Gilbern 1800 GT (1959-67)
Overview: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** was a pivotal model for the Gilbern company, marking its transition from a small-scale operation to a recognized manufacturer of Welsh sports cars. Initially built in a shed behind a butcher’s shop, the GT was the first car produced by Gilbern, and its success led to the establishment of a dedicated factory in **Llantwit Fardre**.
The GT was well-regarded for its **fiberglass body** and **Austin-derived mechanical components**, making it a lightweight and agile vehicle. It was available with various engines, including the **1800cc MGB unit**, which provided a balance of performance and reliability. The model gained popularity among enthusiasts and even saw modifications for racing, further enhancing Gilbern’s reputation.
Although production of the GT ended in **1967**, it laid the foundation for later models like the **Gilbern Genie** and **Gilbern Invader**, which continued the company’s legacy of producing stylish and performance-oriented cars. The GT’s success demonstrated that a small Welsh manufacturer could compete in the British sports car market, solidifying Gilbern’s place in automotive history.
Production Total: The Gilbern 1800 GT had a total production run of 280 cars.
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Price New: The exact new price of the **Gilbern 1800 GT** in the UK in **1959** isn't widely documented, but given its niche status as a handcrafted sports car, it was likely priced competitively against similar British models of the era. If you're looking for precise figures, classic car valuation sites or the **Gilbern Owners Club** might have historical records that could help!
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Sales: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** was a modest success, but it was never a high-volume seller. With only **280 units produced**, it was a niche vehicle aimed at enthusiasts rather than the mass market. The company started small, producing just **one car per month** initially, before ramping up to **four per month** by 1965.
While the GT helped establish **Gilbern** as a respected name in British sports car manufacturing, it wasn’t a financial powerhouse. The company struggled with profitability and was eventually sold in **1968**. However, the GT’s legacy lived on, influencing later models like the **Genie** and **Invader**, which continued Gilbern’s tradition of stylish, performance-oriented cars.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** has seen a range of prices over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- The **lowest recorded sale price** since 2020 is **£12,567**.
- The **highest recorded sale price** since 2020 is **£23,310**.
- The **median price** for a Gilbern GT in average condition is **£17,939**.
These figures indicate that the Gilbern 1800 GT remains a sought-after classic, with values fluctuating based on condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **Hagerty UK** and **The Classic Valuer** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
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Rivals: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** competed with several British sports cars in the **1960s**, each with its own pricing strategy. Here’s a look at some of its main rivals and their approximate new prices in the UK at the time:
- **MG B GT (1965–1980)** – Around **£950** when launched.
- **Lotus Elan (1962–1975)** – Approximately **£1,500** for early models.
- **Triumph TR4 (1961–1965)** – Around **£850** new.
- **TVR Grantura Mk III (1962–1966)** – Estimated at **£1,200**.
- **Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II (1961–1964)** – Roughly **£650**.
These prices varied based on specifications, optional extras, and dealer pricing. The **Gilbern 1800 GT**, being a low-volume, hand-built car, was priced competitively within this range, though exact figures for its new price remain elusive.
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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy
The **Gilbern 1800 GT** was marketed as a stylish, hand-built sports car with a unique Welsh heritage. Unlike mass-produced rivals, Gilbern emphasized craftsmanship and exclusivity in its advertising. Here are some key aspects of its marketing strategy:
- **Target Audience**: The GT was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted a lightweight, performance-oriented car with a fiberglass body and Austin-derived mechanicals.
- **Advertising Approach**: Gilbern relied on **word-of-mouth**, **motorsport exposure**, and **enthusiast publications** rather than large-scale advertising campaigns.
- **Motorsport Influence**: Racing driver **Peter Cotterell** played a role in promoting the GT, modifying several for competition, which helped boost its reputation.
- **Limited Production Appeal**: The company highlighted the car’s exclusivity, producing only **one per month initially**, increasing to **four per month** by 1965.
- **Magazine Features**: Publications like **Motor Sport Magazine** covered the GT, providing road tests and factory insights.
Gilbern’s marketing strategy leaned heavily on its **Welsh identity**, craftsmanship, and motorsport connections rather than traditional advertising.
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Rarity & Collector Appeal: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** is a rare and highly collectible classic car, with only **280 units** ever produced. Its hand-built nature, Welsh heritage, and fiberglass construction make it stand out among British sports cars of the era.
**Rarity**
- **Limited Production**: With just **280 cars** built, the GT is significantly rarer than mainstream British sports cars like the **MG B GT** or **Triumph TR4**.
- **Survival Rate**: A substantial number of GTs have survived, thanks to their fiberglass bodies, but exact numbers are difficult to verify.
- **Club Support**: The **Gilbern Owners Club** actively tracks remaining cars and provides restoration support.
**Collector Appeal**
- **Unique Design**: The GT’s styling, influenced by Italian and British sports cars, gives it a distinctive presence.
- **Motorsport Connection**: Some GTs were modified for racing, adding to their desirability among enthusiasts.
- **Market Value**: Prices have fluctuated, with recent sales ranging from **£12,567 to £23,310**.
- **Historical Significance**: As Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer, Gilbern holds a special place in British automotive history.
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Recorded in UK 2025
The exact number of **Gilbern 1800 GT** cars recorded in the UK in 2025 isn't readily available. However, sources indicate that the total production run of the model was **280 cars**. The **Gilbern Owners Club** maintains records of many individual cars and provides support for enthusiasts, so they might have more detailed information on how many remain in the UK. If you're looking for specifics, reaching out to them could be a great option!
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Target Age Group: The **Gilbern 1800 GT** was primarily targeted at **enthusiasts and sports car buyers** in the **1960s**, particularly those looking for a stylish, lightweight, and hand-built alternative to mass-produced British sports cars.
**Target Age Group**
- **Young Professionals (25–40 years old)** – Those seeking a unique, performance-oriented car with a fiberglass body and Austin-derived mechanicals.
- **Motorsport Enthusiasts** – Some GTs were modified for racing, attracting drivers interested in competitive performance.
- **Classic Car Collectors** – Today, the GT appeals to collectors who appreciate its rarity and Welsh heritage.
- **Restoration Hobbyists** – Many surviving GTs require restoration, making them popular among DIY mechanics and classic car restorers.
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Influence of Target Age Group
The **target age group** for the **Gilbern 1800 GT**—primarily **young professionals and motorsport enthusiasts**—played a significant role in shaping its design, marketing, and long-term appeal.
**Influence on Design & Features**
- The GT was built with a **fiberglass body**, making it lightweight and agile—ideal for younger drivers seeking performance.
- Its **Austin-derived mechanicals** ensured affordability and ease of maintenance, appealing to those who wanted a stylish yet practical sports car.
- The option for **racing modifications** attracted motorsport enthusiasts, reinforcing its reputation in competitive circles.
**Impact on Marketing Strategy**
- Gilbern relied on **word-of-mouth** and **motorsport exposure** rather than large-scale advertising, targeting enthusiasts who valued exclusivity.
- The car was featured in **enthusiast magazines**, helping it gain traction among younger buyers.
- The **kit car loophole**, allowing buyers to avoid purchase tax, made it more accessible to budget-conscious drivers.
**Legacy & Collector Appeal**
- Many original buyers were **young professionals**, and today, the GT is sought after by **classic car collectors** who appreciate its rarity.
- The **Gilbern Owners Club** continues to attract enthusiasts, many of whom restore and preserve surviving models.
- The GT’s influence extended to later models like the **Genie** and **Invader**, which carried forward its performance-oriented ethos.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Gilbern 1800 GT, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners and enthusiasts often encounter:
1. **Chassis Corrosion**: The steel chassis can suffer from rust, particularly in the side ladder sections behind the sills.
2. **Fiberglass Body**: The fiberglass body can develop cracks and imperfections over time.
3. **Electrical Issues**: As with many older cars, the electrical system can be prone to faults and may require rewiring.
4. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components, especially those borrowed from other models like the MGB, can wear out and need replacement.
5. **Hot Starting Problems**: Some owners report difficulties starting the engine when it's hot, which can be due to various factors such as fuel vaporization or electrical issues.
These issues are typical for a car of its age and can be addressed with proper maintenance and restoration.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The Gilbern 1800 GT had a single generation. It was produced from 1959 to 1967 and was the first model introduced by Gilbern Sports Cars.
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Parts Bin Engineering
The **Gilbern 1800 GT** incorporated components from several established manufacturers, making it a unique blend of British automotive engineering. Here are some of the key parts sourced from other companies:
- **Engine**: The GT used the **1.8L B-Series engine** from the **MG B**, providing a balance of performance and reliability.
- **Transmission**: The gearbox was also sourced from **MG**, ensuring compatibility with the powertrain.
- **Suspension**: Early models featured **Austin A35** front suspension components, later refined for improved handling.
- **Brakes**: The braking system included parts from **MG** and **Austin**, ensuring effective stopping power.
- **Rear Axle**: The GT utilized a **Morris-derived rear axle**, contributing to its sturdy drivetrain.
- **Electrical System**: Many electrical components, including switches and wiring, were sourced from **Lucas**, a common supplier for British cars.
- **Interior & Trim**: Some trim pieces and fittings were borrowed from **BMC (British Motor Corporation)** models.
This mix of parts allowed Gilbern to create a lightweight, performance-oriented sports car while keeping costs manageable.
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Engines
The Gilbern 1800 GT was fitted with a **1.8-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine**. This engine produced **95 bhp (71 kW) at 5400 rpm** and **149 Nm (110 lbft) of torque at 3000 rpm**.
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Performance
The Gilbern 1800 GT offered respectable performance for its time. Here are the key specifications:
- **Engine**: 1.8-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder
- **Power**: 95 bhp (71 kW) at 5400 rpm
- **Torque**: 149 Nm (110 lbft) at 3000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 111 mph (179 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 12 seconds
These specifications made the Gilbern 1800 GT a competitive and desirable sports car in its era.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For locating spares for a Gilbern 1800GT, you have a couple of good options:
1. **Gilbern Owners Club**: They have a comprehensive spares service for Gilbern models, including the 1800 GT. They offer a wide range of parts, from body panels to mechanical components. You can contact their Spares Secretary, Brian Gent, at 07850-001186 or email briangent57@gmail.com.
2. **MEV Spares**: They provide various parts for the Gilbern Genie, including clutch, brakes, and hydraulics.
As for garage services in Northern Ireland to maintain your Gilbern 1800 GT, here are a few options:
1. **East Hills Garage** in Belfast: They offer a range of services, including routine maintenance and repairs.
2. **McMillan Specialist Cars** in Antrim: They specialize in classic car restoration and maintenance.
3. **Eurofix Car Repairs** in Dunmurry and Belfast: They have a passion for classic car restoration and offer a variety of services.
These garages should be able to help you keep your Gilbern 1800 GT in top condition.
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Racing
The Gilbern 1800 GT did compete in motorsport, particularly in club racing and hill climbs. It found favour with privateers and was driven by noted race drivers of the time. The car was homologated for racing in 1965 and participated in various events throughout the 1960s.
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Valuation
The value of a Gilbern 1800 GT can vary depending on its condition, history, and specific model. Here are some recent examples:
1. A 1966 Gilbern 1800 GT was sold at auction for approximately £12,567.
2. Another 1965 Gilbern 1800 GT FIA Race Car was listed for £39,950.
These values can fluctuate based on the car's condition, mileage, and any restoration work done. If you're looking to buy or sell one, it's a good idea to check with classic car auction houses or specialist dealers for the most up-to-date valuations.
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