anthony hopkins

[sonofgilbern]

hi,
has the club proof that sir anthony hopkins the actor owned a gilbern? i ask this because i was informed it was Antony Hopkins CBE (born 21 March 1921) is an English composer, pianist, conductor, and radio broadcaster. who owned a gilbern and part of the deal was he part exchanged a triumph herold (which broke down on the way back from london due to a loose carburettor, which mr friese had to fix thanks to a kind gentlman giving him a tool kit).

[Fareham GT]

Hi, as such we do not have any documents to support this story, however it is a story that has been banded around for a long time. In July 2009 Phil Ivimey managed to interview Bernard Friese and when questioed on the subject, confirmed that he had delivered a Gilbern GT to Sir Anthony Hopkins and had taken a Triumph Herald in part exchange. I did write to Sir Anthony on the matter at his home in the USA but received no reply.

Brian Gent
GT Historian

[sonofmarienwerder]

hope this is of help - a certian gentleman short in stature , very stubborn and imensly proud was talking about his meeting with philip (with a glass of german wine in one hand ) to put the record straight he stated that it was in fact the composer not the actor . He also alluded to the fabled seliing of a gilbern to one Prince of Wales - ludicrous was his response , !!!!! it was a privalige to hear those stories .Philip if you read this, - the offer is still open for your research
best regards

[Fareham GT]

The factory never did sell a car to HRH Prince Charles, but they did through the offices of Lord Garvey lend him a car for 6 weeks, after this his Ecquiry had use of the car for several months. All this has been confirmed by the Palace and records obtained by the club from Ace Motors, what more can I say.

Brian Gent

[Fareham GT]

Hi Son of Gilbern,

Sorry the penny has just clicked who you are, Phil is not a blogger but will get in touch with you shortly. Thanks for the info on the correct Anthony Hopkins, he is still alive and well and has just celebrated his 90th birthday. I have just spoken to a friend of his so hopefully contact will be made soon.

Regards

Brian Gent

[Fareham GT]

Hi all,

I have just spoken with Anthony Hopkins CBE who has confirmed that he ordered his Gilbern GT at the Motor Show, where he paid a deposit on the proviso that the factory would take his modified Triumph Herald in part exchange. It turns out that his car was the Dark Red GT that appeared in Gilberns sales brochures and advertising material with the registration number 1CAH. Anthony purchased the number from Norfolk County Council during his time when he was conducting the Norfolk Philamonic Orchestra. He has owned many sports cars during his life time all of which are listed in the last chapter of his Autobiography 'Beating Time' which was published in 1982 by Michael Joseph, anybody got a copy?

Brian Gent
GT Historian

[Reddi-Eng]

Hi all,

........ He has owned many sports cars during his life time all of which are listed in the last chapter of his Autobiography 'Beating Time' which was published in 1982 by Michael Joseph, anybody got a copy?

Brian Gent
GT Historian

Available secondhand at Amazon

[Fareham GT]

Hi Derek,

Many thanks I had a similar reply from Colin, a copy has been duly purchased. I am just waiting for the arrival of Postman Pat now.

Brian

[Fareham GT]

Hi All,

Postman Pat has now been and it would appear that Antony was quite a car man. I quote from his book Chapter 15 - Speed Unlimited ' My car mania has cost me extravagant sums, but I do not begrudge a pound, such is my enjoyment in driving. I have never kept a precise list but as far as I can remember I have owned three MG's, fourteen Jaguars, two Lotuses, one Ferrari, a Gordon Keeble, a modified Triumph Herald, an Austin Healey, a Heinkel bubble car, a Gilbern, an Alfe Romeo GTV, a VW Scirocco, two Bagheeras, five Datsuns (240 or 260) and two turbo charged Mazda Rx7s.

Needless to say that this book has unearthed a lot of useful information, in due course myself and Phil Ivimey will be putting together an article for The Rarebit.

Brian Gent