Gilbern
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| Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Fate | Bankrupt |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Defunct | April 1973 |
| Location |  Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan |
| Industry | Automobiles |
| Key people | Giles Smith, Founder Bernard Friese, Founder |
Gilbern cars were made in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales between 1959 and 1973.
Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd was founded by Giles Smith and Bernard Friese and was one of the few cars to be made in Wales. The first car, the GT Mk 1 was initially available with either Austin-Healey Sprite or Coventry Climax engines and attractive 2+2 coupe bodywork. The chassis was fabricated from steel tubing and front suspension was initially from the Austin A35. Later versions came with a B-series MGA or MGB engine and coil sprung BMC rear axle. In 1966 a larger upmarket model, the Genie appeared, with 3 litre Ford V6 power. This in turn led to the Invader with improved chassis. The Invader was available as a complete car and an estate version was also made. The cars were expensive for the time and production ceased in 1973.
[edit] Cars
- Gilbern GT - 1959 to 1967 - production approx. 280
- Gilbern Genie - 1966 to 1969 - production approx. 200
- Gilbern Invader - 1969 to 1973 - production approx. 600
