Ginetta G21 (1973-78)
Overview: The **Ginetta G21** (1973–78) was a significant model for the company, marking a shift towards **refined, road-friendly sports cars** rather than purely race-focused designs. It was introduced as a more practical alternative to the G15, offering **greater comfort and performance** while maintaining Ginetta’s lightweight, driver-focused philosophy.
**Key Significance of the Ginetta G21**
- **Expansion into the Road Car Market**: Unlike previous models, the G21 was designed for **daily usability**, featuring a more comfortable interior and improved refinement.
- **Performance & Engineering**: It was available with **1.7L Sunbeam Rapier** or **3.0L Ford Essex V6** engines, offering a balance between **sporty handling and road-going practicality**.
- **Crash Safety Recognition**: The G21 performed **exceptionally well** in crash tests at MIRA, surprising industry experts with its **structural integrity**.
- **Limited Production & Exclusivity**: Only **67 units** were built, making it a rare and sought-after classic today.
Despite its **small production numbers**, the G21 reinforced Ginetta’s ability to produce **high-quality, road-legal sports cars**, paving the way for later models like the **G33**.
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Production Total: The **Ginetta G21** had a total production run of **180 units** between **1973 and 1978**. This makes it a relatively rare classic British sports car, sought after by enthusiasts for its unique blend of performance and practicality.
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Price New: The **Ginetta G21** was priced at approximately **£2,156** when new in **1973**. Prices varied depending on the engine choice, with the **G21S**, featuring the more powerful **Holbay Rapier engine**, costing slightly more.
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Sales: The **Ginetta G21** had the potential to be a sales success, but it faced challenges that limited its commercial impact. Despite its **strong engineering, crash safety performance, and refined design**, external factors such as the **economic downturn of the 1970s** and the **Yom Kippur War**, which led to rising fuel prices, affected demand for small sports cars.
While it was praised for its **build quality and driving dynamics**, production numbers remained low, with only **180 units** built. This makes it a rare and sought-after classic today, but it did not achieve widespread commercial success at the time.
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Ginetta G21** has seen fluctuating prices over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among collectors. Here’s a breakdown of its historical pricing:
- **Price When New (1973)**: £2,156
- **Current Valuation (2025)**: Prices vary depending on condition, but well-maintained examples can fetch significantly higher values.
The price trend suggests that well-preserved G21 models continue to hold value, with some appreciating due to demand among enthusiasts. If you're looking for a valuation or market insights, platforms like **Hagerty UK** provide detailed assessments.
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Rivals: The **Ginetta G21** competed with several British sports cars in the **1970s**, including models from **Lotus, TVR, and Triumph**. Here’s a look at the approximate **new prices** of its main rivals in the UK at the time:
- **Lotus Elan Sprint (1973)** – **£2,500**
- **TVR 2500M (1972–77)** – **£2,750**
- **Triumph TR6 (1973)** – **£1,950**
- **MG B GT V8 (1973–76)** – **£2,300**
The **Ginetta G21**, priced at around **£2,156**, was positioned competitively among these models, offering a unique blend of **lightweight construction, strong performance, and exclusivity**.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **no officially recorded Ginetta G21 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 G21** (1973–78) was a well-engineered sports car, but like many hand-built vehicles, it had some **common faults** that owners and enthusiasts have noted over the years:
- **Electrical Issues**: Early Ginetta models often suffered from **wiring problems**, including unreliable connections and grounding faults.
- **Fiberglass Body Cracks**: The **fiberglass construction** was lightweight but prone to **stress cracks**, especially around mounting points.
- **Cooling System Limitations**: Some owners reported **overheating issues**, particularly in **hot weather or heavy traffic**.
- **Rust in Chassis Components**: While the body was fiberglass, the **steel chassis** was susceptible to **corrosion**, especially if not properly maintained.
- **Limited Parts Availability**: Given the **low production numbers**, sourcing **original parts** can be challenging, requiring custom fabrication or alternative solutions.
Despite these quirks, the G21 remains a **highly desirable classic**, admired for its **blend of performance, practicality, and exclusivity**.
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