In 1962 American motor trader Jack Griffith fitted a 4.7-litre V8 from the AC Cobra to his Grantura Mk3. In 1963 the car was shipped to the Blackpool factory for evaluation. The result was that the Griffith Series 200 went into production in 1963, using the Grantura Mk3 as a base with numerous detail changes in the suspension to accommodate the extra weight and power of the V8 engine. Wider tyres and a large bulge in the bonnet to clear the air filter were the only visual differences from the Grantura. The 200 used the 4.7-litre engine in standard form as fitted to the Cobra (289) - it could also be had with the Ford Mustang high performance version and this was known as the 400. The 400 was treated to the Manx tail treatment as per the Grantura, and had an improved cooling system and additional vents to reduce the tendency for the engine to overheat. Production was brought to an abrupt end by a US dock strike - the majority of Griffiths were exported to the US. The Tuscan name was introduced in in1967 as an attempt to relaunch the car. The 195bhp version became the Tuscan V8, and the 271bhp version the Tuscan V8 SE. Externally similar to the Griffith and Grantura Mk3, it had a luxurious interior and up-market fittings. Only a small number of these cars were built before the Tuscan V8 SE LWB was introduced. This had a revised chassis with a 7ft 6in wheelbase, allowing the doors to be lengthened and more interior space to be provided. The rear lights changed from round Cortina Mk1 to rectangular Cortina Mk2 and a more attractive bonnet with a softer bulge and different air vents. A more significant development occurred in 1968 when the 'wide body' Tuscan V8 LWB was launched. This was four inches wider and had a restyled nose and tail. In 1969 a Tuscan V6 was offered. This had a Ford Zodiac V6 engine and used the LWB Tuscan body. In 1971 the 2500 was launched which was similar to the Tuscan V6 but with a 2498cc straight-six Triumph engine as used in the TR250/TR6. This was an important development as this engine met contemporary US emissions laws. Production ceased in 1973, when the M series cars went into production.