Description
The Gilbern Invader Mk III was the final and most advanced model produced by Gilbern, the small but ambitious Welsh manufacturer. Launched in 1972, it represented the culmination of the company’s efforts to refine its blend of style, performance, and hand-built craftsmanship. Based on the earlier Invader Mk II, the Mk III introduced a series of mechanical and styling improvements, pushing the car further upmarket as a genuine grand tourer. Sadly, it would also mark the end of Gilbern’s production before the company ceased operations in 1974.
Visually, the Mk III could be distinguished from its predecessors by its wider track and subtly flared wheel arches, which gave it a more muscular stance. The body was still constructed in glassfibre, mounted on a robust steel chassis, but the styling was sharper and more modern. A revised grille, cleaner lines, and improved detailing gave the Mk III a sleeker look that placed it on par with larger British marques of the time, such as Jaguar and Aston Martin. Its proportions remained those of a two-door coupé, with a long bonnet and flowing roofline that suggested both performance and elegance.
Under the bonnet, the Mk III retained Ford power, continuing with the proven 3.0-litre Essex V6 engine. Producing around 138 horsepower in standard tune, the engine gave the Invader lively performance, with a top speed in the region of 120 mph and brisk acceleration. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, with overdrive optional, and later examples could also be specified with automatic transmission, catering to a more luxury-minded clientele. The Mk III also benefited from suspension and braking upgrades, including all-round disc brakes, which improved handling and stopping power compared to earlier models.
Inside, the Mk III offered the most refined interior of any Gilbern. The cabin featured leather upholstery, thick carpeting, and wood veneer trim, giving it a distinctly upmarket feel. The dashboard was comprehensively equipped, with a full set of Smiths instruments and a thoughtful, driver-focused layout. Seating for four made the Invader a practical grand tourer, and the fit and finish reflected the company’s focus on craftsmanship, even if production remained on a small scale.
On the road, the Invader Mk III struck a balance between performance and comfort. The Essex V6 provided smooth and flexible power delivery, while the revised suspension gave it stable, predictable handling. Though heavier than earlier Invaders, the Mk III was still agile enough to be enjoyable on winding roads, while its grand touring character made it a relaxed companion for longer journeys.
Production of the Mk III was limited, with around 280 examples believed to have been built before Gilbern shut down in 1974. Rising costs, stricter regulations, and the challenges facing small carmakers in Britain at the time made it increasingly difficult for the company to survive. Despite this, the Mk III stands as a testament to what Gilbern achieved with limited resources: a stylish, capable grand tourer that could hold its own against better-funded rivals.
Today, the Gilbern Invader Mk III is highly prized by enthusiasts and collectors, not only for its rarity but also for its unique place in motoring history as one of the very few cars ever built in Wales. Its combination of Ford mechanical reliability, distinctive styling, and hand-crafted charm makes it a standout classic. The Mk III, as the final evolution of the Invader line, represents both the peak of Gilbern’s ambition and the bittersweet end of one of Britain’s most individualistic manufacturers.