The Gordon Keeble GK1 (1964–1966) was a rare British grand tourer that blended Italian styling, American muscle, and British engineering into a striking package. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the GK1 featured a fiberglass body, making it lightweight and resistant to rust. Under the hood, it packed a 5.4L Chevrolet V8, delivering impressive performance for its time.
Despite its sleek design and powerful engine, financial struggles and supply chain issues led to only 99 units being produced, with an additional one assembled from spare parts. Interestingly, the car's emblem featured a tortoise, chosen after one wandered into a photoshoot—an ironic contrast to its speed!
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Gordon Keeble GK 1 (1964-66)
The **Gordon Keeble GK1** was the **first and only production car** from the Gordon Keeble company, making it **hugely significant** to the brand's short-lived existence. It was an ambitious attempt to create a **high-performance British grand tourer**, blending **Italian design, American power, and British craftsmanship**.
Despite its **critical acclaim** and impressive **Chevrolet V8 engine**, the company faced **financial struggles** and **supplier issues**, leading to its **liquidation in 1965** after producing just **99 cars**. The GK1 remains a **cult classic**, admired for its **fiberglass body, sleek Bertone styling, and unique tortoise emblem**, which became an ironic symbol of the brand.
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Popularity
The **Gordon-Keeble GK1 (1964–1966)** was *not* globally popular in the mass-market sense, but it earned a **cult following among enthusiasts and collectors**—particularly in the UK, U.S., and parts of Europe.
🌍 Global Reach vs. Limited Production
- **Production Total:** Just **99 cars** were built (plus one assembled from spare parts in 1970).
- **Export Markets:**
- **United Kingdom:** Home market with the strongest presence
- **United States:** Several cars exported via specialist dealers
- **Europe:** A few cars delivered to Germany and the Netherlands
- **Survivorship:** Over **80 of the 99** are still known to exist, with many in running condition—a remarkably high rate.
✨ Why It Wasn’t Mass-Market Popular
- **High Price:** At ~£2,798 in 1964, it was priced near Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce territory.
- **Low Production Capacity:** The Eastleigh factory could only produce a few cars per week.
- **Supply Chain Issues:** Strikes and parts shortages crippled production.
- **Niche Appeal:** A blend of British engineering, American V8 power, and Italian styling made it unique—but also hard to categorize.
🧠 Legacy
Despite its short life, the GK1 is now considered a **hidden gem of 1960s GT design**, with styling by a young **Giorgetto Giugiaro** and performance that rivalled Ferraris and Aston Martins of the era. It’s especially prized by collectors who appreciate its rarity and transatlantic pedigree.
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RESTORATION SERVICES
Restoration services for the Gordon-Keeble GK1 are available in the UK, and one name stands out above all:
Ernie Knott, widely regarded as the marque expert and restorer of some of the finest surviving GK1s, including the famed chassis 93.
While Ernie Knott doesn’t appear to have a public-facing business website, he is closely associated with the Gordon-Keeble Owners’ Club, which serves as the best point of contact for restoration advice, parts sourcing, and referrals to trusted specialists.
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🛠️ Recommended Contacts
**Gordon-Keeble Owners’ Club**
- **Purpose:** Registry, technical support, restoration referrals, and event coordination
- **Note:** Best contacted via the club’s website or through classic car forums where members are active
**Graeme Hunt Ltd.**
- **Location:** London, UK
- **Website:** [graemehunt.com]
- **Relevance:** Sold a fully restored GK1 by Ernie Knott; may offer restoration brokerage or sourcing services
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If you're looking to begin a restoration or recommissioning project, I’d recommend reaching out to the Owners’ Club first—they can connect you with Ernie Knott directly or point you to other trusted specialists.
