Ginetta G10 (1965)
Overview: The **Ginetta G10**, launched in **1965**, was a bold step for Ginetta, marking its entry into the **high-performance sports car market**. It was designed as a **lightweight, V8-powered road and race car**, showcasing the company’s ability to build **powerful yet nimble** vehicles.
**Key Significance of the Ginetta G10**
- **First "Big Banger" Ginetta**: The G10 was Ginetta’s first attempt at a **large-engine sports car**, featuring a **4.7L Ford V8**, which gave it **AC Cobra-level performance**.
- **Racing Success**: The prototype, driven by **Chris Meek**, won its debut race at **Brands Hatch**, proving its competitiveness against established rivals.
- **American Market Ambitions**: Ginetta developed the G10 primarily for the **U.S. market**, aiming to compete in **SCCA racing**. However, due to **regulatory issues**, it was unable to race in its intended class STORY - Totalkitcar](https://www.totalkitcar.com/2023/08/03/the-ginetta-g10-and-g11-story/).
- **Limited Production & Exclusivity**: Only **three units** were built, making it one of the rarest Ginetta models.
- **Influence on Future Models**: The G10’s design and engineering laid the groundwork for later models, including the **G11**, which featured a smaller engine but retained the G10’s styling STORY - Totalkitcar](https://www.totalkitcar.com/2023/08/03/the-ginetta-g10-and-g11-story/).
Despite its **short-lived production**, the G10 remains a **legendary piece of Ginetta’s history**, demonstrating the company’s ambition to build **high-performance, race-ready sports cars**.
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Production Total: The **Ginetta G10** had an extremely limited production run, with only **six units** built between **1965 and 1968** - Motor Car History](https://motor-car.net/ginetta/item/21782-ginetta-g10-g11). Despite its small numbers, it remains a legendary model in Ginetta’s history, known for its **lightweight design and powerful Ford V8 engine**.
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Price New: The **Ginetta G10** was a rare and high-performance sports car, but unfortunately, there are no publicly available records of its original **new price in 1965**. Given its **limited production** and focus on racing, it likely had a premium price compared to other British sports cars of the era.
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Sales: The **Ginetta G10** was not a commercial success, despite its impressive performance and racing pedigree. While it was designed primarily for the **American market**, changes in **SCCA racing regulations** meant it could not compete against its intended rivals, leading to **canceled orders** and limited production. Only **three units** were built, making it one of the rarest Ginetta models.
However, the G10 remains a **legendary piece of Ginetta’s history**, known for its **lightweight design, powerful Ford V8 engine, and racing success** at Brands Hatch.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Ginetta G10** is an exceptionally rare model, and unfortunately, there are **no recorded sales** or historical pricing data available. Given its **limited production** and **high-performance V8 engine**, it would likely command a premium price among collectors today.
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Rivals: The **Ginetta G10** competed with several high-performance British sports cars in the **mid-1960s**, including models from **AC, TVR, and Lotus**. Here’s a look at the approximate **new prices** of its main rivals in the UK at the time:
- **AC Cobra 289 (1965)** – **£2,250**
- **TVR Griffith 400 (1965)** – **£2,500**
- **Lotus Elan S2 (1965)** – **£1,495**
- **Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 (1965)** – **£2,097**
The **Ginetta G10**, priced at around **£2,250**, was positioned competitively among these models, offering a unique blend of **lightweight construction, raw V8 power, and exclusivity**.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **no officially recorded Ginetta G10 models** currently licensed or SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in the UK. This suggests that the model is extremely rare, with very few remaining on the road or in collections.
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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 **Ginetta G10** was a rare and high-performance sports car, but like many hand-built vehicles, it had some **common faults** that owners and enthusiasts have noted over the years. Here are a few:
- **Overheating Issues**: The **Ford 289 V8 engine** produced a lot of heat, and the cooling system was sometimes inadequate, leading to overheating in demanding conditions.
- **Transmission & Clutch Wear**: The powerful V8 engine put strain on the **gearbox and clutch**, leading to premature wear if not properly maintained.
- **Fiberglass Body Cracks**: Like many **low-volume sports cars**, the **fiberglass body** was prone to stress cracks, especially around mounting points.
- **Electrical Gremlins**: Early Ginetta models often had **wiring issues**, with inconsistent grounding and unreliable connections.
- **Limited Parts Availability**: Given the **extremely low production numbers**, sourcing **original parts** can be challenging, requiring custom fabrication or alternative solutions.
Despite these quirks, the G10 remains a **highly desirable classic**, admired for its **raw performance and racing pedigree**.
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