When contemplating the centers of European sports car production during the 1960s and 1970s, Wales is not a country that springs instantly to mind. However, it was once home to a giant killer that produced some of that genre’s most attractive and rewarding vehicles. Gilbern built its cars in limited numbers, with the Invader being the last car to emerge from its Llantwit Fardre, Glamorgan, Wales, factory. This 1971 Invader Mk II presents beautifully, with the seller performing recent mechanical work to ensure the new owner can hit the road for immediate motoring enjoyment. They have listed it here on Barn Finds Classifieds in La Vernia, Texas, for $15,000.
Gilbern was the brainchild of two gentlemen called Giles Smith and Bernard Friese. The former was a butcher, while Friese was an engineer with fiberglass experience. They pooled their talents to produce their first model, the GT 2+2, in 1959. It remained in production until superseded by the Genie in 1966. It released the Invader in 1969, with the Mk II version replacing it in 1971. The styling of the Invader is interesting because there is a touch of Fiat’s 124 Sport Coupe in its lines and window shape. However, the Gilbern possesses a front that is more aggressive and in keeping with British sports offerings from this era. This Mk II presents nicely in White, with 15″ alloy wheels and a fabric sunroof adding to its appeal. The paint retains a healthy shine, while the fiberglass body shows no evidence of stress cracks or other issues. The sparkling chrome bumpers feature over-riders, and like the remaining trim, they are in excellent condition. The glass is flawless, helping this classic to make a positive impression.
Early Gilbern models utilized BMC or Coventry Climax engines, but the Invader sported a 3.0-liter Essex V6 under the hood. This little powerhouse churns out 141hp and 181 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive, while the front end features MGC components and disc brakes. The power output may seem modest, but when a car weighs a mere 2,205 lbs, it doesn’t take much to offer impressive performance. If the driver pointed it at a ¼-mile, the journey would become a memory in 15.9 seconds. Considering the MGC took 16.5 seconds, and an MGB struggled to break the 18-second mark, the Invader Mk II stood up well against the opposition. The seller performed some recent work on this classic to ensure it is in mechanically good health. Fitting an electric fuel pump eliminated a previous hot start issue, the driveshaft received new u-joints and a balance to cure a high-speed vibration, and fluid leaks are now limited to the occasional drop from the transmission’s rear. It may require a new seal eventually, but it is safe to use in its current state. The Invader runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The Invader’s interior is all you would expect of a classic European sports car from this era. It features supportive bucket seats in the front, with seating accommodation for small children in the back. The driver faces a wide assortment of gauges that provide essential information while they grasp a thick leather-wrapped wheel. The front seats received a retrim in cloth and vinyl, while the back seat retains its original Black perforated vinyl. The overall condition is impressive for a vehicle of this type and age, with no significant flaws or defects. There is some slight splitting around the handle on the driver’s door, but a competent upholsterer might be able to address that without the buyer spending a fortune. It features an effective heater, which was necessary for occupants to cope with the winter climate in their native company. The new owner also receives power windows and an AM/FM radio.
Gilbern produced its first cars in kit form in 1959, with the last of the approximately 600 Invaders emerging in 1973. They may not have necessarily been ground-breaking vehicles, but they are rare and offer a rewarding driving experience due to their combination of low weight and good engine power. The new owner can be assured they will not park beside an identical example at a show or a Cars & Coffee. However, the natural home for these classics is the open road, and this could be your chance to experience the joy these Welsh beauties provide. Enjoyment is what classic car ownership is supposed to be all about, which is what this Invader offers. That makes it worth a closer look.
These are fun to drive. You’ve got the oomph of a big saloon but in a smaller body; a bit like the TVR M but more of a GT than a sports car. I also found out that a garage not that far away had been an agent for Gilbern. It was a repair garage rather than a showroom; was interesting to speak to the – now retired – owner about Gilberns.
I wonder if this includes the original owner’s manual written in Welsh (and you thought that RHD was tough…)?
Hi John,
Sorry, no manual in Welsh but there is a reproduction operators manual in the King’s English.
Craig
Is there a supplement in the king’s granny’s German?
Derek, very witty…very witty indeed. I’ll keep my joke very basic. I wouldn’t, on general principle, buy a car manufactured in a town with “twit” in it’s name. It’s probably home to the Welsh facture of the UAW.
These were very pretty cars.
It also has a power radio antenna for what that may be worth.
Craig (the seller)
This is a really unique and handsome automobile. Looks to be in excellent condition. Plus, you viewers in California can actually register this there (that is a huge win just to start).
This is a score for the right person.
It’s all fun & games till a V8 drops the hammer on you then a sinking feeling hits you , I could have had a V8!
BA,
You can have a V8! The factory built one prototype with a Chevy 327 (although it was the earlier GT I believe) that is still around in the UK.
I was conspiring with a hot rod builder in Washington state about trying to stuff a 289 Ford in there but the costs involved were over my abilities tp pay. Doing it myself is also way above my pay grade. It’s doable if you have the know how and skills would be kinda TVR Griffith/Sunbeam Tiger/Daimler SP250/Triumph TR8/Gordon-Keeble like.
You´d have to change a lot to handle the power, without ever getting the money back. A swap to later (ex UK Scorpio) V6 Cosworth 4 cam unit would be a better bet. I once rode in a Ginetta G21 fitted with that motor and it was amazing.
Neat car, with a great dash. Too bad it’s a wrong-hand drive.
After 50+ years of Brit car experience, never saw one or even heard of one. A good looking car! Back end reminds me of a Baur BMW vintage. I’m curious as to the threads sizes. Was it Whitworth or SAE or both? Thanks for my new piece of knowledge today!!
Joseph
Its all SAE, Whitworth largely went away in the 50’s for British motorcars and 60’s for motorbikes if memory serves.
I like the combination. V6 engine, 4 speed transmission, electric overdrive, 15″ wheels, disc brakes, packaged into a fiberglass GT body @ 2,250 lbs. The styling is very appealing, it reminds me of a hybrid between a Volvo and a Fiat! I would love to see more detail on the frame and suspension. The right hand drive is not something I would want to deal with. Thank you for sharing. I have never heard of this one before!
I have just come back from a 1000 mile 9 day trip around France driving a RHD Skoda Yeti, stick shift and had no driving problems at all. It took a lot of concentration on the initial drive from Dieppe to the Le Mans museum but from there on it was magic. The roads are also magnificent whether on the Motorways or travelling through the country villages without ONE pothole found during the whole 1000 miles. On arrival back in UK and about 2 miles from the ferry port I hit a massive pothole! Oh to be back in England!
MB#7
If you go to the linked past BaT auction listing in the Barn Finds ad link above you can find a video of the undercarriage and suspension.
Craig (seller)
I had a MGB engined GT (one of a handful of LHD cars). It was good and the support from the Owners´Club was outstanding.
Gilberns may be glassfibre, but the chassis can rot badly, so be careful. We did a lot of work on the GT to make it stronger, because 1960s artisan tube chassis are not usually cutting edge in terms of handling suspension forces. Again, the club can advise on this.
Console looks very 1970s glamrock, but is a one-off I think. Be interesting to know what works!
The Genie style was literally drawn with both eyes on the Alfa 105 Bertone Coupé. Given that it will take $40000 to get into a good Bertone, $15000 on this car would be good value for a hands on guy.Car would be similar price or more in the UK as it is not a wide market.
Hi Martin
The car was completely restored in the early 90’s in the UK (have tons of receipts) and the chassis remains in good solid condition (video of same included in the Barn Find ad). Everything works on the dash, gauges and switches.
Craig
I see ‘the square’ wolwo (front/grill area, shoulder’n all) in this.
Looks to be a nice ride for 2 dor GT category. Once termed ‘an executive car’.
BF got me for ‘2 so far this yr” on the never-seen-one tally. Made it to 4 one year.
It may be an optical illusion, but from certain angles, it appears that the rear wheel is slightly cocked.
Appears to be an illusion or perhaps something to do with perspective of the photo as all the other photos I have show nothing out of the ordinary. I will eyeball it in person tomorrow and see if there is something amiss. Nothing manifesting itself with driving or unusual tire wear etc.
The more I look at it, I think it’s the way the overhang of the body works with the rear wheelwell opening. Cool car.