up with a 347 stroker with an good hydraulic roller cam. It's probably a bit much for a 1900 pound car and I'll find out soon how it responds. This Griffith was the most difficult car to restore that I've ever done. If you want it to turn out right, be prepared to spend a lot of time and money, but the end result is worth it.
I am trying to find the original owner of my car. It was originally Brit Racing Green, then repainted bright yellow in the late sixties. Someone cut a 10 by 16 inch hole in the hood, apparently to help cooling. The prior owners lived in the Westchester or Rockland County areas. If anyone knows of who the possible owner was please let me know. Thanks.
Don

[SUNBEAMTIGER65]

Don A

Do you have any photos of your Griffith? Maybe some during the restoration phase as well as completed? Any words of wisdow for restoring one of these?

Thanks

[GUNNR]

I also own a 65 Griffith 200...I am in the process of a total restoration. I have loved these cars since they came out.. Awesome cars IMHO....

[stallion112]

This website has a lot of information related to Griffith's. I believe Mike was a test driver for them back in the day ......

http://www.mikemooney.com/Home_Page.php