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Gilberns

I have a love for Gilbern Motor Cars.




Gilberns were produced in a place called Llantwit Fardre in South Wales. They were founded in the late 1950’s by a master butcher and a German engineer. Giles Smith and Bernard Frises.Â

These brilliant cars are made with a glass fibre body. The Gilbern was always a component car rather than a kit car with the all the components being new and under warranty. The original cars were based upon the Austin A35 mechanical components, while a variety of engines were offered.
A few different models of Gilberns were developed over the years being the GT, Genie, Invader Mk I, Invader MkII, Invader MkII Estate, and the Invader MkIII. Unfortunately by March 1974 Gilberns had ceased trading.

Even though not many of these lovely cars were built some still survive today and most are kept with the Gilbern’s Owners club. I enjoy going to vintage car shows and so if they are not in Wales it is a particular challenge for me to track down a Gilbern at one of these events. I am not a Gilbern spotter so to speak, but do enjoy hunting one down at an event.



Next time you’re at a car event I challenge you to find a Gilbern.

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