Gilbern Genie (1966-69)

Overview: The **Gilbern Genie** was a pivotal model for **Gilbern Cars**, marking a significant step forward in the company’s evolution. Introduced in **1966**, it was the second production car from Gilbern and played a crucial role in establishing the brand’s reputation.

**Significance to Gilbern**

- **Transition to Larger Engines**: The Genie was the first Gilbern model to feature the **Ford Essex V6 engine**, available in **2.5L and 3.0L variants**, providing a substantial performance boost.

- **Refined Design**: It introduced a more **upmarket, grand tourer-style body**, making it a more practical and comfortable sports car.

- **Market Expansion**: The Genie helped Gilbern compete with established British sports cars like the **Triumph TR5** and **Lotus Elan +2**.

- **Foundation for the Invader**: The Genie’s design and engineering improvements laid the groundwork for the later **Gilbern Invader**, which became the company’s final model.

- **Limited Production Appeal**: With only **197 units** built, the Genie remains a rare and collectible classic.

Despite its advancements, Gilbern remained a small-scale manufacturer, and financial challenges persisted. However, the Genie reinforced the company’s reputation for **hand-built craftsmanship** and **performance-oriented design**.

Would you like to explore how the Genie compares to its rivals in terms of collector value today? You can also check out more details [here](https://silodrome.com/gilbern-genie-car/).

*****

Production Total: The Gilbern Genie was produced in limited numbers, with a total of 197 units manufactured between 1966 and 1969 . 

***** 

Price New: The **Gilbern Genie**, introduced in **1966**, was priced at approximately **£1,500** when new in the UK. This positioned it as a competitive option among British sports cars of the era, offering a blend of performance and exclusivity.

*****

Sales: The **Gilbern Genie**, introduced in **1966**, was priced at approximately **£1,500** when new in the UK. This positioned it as a competitive option among British sports cars of the era, offering a blend of performance and exclusivity.

*****

Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Gilbern Genie** 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: **£5,700**.

- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£9,072**.

- **Median price** for a Genie in average condition: **£6,438**.

These figures indicate that the Genie 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.

*****

Main Rivals: The **Gilbern Genie** competed with several British sports cars in the late **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:

- **Triumph TR5 (1967–1968)** – Around **£1,260** when launched.

- **Lotus Elan +2 (1967–1975)** – Roughly **£1,500**.

- **Reliant Scimitar SE4 (1964–1966)** – Estimated at **£1,400**.

- **TVR Vixen S2 (1968–1970)** – Approximately **£1,450**.

- **Ford Capri Mk 1 (1969–1974)** – Base models started at **£890**.

These prices varied based on specifications, optional extras, and dealer pricing. The **Gilbern Genie**, being a low-volume, hand-built car, was priced competitively within this range at approximately **£1,500**.

Would you like to explore how these cars compare in terms of performance and rarity today? You can also check out a [price guide](https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/gilbern/genie) for more insights!

***** 

Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy: The **Gilbern Genie** 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 Genie 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 Genie’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 Genie was featured in publications like **Classic & Sports Car**, showcasing its performance and craftsmanship.

- **Dealer Promotions**: Some UK dealerships promoted the Genie 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.

Would you like to see examples of period advertisements or explore how its rivals marketed their cars? You can also check out more details [here](https://silodrome.com/gilbern-genie-car/).

*****

Rarity & Collector Appeal: The **Gilbern Genie** is a rare and highly collectible classic car, being one of the few models produced by **Gilbern Cars**, Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer. With just **197 units** built between **1966 and 1969**, it holds a special place in British automotive history.

**Rarity**

- **Limited Production**: The Genie was produced in small numbers, making it significantly rarer than mainstream British sports cars of the era.

- **Survival Rate**: Many Genies 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 Genie featured a **lightweight fiberglass body**, improving its stance and handling.

- **Ford Components**: It incorporated **Ford Essex V6 engines**, enhancing reliability.

- **Market Value**: Prices have fluctuated, with recent sales ranging from **£5,700 to £9,072**.

- **Historical Significance**: As Wales’ only post-war car manufacturer, Gilbern holds a unique place in British automotive history.

Would you like to explore auction results or restoration projects for this model? You can also check out more details [here](https://silodrome.com/gilbern-genie-car/).

***** 

Recorded in UK 2025

The exact number of **Gilbern Genie** cars recorded in the UK in **2025** isn't readily available. However, sources indicate that the total production run of the model was **197 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. 

***** 

Target Age Group: The **Gilbern Genie** was primarily targeted at **enthusiasts and professionals** in the late **1960s**, 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 Genies were modified for racing, attracting drivers interested in competitive performance.

- **Classic Car Collectors** – Today, the Genie appeals to collectors who appreciate its rarity and Welsh heritage.

- **Restoration Hobbyists** – Many surviving Genies require restoration, making them popular among DIY mechanics and classic car restorers.

Would you like to explore how the Genie compares to its rivals in terms of appeal today? You can also check out more details [here](https://silodrome.com/gilbern-genie-car/).

***** 

Influence of Target Age Group: The **target age group** for the **Gilbern Genie**—primarily **young professionals and motorsport enthusiasts**—played a significant role in shaping its design, marketing, and long-term appeal.

**Influence on Design & Features**

- The Genie 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 Genie 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 Genie’s influence extended to later models, reinforcing Gilbern’s tradition of performance-oriented cars.

Would you like to explore how the Genie compares to its rivals in terms of collector value today? You can also check out more details [here](https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/gilbern-genie-and-invader-welsh-warriors).

*****