The TVR Griffith is without doubt a design classic. Only recently looking
dated thanks to the release of the Tuscan, you'd think that this was a car not
to be messed with aesthetically. However, Clive Reed of Zertec is undaunted by
such trivialities, as can be seen from the Zertec development car.
Barely any aspect of the car remains untouched. Front to back, inside outside
and underneath are a raft of enhancements that have individualised the car.
Front
the front, the most obvious change is the lights. Opinion is divided on this one
with as many people loving the look of the twin units as hating them. The
installation can't be faulted whatever you might think of the looks. Perfectly
blended in, they look like standard equipment to the uninitiated. What's more
impressive though is seeing them in action. Even just a quick flash of the
lights gives an effect more like a camera flash with the high intensity units
sparking into life and dying again in a fraction of a second. The light emitted
is obviously far superior to old style halogen units too.
The
rear lights haven't escaped a makeover either. TVR have been known to cast their
eye over the Zertec car from time to time with certain features making it onto
production cars. Lets hope that the innovative approach to lighting is such a
feature. Whilst Zertec's 'Afterburners' might be too much for Mr Wheeler, some
of the ideas could certainly improve unimaginative lighting solutions currently
being used on production cars.
The
most obvious accessory on the car is the 'Monaco' hood cover. The main purpose
of this two piece accessory is to reduce wind noise when cruising. It's
certainly effective with chatter still possible on a 120mph test.
It's colour coded with your body work to give the original equipment look,
but we weren't convinced that the proportions were that flattering to elegant
lines of the Griff.
TVR
seats have improved over the years with the latest designs providing good
lateral support. The same can't be said of earlier designs which although
comfortable weren't so practical when it came to track days and extreme driving.
Zertec are about to release two styles of replacement seats as can be seen in
the pictures. The prototypes fitted to the development car proved a tad narrow
for my pie-enhanced rear but wider seats will be available.
They're trimmed to match your interior including some nice 'carbon-fibre'
effect leather. Two styles are available - Racing and Sports - depending on your
requirements regarding slots for harnesses etc. A range of features is available
including adjustable height squabs, different headrests, lumbar support, heating
etc. Constructed of GRP or composites they feel extremely rigid in the car,
providing both the much needed lateral support and the proper seat of your pants
feedback required when driving the car near the limit.
The
interior of the Zertec Griff is a homage to chrome. No part of the
instrumentation or switchgear has escaped untouched with a Cerbera Style
instrument pod below the steering wheel and chrome switchgear everywhere. It's
quite a sight.
Driving the car brings home to you what 'Zertec'ing' is all about. The
standard 4.3 Griffith is a classic car which Clive has honed. Aside from the
cosmetic enhancements, he's had the suspension aligned by an expert who spends
his days tuning Colin McRae's rally cars and the difference is startling. The
standard suspension components remain in place as Clive believes TVR were spot
on with their original set up. What was lacking - particularly in an eight year
old car - was the precise geometry that fully exploits the setup. The difference
is startling. Drive an older Griff back to back with the Zertec Griff and you'll
be amazed at the poise and precision communicated back through the steering and
the rigid seats. It's an absolute dream. For someone who doesn't drive a
Griffith very often, the confidence inspired by the sure-footedness of this car
is unique. And that's all with the original suspension components still in
place!
As I toyed with the car along the country roads of Essex my first experience
with the uprated brakes came as quite a shock. Dabbing the middle pedal as I
headed towards an easy right hander, I obviously applied a tad too much
eagerness. All four wheels locked until I eased up a little and then car then
just slowed dramatically. Although such braking ability was a little
disconcerting it was a joy to use the middle pedal once I'd got the measure of
it. The stopping power of the huge front mounted dinner plates was just
phenomenal. The Brembo units - grooved 300mm fully floating discs with 4 pot
calipers - make braking a race-car like experience.
The
final under body modification that Clive thought necessary was in the exhaust
department. Four burbling tailpipes poke out from the back of the car making a
noise that is just pure music to any petrolhead. Give the car some welly and the
the roar made as you depart cannot fail to bring a broad smile to your face.
You'll need to be thick-skinned to go for the exhaust mod however, as in this
day of politically correct namby pamby noise abatement you'll be the subject of
many a frown as you blip the throttle in the High Street.
I left Zertec with renewed enthusiasm for what could be achieved from my own
older TVR. I was massively impressed by a car of similar age that had tweaked to
a level of competence possibly above that of when it was originally made. Best
of all it was done with simple modifications and an intelligent approach that
exploited the original design features of the car rather than just replacing
them en-masse.
Now what can you do with my tired old shed of an 'S' Clive...?