1965 Gilbern GT

Gilbern Cars Ltd was founded in the Rohndda Valley, South Wales, in the late 1950s. The first GT cars were based on Austin A35 mechanical components, later ones were fitted with the MGA engine until the GT1800 was launched in 1963 utilising the engine, gearbox, suspension and mechanical components from the MGB. Approximately 175 of the total run of 202 GT cars were the latter MGB based GT1800s. The GT1800 continued in production until 1966 when it was replaced by the Genie. The cars were available in component form (to avoid ‘purchase tax’) or fully factory-built.

GUY694C was first registered on 2nd June 1965 and was a factory-built car. It was used as a daily driver until the mid-1970s when it became a second car. The car was taken off the road in the early 1980s to be renovated by the owner’s son-in-law, who was a motor mechanic. It was disassembled into boxes in the owner’s garage but sadly his son-in-law passed away before the renovation could really get underway. The car then sat, disassembled and in boxes, in the owner’s garage for the next 30 years.

In 2015, the owner decided to commission a full restoration of GUY694C, with marque expert Philip Ivimey undertaking the mechanical and chassis work, and GRP specialists Option One undertaking the body work and respray. The Aston Martin colour California Sage green was chosen to replace the rather dull “silver grey” original colour. The interior was fully retrimmed in supple green leather to match the bodywork. The restoration was finished in early 2019.

The car is in lovely condition and retains the original chassis, MGB engine and 4 speed gearbox with overdrive. MGB parts are readily available and inexpensive making the car very economical to run and keep.

I bought the car in 2020 from the first and only previous owner. Since acquiring it I have continued with refreshing and upgrading the suspension and braking system (all of the original components have been kept).

I have enjoyed participating in many shows and some road rallys. The loss of the garage where it is kept means that GUY694C is now looking for a new home.

GUY694C is well known to the Gilbern Owners’ Club. The car has a huge history file, all the way back to the first Registration Book recording its registration in 1965. It also features in Richard Gunn's book "British Sports Cars" (copy included with the sale).

GUY694C is one of the best Gilbern GT1800s in the country and is a testament to the passion of the previous owner and the skills of Phil Ivimey.