The first Gilbern GT was started in 1959. Giles Smith a local butcher decided that he wanted to make his own car, a luxurious grand tourer.
Through a chance meeting with Bernard Friese he discussed the possibility of building a one-off car. Bernard, an ex German POW had been working for a glass fibre company.
They decided to build a car from scratch. As the car was nearing completion the well known local amateur racing driver Peter Cottrell was asked to come and view the car and inspect it.
It was with his help they realised that the car was too good to be simply a one off and it was decided that there was a potential market for the new Gilbern GT.
The original cars were based around Austin A35 mechanical components and had steel wheels.
In 1961 a site at Llantwit Fardre was purchased with a loan of £700 from Giless father, it had formerly been the location of the Red Ash Colliery but had not operated since 1921.
During 1961-62 cars were built at the rate of about 1 a month with about 5 people in total working at the factory, both Giles and Bernard being heavily involved in the actual building of the cars.
Approx 1,005 Gilberns were made, of which over 500 are still on the road.
Grid Reference: ST078854
For more information see www.gilbernoc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
your comments
John Driver, Bancyffordd, Llandysul
I remember visiting the first workshop behind the butcher's shop where they were making the cars. We were in the glass fibre business at the time. Giles told us always to get supplies at trade prices, if anyone could we should. I only ever saw one more of the cars, in Bristol in 1965.
Iain Fulton from Greece
I remember one of the first Gilbern GT's being raced at Castle Combe race circuit in Wiltshire. Driven then by Peter Sharp(e) area manager for Duckhams Oils as was. Can't remember the result of the race but remember Peter saying that the line of the rear wings showed an unintentional slight downward angle as the car had been constructed in such a confined space that it was impossible to step back and take a look.
Alun Bailey in Aberdare
I remember going out for a ride in a Gilbern which had been sent to Helliwells Aberdare to allow an estimate for exhaust pipe sets. We never actually got the order, but it was a great experience sometime in the early 60s. A great car which will take a lot of beating for the era.
