Gilbern Genie

This is the second offering from the Welsh manufacturer after the GT and was produced from 1966 until 1970. The Genie was a much larger 2+2 grand tourer with more chiseled modern lines. It was also more powerful than its predecessor.

Gilbern GT

Giles Smith, a butcher from Church Village near Ponypridd in south Wales, wanted a glass fibre special. At the time the choice was quiet varied due to the explosion of component kits using this new the material in the 1950’s. However a chance meeting with a German ex POW Bernard Friese, who was working for one of these companies, the possibility of building a one off was raised. After some pushing by Bernard this car was then built in the back of Giles butchers shop. As it was nearing completion and a viewing by an amateur racing driver it was decided that it was too good for a one off. This was the start of GILes Smith and BERNardFriese’s Gilbern GT.

Gilbern Owners Club National Meet, Eddrig House, Wrexham

This event has been on my calendar ever since Gordon Johnston contacted about his T11 Prototype and saying there wasn’t enough Gilbern’s on the site. He was right, none of the Gilbern models were built in massive numbers which is probably the reason they don’t pop up at Classic Car shows that often. If they do their usually walked past with only the true petrolheads giving them the attention they deserve. After all this was Wales’s only sports car manufacturer. Gordon had told me about this national meet and a few weeks ago he called me again to confirm that his car would be attending. So partially wanting to see these cars, I also wanted to see the T11 in the flesh.

Prototype re-building the Gilbern T11: Interview

Gordon Johnston got in touch via the Facebook page asking if I would like to feature his car, after seeing his profile picture and a quick Google the answer was a resounding "YES".

First off a little history about the car. Gordon gave me a full rundown of the cars production/history through and beyond Gilbern-

"In 1969 Gilbern started to get drawings and plans prepared at the factory for a new car, they got designer Trevor Fiore (who designs include the Trident Venturer and Clipper, Monteverdi 450 SS, Citroen Karin, and still designs car for Citroën) to come up with the design for the body, he even made the clay model himself.