Company overview
Gilbern, Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd, was a Welsh car manufacturer operating from 1959 to 1973. The company was founded by Giles Smith and Bernard Friese, who utilized a one-off car built by Friese as the basis for their initial designs. Production began at a small workshop in Pontypridd, Wales, and later moved to the old Red Ash Colliery. Gilbern initially produced cars as kits, which were subsequently offered as complete vehicles. The company’s name combined the founder's names. The Gilbern GT, introduced in 1959, was the company’s first model. Early versions used BMC A-Series and Coventry Climax engines, with the body supplied as a one-piece moulding. Later models incorporated MGA and MGB engines, along with coil-sprung rear axles. The Gilbern Genie followed in 1966, offering a larger model with Ford Essex V6 engines. The final Gilbern model, the Invader, debuted in 1969 and featured an improved chassis and strengthened brakes. Production ceased in 1973.
