Gilbern

Gilbern was a Welsh car manufacturer based in Llantwit, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, notable for being one of the few carmakers based in Wales and one of the few 1960s manufacturers to progress from kit cars to fully built, turn-key vehicles. The company's name combined the first names of its founders, Giles Smith, a master butcher, and Bernard Friese, a German engineer.

The first model, the Gilbern GT, a 2+2 sports car, was introduced in 1959 at a time when there was strong demand for kit cars. It featured a multi-tubular frame, Austin A35 front suspension, and a BMC live rear axle mounted on coil springs. Most examples used BMC engines, sometimes supercharged, though the specification was flexible and some cars were fitted with Coventry Climax engines instead. The GT proved popular due to its sound engineering and finish, with around 300 examples sold.

In 1966 the GT was succeeded by the Genie, which retained the GT's chassis but adopted MGB front suspension and rear axle, front disc brakes, and typically a 3-litre Ford V6 engine. It received an entirely new body styled with influence from the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Capable of carrying four adults at speeds up to 115 mph (185 km/h), the Genie nonetheless had a rough ride and modest handling. Approximately 200 were built between 1966 and 1969.

The Genie was replaced by the Invader, which kept a similar overall layout but offered improved trim and suspension, along with options such as overdrive and automatic transmission. In 1968 Gilbern brought in outside investment and was taken over by Ace Capital Holdings, a Welsh company best known as Britain's leading manufacturer of slot machines. Following this takeover, Giles Smith departed from the company.

The parent company subsequently underwent several further takeovers, with Gilbern remaining a minor asset that nonetheless continued to make steady progress. The Invader Mk II, introduced in 1972, featured revised front suspension and was also offered as a sporting estate. During this period, work also began on a mid-engined coupé, the T11, built around an Austin Maxi drivetrain. The Invader Mk III, unveiled at the 1972 London Motor Show, introduced a revised box-section frame, Ford Cortina front suspension and rear axle, and a 140 bhp engine.

Most Gilberns were sold in component form to avoid purchase tax, but the introduction of VAT in 1973 undermined this business model. The company entered receivership in July 1973, and despite attempts to save it, ceased operations shortly afterward.