Gilbern Invader Mk III (1972-73)
Overview: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** was the final model produced by **Gilbern Cars**, marking the end of Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer. Introduced in **1972**, the Mk 3 refined the Invader formula with **Cortina-derived front suspension**, a **wider and lower body**, and a more polished design.
**Significance to Gilbern**
- **Last Production Model**: The Mk 3 was the last car Gilbern built before ceasing operations in **1974**, making it historically significant.
- **Improved Engineering**: It incorporated more **Ford components**, enhancing reliability and making servicing easier.
- **Estate Version**: Gilbern introduced an estate variant to compete with the **Reliant Scimitar GTE**, broadening its appeal.
- **Limited Production**: Only **112 Mk 3s** were built, making it one of the rarest Gilbern models.
- **Collector’s Item**: Today, the Mk 3 is highly sought after by enthusiasts, with restored examples commanding strong prices.
Despite its improvements, Gilbern struggled financially, and the Mk 3 couldn’t save the company from closure. However, it remains a **symbol of Welsh automotive craftsmanship** and a cherished classic among collectors.
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Production Total: The Gilbern Invader Mk III had a total production run of **112 cars**.
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Price New: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3**, introduced in **1972**, was priced at approximately **£2,500** when new in the UK. This positioned it as a premium offering among British sports cars of the era, competing with models like the **Reliant Scimitar GTE** and **Ford Capri**.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£8,100**.
- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£11,209**.
- **Median price** for an Invader Mk 3 in average condition: **£9,655**.
These figures indicate that the Invader Mk 3 remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by 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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Sales: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** was not a major sales success, but it did maintain the company’s reputation for producing stylish, performance-oriented cars. With only **112 units** built, it was a niche vehicle aimed at enthusiasts rather than the mass market.
Despite its improvements—such as **Cortina-derived front suspension** and a **wider, lower body**—Gilbern struggled financially, and production ceased in **1974**. The Mk 3 was well-engineered, but the company couldn’t compete with larger manufacturers, leading to its closure.
Today, the Mk 3 is a **rare collector’s item**, with restored examples fetching strong prices.
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Rivals: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** competed with several British sports cars in the early **1970s**, 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:
- **Reliant Scimitar GTE (1970–1986)** – Around **£2,500** when launched.
- **Ford Capri Mk 1 (1969–1974)** – Approximately **£1,100** for base models.
- **Triumph Stag (1970–1977)** – Around **£2,000** new.
- **TVR 2500M (1972–1977)** – Estimated at **£2,300**.
- **Lotus Elan +2 (1967–1975)** – Roughly **£2,700**.
These prices varied based on specifications, optional extras, and dealer pricing. The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3**, being a low-volume, hand-built car, was priced competitively within this range at approximately **£2,500**.
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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** was marketed as a **hand-built, performance-oriented sports car**, emphasizing exclusivity and craftsmanship rather than mass-market appeal. Here’s how Gilbern approached its advertising and marketing strategy:
**Marketing Strategy**
- **Target Audience**: The Invader Mk 3 was aimed at **enthusiasts and professionals** looking for a stylish, high-performance car with a fiberglass body.
- **Limited Production Appeal**: Gilbern highlighted the car’s **low-volume production**, making it a rare and desirable alternative to mainstream British sports cars.
- **Motorsport Influence**: Racing connections helped boost the Invader’s reputation, with some models modified for competition.
- **Word-of-Mouth & Enthusiast Publications**: Instead of large-scale advertising, Gilbern relied on **enthusiast magazines** and **motorsport exposure** to attract buyers.
- **Welsh Identity**: The company proudly marketed itself as **Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer**, adding to its uniqueness.
**Historical Advertisements**
- **Magazine Features**: The Invader Mk 3 was featured in publications like **Classic & Sports Car**, showcasing its performance and craftsmanship.
- **Dealer Promotions**: Some UK dealerships promoted the Invader as a **luxurious yet affordable alternative** to mainstream GT cars.
- **Motorsport Coverage**: Racing driver **Peter Cottrell** played a role in promoting Gilbern models, further enhancing their appeal.
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Rarity & Collector Appeal: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** is a rare and highly collectible classic car, being the final model produced by **Gilbern Cars** before the company ceased operations in **1974**. With only **112 units** built, it holds a special place in British automotive history.
**Rarity**
- **Limited Production**: The Mk 3 was produced in small numbers, making it significantly rarer than mainstream British sports cars of the era.
- **Survival Rate**: Many Mk 3s 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 Mk 3 featured a **wider and lower body**, improving its stance and handling.
- **Ford Components**: It incorporated **Cortina-derived front suspension** and a **Ford Essex V6 engine**, enhancing reliability.
- **Market Value**: Prices have fluctuated, with recent sales ranging from **£8,100 to £11,209**.
- **Historical Significance**: As Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer, Gilbern holds a unique place in British automotive history.
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Recorded in UK 2025
The exact number of **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** cars recorded in the UK in **2025** isn't readily available. However, sources indicate that the total production run of the model was **112 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.
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Target Age Group: The **Gilbern Invader Mk 3** was primarily targeted at **enthusiasts and professionals** in the early **1970s**, particularly those looking for a stylish, performance-oriented car with a fiberglass body and Ford-derived mechanicals.
**Target Age Group**
- **Young Professionals (25–40 years old)** – Those seeking a unique, hand-built sports car with exclusivity and performance.
- **Motorsport Enthusiasts** – Some Invaders were modified for racing, attracting drivers interested in competitive performance.
- **Classic Car Collectors** – Today, the Mk 3 appeals to collectors who appreciate its rarity and Welsh heritage.
- **Restoration Hobbyists** – Many surviving Invaders require restoration, making them popular among DIY mechanics and classic car restorers.
Would you like to explore how the Mk 3 compares to its rivals in terms of appeal today? You can also check out a [buyer's guide](https://www.practicalclassics.co.uk/articles/buying/buyers-brief-gilbern-invader-1969-1973/) for more insights!
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Influence of Target Age Group: The **target age group** for the **Gilbern Invader Mk 3**—primarily **young professionals and motorsport enthusiasts**—played a significant role in shaping its design, marketing, and long-term appeal.
**Influence on Design & Features**
- The Mk 3 was built with a **fiberglass body**, making it lightweight and agile—ideal for younger drivers seeking performance.
- Its **Ford Essex V6 engine** provided strong power, appealing to enthusiasts who wanted a balance of speed and reliability.
- 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 **low-volume production** made it desirable for those seeking a unique, handcrafted sports car.
**Legacy & Collector Appeal**
- Many original buyers were **young professionals**, and today, the Mk 3 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 Mk 3’s influence extended to later models, reinforcing Gilbern’s tradition of performance-oriented cars.
Would you like to explore how the Mk 3 compares to its rivals in terms of collector value today? You can also check out a [buyer's guide](https://www.practicalclassics.co.uk/articles/buying/buyers-brief-gilbern-invader-1969-1973/) for more insights!
The Gilbern Invader Mk III, 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 Invader Mk III itself was a single generation model, produced from 1972 to 1973. It was the final iteration of the Invader series, following the Mk I and Mk II.
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Engines
The Gilbern Invader Mk III was fitted with the **3.0-litre Ford Essex V6** engine. This engine was known for its robust performance and reliability, making it a popular choice for the Invader Mk III.
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Performance
The Gilbern Invader Mk III offered impressive performance for its time. Here are the key specifications:
- **Engine**: 3.0-liter Ford Essex V6
- **Power**: 140 bhp (104 kW) at 5000 rpm
- **Torque**: 234 Nm (173 lbft) at 3500 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 116 mph (187 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 10.7 seconds
These specifications made the Gilbern Invader Mk III a competitive and desirable sports car in its era.
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Spares/Specialists
For locating spares for a Gilbern Invader Mk 3, you have a couple of good options:
1. **Gilbern Owners Club**: They have a comprehensive spares service for Gilbern models, including the Invader. 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 Invader, including clutch, brakes, and hydraulics.
As for garage services in Northern Ireland to maintain your Gilbern Invader, 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 invader in top condition.
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Racing
The Gilbern Invader Mk III did see some action in motorsport, particularly in club racing and hill climbs. While it wasn't a dominant force in professional racing circuits, its lightweight fiberglass body and powerful V6 engine made it a competitive choice for amateur racers and enthusiasts.
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Valuation
The value of a Gilbern Invader Mk III can vary depending on its condition, history, and specific model. Here are some recent examples:
1. A 1972 Gilbern Invader Mk III was recently listed for around £14,999.
2. Another 1972 Gilbern Invader Mk III sold for approximately £10,687.
3. A 1972 Gilbern Invader Mk III in Manchester was listed for £12,500.
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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