Gilbern
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automobile manufacturing |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Giles Smith, Bernard Friese |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Fate | Ceased production due to tax changes and financial difficulties |
| Headquarters | Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd , Wales, United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Giles Smith (co-founder), Bernard Friese (co-founder), Mike Leather (managing director), Maurice Collins (managing director) |
| Products | Kit cars and fully assembled sports cars (Gilbern GT, Genie, Invader, T11 concept) |
| Owner | Originally independent; acquired by Ace Capital Holdings Ltd in 1968; later owned by Mecca Ltd and private owners |
| Parent | Ace Capital Holdings Ltd (from 1968), Mecca Ltd (from 1970) |
Gilbern, officially known as Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd, operated as a Welsh automobile manufacturer from 1959 until 1973, with its base located in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales.
History
The company Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd was established by Giles Smith, who previously worked as a butcher, and Bernard Friese, a German engineer skilled in glass fibre moulding techniques. It stood out as one of the rare car makers in Wales. Friese had constructed a unique vehicle that served as the foundation for Gilbern’s inaugural model. The business began its operations in a modest workshop situated in Church Village, Pontypridd, before relocating manufacturing activities to the former Red Ash Colliery site in Llantwit Fardre. Initially, the firm concentrated on selling kit cars but later expanded to offer fully assembled automobiles.
The brand name Gilbern is derived by combining the first three letters of Giles Smith with the first four letters of Bernard Friese.
Gilbern vehicles were regular participants at the Wiscombe Park Hillclimb, making their first appearance there in 1962 with a driver affiliated with the Aston Martin Owners Club.
In 1965, Gilbern became a member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which allowed the company to showcase its models at the British International Motor Show held at Earls Court.
In 1968, in pursuit of financial investment, Gilbern was acquired by Ace Capital Holdings Ltd, a company primarily engaged in manufacturing slot machines. Following this acquisition, Giles Smith exited the business while Mike Leather and Maurice Collins assumed roles as joint managing directors. Ace itself was acquired by entertainment conglomerate Mecca Ltd in 1970; Mecca subsequently sold Gilbern to Collins, who then transferred ownership to Leather in 1972.
The vehicles were positioned at a premium price point and encountered increased expenses after 1973 due to UK tax reforms that introduced Value Added Tax on kit cars. This led to production ceasing shortly after that year.
Just prior to shutting down operations, Gilbern developed a unique concept vehicle known as the T11, which underwent restoration during 2009–10 and was later featured in classic car magazines.
Gilbern GT
The GT was Gilbern’s initial offering—a two-door coupé with 2+2 seating—manufactured between 1959 and 1967. The Mk 1 version came equipped either with a 948 cc BMC A-Series engine optionally fitted with a Shorrock supercharger or a 1098 cc Coventry Climax engine. Its frame utilized square-section steel tubing, while front suspension components were borrowed from the Austin A35. The bodywork was typically delivered fully painted and trimmed, leaving customers responsible for final mechanical assembly.
Subsequent iterations incorporated BMC B-Series engine choices: either 1500 or 1600 cc units from the MG MGA, or an 1800 cc engine sourced from the MG MGB, combined with a coil-sprung rear axle from BMC. When equipped with the larger engine, this model was designated GT1800.
A road test conducted in 1961 by The Motor magazine on the 1600 cc variant recorded a maximum speed of , acceleration from 0- in 13.8 seconds, and fuel efficiency of . The tested vehicle was priced at £978 inclusive of £251 taxes.
Gilbern Genie
Launched in 1966 as an upscale alternative, the Genie offered either a 2.5- or 3-litre Ford Essex V6 powerplant paired with an optional overdrive transmission. Steering assemblies and rear axle parts were retained from the MGB model, but rear suspension utilized coil springs and trailing arms. Early versions used a Panhard rod for axle alignment, which was later substituted by a Watts linkage mechanism.
Most engines featured twin-choke Weber carburetor configurations; however, select models were fitted with Tecalemit Jackson fuel injection systems. The 2.5-litre engine option was discontinued by 1968. By 1969, the Genie’s retail price was approximately £2000.
Gilbern Invader
The Invader, introduced in July 1969 as the final model in the lineup, was derived from the Genie but featured an enhanced chassis and larger braking components. It incorporated front suspension borrowed from the MGC and a reinforced frame, elevating the brand's market position with luxury touches such as electric windows and a dashboard finished with walnut veneer. Offered as a fully built vehicle, an estate variant was added in 1970, though production was limited to just 68 units. Both manual and automatic transmissions with overdrive options were available.
In October 1971, the Mark II made its debut at the London Motor Show, retaining the original styling but upgrading to reclining front seats.
The Mk III, released in September 1972, adopted Ford Cortina front suspension and featured redesigned front and rear styling elements, including a smaller grille due to a raised front bumper and repositioned indicators. It was powered by the more powerful engine from the Ford Capri 3000GT. The bodywork was wider and lower, crafted from newly designed moulds, with the track widened by four inches (10 cm), which required fitting wheel spats. The rear live axle used trailing links combined with a Panhard rod and adjustable shock absorbers on all wheels.
Only factory-assembled versions of the Mk III were produced, with a price tag of £2,693 in 1972.
T11 Concept
The T11, created by British designer Trevor Fiore in 1970, was intended for unveiling at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. It incorporated a mildly tuned 1.5-litre Austin Maxi powertrain rotated 180 degrees. Although three chassis were constructed, just one complete vehicle was finished before the project was halted. These chassis were later restored and completed between 2009 and 2010.
See also
External links
- Gilbern Owners Club website
- Gilbern – The Welsh Car – Television feature on Invader Mk3 production (1972)