Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Ginetta

Ginetta is one of Britain’s most enduring and respected specialist sports car manufacturers. Founded in the 1950s by the Walklett brothers, the company has maintained a reputation for producing lightweight, race-ready machines that are as capable on the track as they are thrilling on the road. From humble beginnings to international motorsport success, Ginetta has remained true to its core values of performance, engineering, and driving purity.

Founding of Ginetta

The Walklett Brothers

Ginetta was established in 1958 by four brothers: Bob, Ivor, Trevers, and Douglas Walklett. The family had a strong interest in engineering and motorsport, and they set up the company in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Ginetta was named after a female family friend, chosen simply because the name sounded elegant and Italian, reflecting the sleek nature of their cars.

Early Philosophy

From the outset, Ginetta’s mission was to design and build lightweight, nimble cars with good performance-to-cost ratios. The company focused on offering cars that appealed to amateur racers and driving enthusiasts. Many of their early models were offered in kit form to keep prices affordable.

Early Models

Ginetta G1 and G2

The first Ginetta, the G1, was based on a pre-war Wolseley Hornet but was never put into full production. The G2, launched in 1958, was the first production model and used Ford 10 mechanicals. With a tubular steel chassis and lightweight body, it quickly gained a following among club racers.

Ginetta G3 and G4

The G3 introduced a glass-fibre body and more advanced chassis design, setting the pattern for future models. However, it was the G4, introduced in 1961, that really put Ginetta on the map. The G4 was a lightweight sports car powered by Ford engines, available both as a kit and fully assembled. It was a tremendous success in amateur racing thanks to its excellent handling and low weight.

Racing Success with the G4

Track Performance

The G4 earned a strong reputation on the track, competing in hill climbs, sprints, and circuit racing. It offered a genuine alternative to the Lotus Seven and became a favourite in club motorsport. With various engine options, including Ford Kent and Cosworth units, it could be tuned for serious performance.

Road Legal and Versatile

Despite being a capable racer, the G4 was also usable as a road car. With its low slung body and stylish looks, it appealed to enthusiasts who wanted a car that could be driven to the track, raced, and driven home again.

Mid-1960s Expansion

Ginetta G10 and G11

In the mid-1960s, Ginetta aimed to enter the higher-performance market with the G10 and G11. The G10 was powered by a Ford 4.7-litre V8 engine and featured advanced suspension. However, only a handful were made due to high production costs. The G11 was a more practical road-going version with MGB mechanicals, but it also failed to find a significant market.

Ginetta G12: Motorsport Weapon

The G12, launched in 1966, was a highly advanced racing machine built specifically for competition. With a mid-engine layout, spaceframe chassis, and excellent aerodynamics, the G12 dominated its class in sports car racing. It remains one of the most respected Ginetta race cars and is a popular choice in historic racing today.

Further Development

G15: A Practical Sports Coupe

One of Ginetta’s most commercially successful models was the G15, introduced in 1967. It featured a rear-mounted Hillman Imp engine and was available fully built or in kit form. The G15 was praised for its build quality, efficiency, and stylish fastback design. Over 800 units were sold, making it Ginetta’s highest-selling model at the time.

Production Shifts

By the early 1970s, Ginetta had moved to larger premises in Witham, Essex, to handle increased production. However, the market for kit cars and low-volume sports cars became increasingly difficult due to changing regulations, rising costs, and competition.

Challenges in the 1980s

G26 to G33 Series

In the 1980s, Ginetta released a series of more modern sports cars, starting with the angular G26 in 1984. These models used Ford components and featured wedge-shaped fibreglass bodies. The G27 followed as a two-seat roadster, and the G32 and G33 brought more refined styling.

G33: A Return to Performance

The G33, introduced in 1990, was a proper return to Ginetta’s performance roots. With a 3.9-litre Rover V8 engine and a sub-900 kg kerb weight, the G33 was blisteringly fast and well received. However, despite its abilities, it could not save Ginetta from financial instability.

Ownership Changes and Revival

Late 1990s Uncertainty

In the late 1990s, Ginetta’s fortunes declined. The company faced financial difficulties and eventually went into administration. The brand passed through several hands, and production of new models all but ceased.

Acquisition by Lawrence Tomlinson

In 2005, Ginetta was purchased by businessman and racing driver Lawrence Tomlinson, through his LNT Group. Tomlinson revitalised the company with a focus on motorsport, engineering excellence, and modern manufacturing. The company moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Modern Ginetta and Motorsport Focus

Ginetta G50

Under Tomlinson’s leadership, Ginetta developed the G50 in 2008 to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. It was a purpose-built GT4 racing car that gained instant success in European GT championships and the British GT series. The G50 marked Ginetta’s return to competitive racing at an international level.

Ginetta Junior and Driver Development

One of the most influential contributions of modern Ginetta is its driver development programs. The Ginetta Junior Championship offers a platform for young drivers (aged 14-17) to enter competitive motorsport in a controlled, professional environment. It has become a launchpad for many future stars of touring cars and endurance racing.

Modern Models

Ginetta G55

An evolution of the G50, the G55 is used in various racing series including GT4 and the one-make Ginetta GT SuperCup. It features a 3.7-litre V6 engine and purpose-built racing chassis. Its popularity has helped cement Ginetta’s status as a leading manufacturer in grassroots and professional motorsport.

Ginetta G58 and LMP Prototypes

Ginetta also stepped into endurance racing with prototype models like the G58 and LMP1 G60-LT-P1. The LMP1 project aimed at Le Mans demonstrated Ginetta’s ambition, even if challenges with engine partners limited its success. The G58, however, found popularity as a customer track car.

Ginetta Akula / Ginetta G60-LT-P1

In 2019, Ginetta revealed the Akula—a road-legal supercar boasting a carbon monocoque chassis and a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V8 developed in-house. With over 600 horsepower and extreme aerodynamics, the Akula represents Ginetta’s highest performance road car to date and reflects its capabilities as a manufacturer.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Track-to-Road Philosophy

Ginetta has always embodied the link between track and road. From the G4 to the G33 and now the Akula, each generation of Ginetta cars retains the lightweight, driver-focused principles that have defined the brand.

Preservation and Enthusiast Support

The Ginetta Owners’ Club remains active, supporting classic models with events, documentation, and spares. Many vintage Ginetta cars, especially the G4 and G15, are highly prized in the classic motorsport community and regularly compete in historic events.

Conclusion

Ginetta is a rare example of a car company that has stayed true to its enthusiast roots while evolving into a serious force in international motorsport. From modest kit cars built in Suffolk to Le Mans prototypes and high-tech driver development programs, Ginetta’s journey reflects the passion and ingenuity of British automotive engineering. Today, it stands not just as a survivor, but as a leader in performance racing and road car production, with a bright future driven by motorsport innovation.