Description
The Gilbern Invader Mk II Estate was one of the most distinctive and unusual models to emerge from Gilbern, the small but ambitious Welsh car manufacturer. Produced in very limited numbers during the early 1970s, the Estate version of the Invader Mk II combined the stylish coupé lines of Gilbern’s grand tourer with the practicality of a shooting brake, offering a rare mix of performance, refinement, and versatility. It remains one of the few sporting estate cars of its era, and one of the rarest British classics of its kind.
The Invader Mk II Estate was introduced around 1970–1972, alongside the standard coupé. Like the coupé, it was based on Ford mechanicals, particularly the robust 3.0-litre Essex V6 engine, which provided a reliable and powerful heart for the car. With around 138 horsepower and strong torque, the engine gave the estate brisk performance, more than enough to match contemporary saloons and even some sports cars of the period. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, with overdrive available on some versions, while disc brakes and independent suspension helped keep the car composed on the road.
The exterior design of the Estate was both elegant and practical. The front half of the car was virtually identical to the coupé, with its long bonnet, low stance, and clean lines. However, the roofline was extended into a squared-off rear section, with a large tailgate that gave access to a surprisingly roomy luggage compartment. The glassfibre body construction allowed Gilbern’s craftsmen to adapt the coupé design into this estate form with relative ease, but the result was still sleek and well-proportioned compared to the boxier estates from mass-market manufacturers.
Inside, the Estate shared the coupé’s blend of refinement and individuality. The cabin featured leather upholstery, wood veneer trim, and a well-equipped dashboard filled with instruments. Seating for four was provided, with the added practicality of folding rear seats and an extended load bay that made the car useful for touring or carrying larger items. In an era when estates were largely seen as utilitarian vehicles, the Invader Estate stood out as a luxurious and sporting alternative.
Only a handful of Invader Mk II Estates were ever built, with estimates suggesting as few as six examples left the Gilbern workshops. This extremely low production reflected both the company’s small scale and the niche appeal of such a car. Buyers looking for a sporting estate car in the early 1970s had very few options, and while the Gilbern was unique and appealing, its high price and limited dealer network made it a difficult sell compared to larger brands.
On the road, the Invader Mk II Estate performed much like the coupé. The Essex V6 provided smooth, effortless power, while the car’s relatively light glassfibre construction kept performance brisk. Handling was sure-footed and enjoyable, though it leaned more toward relaxed grand touring than outright sports car agility. The estate body added some weight, but the difference in performance was minimal, and owners enjoyed the added practicality without sacrificing much driving pleasure.
Today, the Gilbern Invader Mk II Estate is one of the rarest British classics of the 1970s and an absolute prize for collectors. Its combination of rarity, Welsh heritage, and unique shooting brake design makes it a fascinating alternative to more mainstream grand tourers of the era. Surviving examples are highly sought after and stand as a testament to Gilbern’s creativity and willingness to experiment, even as a small manufacturer. The Mk II Estate remains a symbol of individuality in the classic car world, offering both style and practicality in a package few others dared to attempt.