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Most insurance companies do not provide competitive motor insurance quotes based solely on the make & model of car you drive. However the type of car you drive, in your case Gilbern, makes a real difference to the amount you get quoted. We have teamed up with Call Connection, a major UK company who specialise
in the placement of motor insurance business, which includes insurance for cars made by Gilbern.
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Insurance for Gilbern Cars
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Gilbern cars were made in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales between 1959 and 1973.
Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd was founded by Giles Smith, a butcher, and Bernard Friese a German engineer with experience in glass fibre mouldings[1] and was one of the few cars to be made in Wales. Friese had made a one off car for himself and the two partners used this as the basis for the first Gilbern car. The initial premises were a tiny workshop in Church Village, Pontypridd but when production started they moved to a new location at the old Red Ash Colliery at Llantwit Fadre. The cars were available at first only as kits but later complete cars were also available.
In 1968, following a search for a cash injection, Gilbern was taken over by Ace Capital Holdings Ltd whose main business was the manufacture of slot machines.[1] Following the takeover Giles Smith left the company to be replaced by Mike Leather and Maurice Collins as joint managing directors. In 1970 Ace was bought by entertainment group Mecca Ltd who sold the company to Maurice Collins who in 1972 sold it again to Mike Leather..
The cars were expensive for the time and became more so with taxation changes that added Value Added Tax to kit cars and production ceased in 1973.
Gilbern GT
Gilbern GT Manufacturer Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd
Production 1959-1967
280 made[2]
Successor Gilbern Genie
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
Engine(s) various
Wheelbase 93 in (2,400 mm)[3]
Length 152 in (3,900 mm)[3]
Width 60 in (1,500 mm)[3]
The GT, a 2+2 two door coupé was the company's first car and was made between 1959 and 1967. The GT Mk 1 was initially available with either 948 cc Austin-Healey Sprite with an optional Shorrocks supercharger or Coventry Climax 1098 cc engines. The chassis was fabricated from square steel tubing and the front suspension was initially from the Austin A35. The body was a one piece moulding.
Later versions came with a B-series 1500 or 1600 cc MGA or 1800 cc MGB engine and coil sprung BMC rear axle. With the coming of the larger engine, the car was renamed the 1800GT.
[edit] Gilbern Genie
Gilbern Genie Manufacturer Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd
Production 1966-1969
197 made[4]
Successor Gilbern Invader
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
Engine(s) Ford 3 litre V-6
Wheelbase 93 in (2,400 mm)[3]
Length 159 in (4,000 mm)[3]
Width 65 in (1,700 mm)[3]
In 1966 a larger upmarket model, the Genie appeared at the London Motor Show. It had either a 2.5 or 3 litre Ford V6 engine and gear box with optional overdrive but the steering and back axle were still BMC units from the MGB. The rear suspension differed from the MG however with coil spring/damper units and trailing arms.
The 2.5 litre version was dropped in 1968. In 1969 a complete car cost around £2000.
Gilbern Invader
Gilbern Invader Manufacturer Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd
Production 1969-1973
603 made[4]
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
Engine(s) Ford 3 litre V-6
Wheelbase 93 in (2,400 mm)[3]
Length 159 in (4,000 mm)[3]
Width 65 in (1,700 mm)[3]
The final car was the Invader based on the Genie but with improved chassis and larger brakes. The front suspension now came from the MGC and the chassis was strengthened. It took the brand further up market with fittings such as electric windows and walnut veneered dashboard.. The Invader was available as a complete car and from 1970 an estate version was also made. Automatic or manual transmission with overdrive were available. It ws updated to the Mk II version in 1971.
The 1972 Mk III version had a Ford Cortina front suspension and rear axle and restyled front and rear. The engine was the higher tune unit from the Ford Capri 3000GT. The wider axle led to wheel spats being added to the sides of the car. It was only available as a factory built car and cost £2693 in 1972
