Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Gilbern

Gilbern Motors Ltd. was a small but significant player in the British specialist car manufacturing scene, known for its unique combination of Welsh craftsmanship and sporting ambition. Founded in the late 1950s, Gilbern was one of the few Welsh car manufacturers and built a devoted following thanks to its stylish GT cars that were often sold in kit form. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the company made a lasting impression on British motoring history.

Founding and Origins

The Partnership of Gilbern

Gilbern was founded in 1959 in Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd, South Wales, by two men: Giles Smith, a butcher by trade, and Bernard Friese, a German engineer with experience in glass-fibre construction. The company’s name, “Gilbern,” was derived from a combination of their first names—Giles and Bernard.

Vision and Early Workshop

Working out of a modest workshop behind Giles Smith’s butcher shop, the pair set about creating a lightweight, stylish sports car using fibreglass for the body. This was a common practice among small British car makers of the era due to its affordability and ease of shaping. Their goal was to produce cars with good performance and practical usability for enthusiasts.

The First Model: Gilbern GT

Introduction in 1959

The prototype Gilbern GT was unveiled in 1959 and officially launched in 1960. The GT was a 2-door coupe with elegant lines and a lightweight fibreglass body mounted on a steel tubular frame. It used mechanical components from BMC (British Motor Corporation), particularly the MGA, including its 1.5-litre engine, gearbox, and running gear.

Kit Car Market

Like many small manufacturers of the time, Gilbern offered the GT in kit form to avoid purchase tax levied on fully assembled vehicles in the UK. This strategy allowed customers to assemble the car themselves, keeping costs down and appealing to DIY enthusiasts.

Refinement and Performance

Upgrades to the GT

Over time, Gilbern offered the GT with a range of engines, including the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre units from the MGB. The lightweight construction combined with these engines made for an engaging and lively driving experience. The interior was noted for its comfort and quality, a testament to the company’s focus on craftsmanship.

Positive Reception

The Gilbern GT was well received by the motoring press, praised for its attractive styling, solid build, and good road manners. Production remained limited but steady, with around 280 GTs produced between 1960 and 1967.

Gilbern Genie and Expansion

Moving Upmarket

In 1966, Gilbern sought to attract a more affluent customer base by introducing the Gilbern Genie. This model was a larger, more sophisticated grand tourer, offering four-seat accommodation and more powerful Ford V6 engines—either the 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre Essex units.

Design and Features

The Genie retained fibreglass bodywork but featured a more refined and spacious design. The interior had luxurious touches for the era, including full carpeting, walnut dashboard trim, and leather seats in some versions. The increased performance and comfort made it a strong alternative to larger saloon-based GTs.

The Gilbern Invader

Successor to the Genie

In 1969, the Gilbern Genie was replaced by the Gilbern Invader. This model further improved on performance, build quality, and design. Still using the Ford 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Invader added modern touches such as all-round disc brakes and revised suspension.

Factory-built Option

The Invader marked a turning point as Gilbern began to move away from kit cars and toward fully assembled models. This reflected changes in tax laws and the maturing market, although it also increased the price, making the cars less accessible to the average enthusiast.

Mark II and Mark III Versions

The Invader was progressively refined, with the Mark II and Mark III versions featuring detail upgrades to both mechanical components and styling. The Mark III, introduced in 1972, featured revised rear suspension using a Ford Capri axle and enhanced handling dynamics.

Ownership Changes and Challenges

Takeover by ACE

In 1968, Gilbern was sold to ACE Capital Holdings, a company involved in finance and insurance. Under ACE’s ownership, investment allowed Gilbern to modernize its operations and expand marketing efforts. However, ACE struggled with the demands of running a car company, and despite their intentions, they were unable to significantly increase production or profitability.

End of Kit Car Production

The UK government abolished the tax advantage for kit cars in 1973, removing one of Gilbern’s competitive edges. The rising cost of materials, labour, and stricter safety regulations also made small-scale production more difficult to sustain.

Closure and Legacy

Ceasing Operations

Faced with mounting financial pressure and low production volumes, Gilbern Motors ceased operations in 1973. It is estimated that around 1,100 cars were produced during its existence, with the Invader accounting for more than half of that total.

Surviving Vehicles and Enthusiast Community

Despite its closure, Gilbern’s legacy lives on through a passionate community of owners and collectors. Many Gilbern cars have survived, cherished by enthusiasts who admire their distinctive styling, rarity, and connection to Welsh automotive history.

The Gilbern Owners Club

The Gilbern Owners Club, formed in 1969, remains active and hosts regular events, including the annual Gilbern National Day. It plays a crucial role in supporting owners with parts, documentation, and technical knowledge. The club’s efforts have helped ensure the preservation of these rare and special vehicles.

Significant Gilbern Models

Gilbern GT (1960–1967)

The original sports coupe that launched the brand, the GT laid the foundation for Gilbern’s reputation. Lightweight, attractive, and mechanically reliable thanks to MGA components, it was popular with amateur racers and kit car builders.

Gilbern Genie (1966–1969)

A more luxurious and powerful successor to the GT, the Genie used Ford V6 engines and offered a refined driving experience. Its blend of sportiness and comfort aimed to rival larger British GT cars of the time.

Gilbern Invader (1969–1973)

The most advanced and best-selling model, the Invader featured improved performance and modern features. Offered in both coupe and estate versions, it represented the peak of Gilbern’s engineering and design capability.

Gilbern’s Place in British Automotive History

Uniquely Welsh Identity

Gilbern remains one of the very few car manufacturers to have operated out of Wales, giving it a unique place in the UK’s automotive heritage. While larger firms dominated the market, Gilbern showed that regional car building with creativity and quality could still find a niche.

Collector Interest

Due to their rarity and charm, Gilbern cars are increasingly appreciated by collectors. Values have been steadily rising, particularly for well-restored GTs and Invaders. They are seen as practical classics with strong club support and a distinct identity.

Conclusion

Gilbern Motors may have only operated for a little over a decade, but its impact continues to be felt among enthusiasts of British motoring. From humble beginnings in a butcher’s yard to producing stylish grand tourers, Gilbern represents the innovation and spirit of post-war British motoring. Today, their cars are a reminder of an era when passion, skill, and determination could bring automotive dreams to life—even from the hills of South Wales.