Visitorsbook

Submitted by
Name: Brian Payne
From: newquay cornwall
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
I am looking for a really completed Mk 2/3 Invader nothing half done, ideally fully refurbished with great paintwork and a re-upolstered interior etc. as Im no mechanic so I need something completed - was a member a few years ago. Ive chased a couple of cars lately, but felt the cars were just not right for me. I would pay good money for the right car and provenance.

Added: April 7, 2024

Submitted by
Name: Gaeme Campbell
From: Surrey
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Hi there

I am looking to become the next custodian of an Invader, no preference as I love all of the cars made over it's production period!

If anyone knows someone who is willing to part and pass on one of these beautiful, Welsh (love this, my mother is from Aberdyfi) and charismatic vehicles, I would love to know.

thank you

Graeme

Added: March 24, 2024

Submitted by
Name: Jack
From: Gwynedd
E-mail: Contact

Comments:

Private post. Click to view.

Admin reply: Hi Jack,

Apologies for the delay in responding. Yes, the Gilblog Forums are still very active, as is the visitors book. You can view the open forums, but posting is restricted to members only.

The Website provides further background to the Gilbern story, the cars, the company and GOC.

There will be a display of Gilbern cars on 2nd March at the Swansea Bus & Transport museum if this is within reach. Many GOC members will be present and will be able to assist with any queries regarding buying or living with a Gilbern.

You can also contact Club Chairman Brian Gent on 07850001186 who can provide a welth of info.

Peter Williams - GOC Vice-Chairman

Added: January 28, 2024

Submitted by
Name: Jeremy Davies
From: London SW15
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
I worked at ACE Motor Co with Emil Rosner in the early 70's selling Gilberns; what a excellent time I had.Great companies and great people, both at ACE and Gilbern. I was a regular visitor to the factory, knew Mile Leather, Alan Jones etc and even went to a memorable Gilbern factory Christmas party. I see Mike Sutton who ran the ACE workshop has posted here as well, be great to catch up! Anyone remember a V8 Genie/Invader (not sure which) but it was a purple colour owned by an equally colourful gent whose name I cannot remember but who had a car radio with call sign "Purple Jet 1". Was delivering that car when I was nicked on the M1 speeding at well over 100mph, my defence that the rear wheels were wrong size and gave a wrong speedo reading was laughed out of court. Great days! GOC should organise a 50 year reunion and get all of us oldies still around to bring to life some of the Gilbern history.

Added: February 20, 2023

Submitted by
Name: Dr Derek Kitchener
From: Chichester
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
need advice, owned a MK 3 Invader many years ago, would like estate, I am now 92 and run a Mercedes 500 sec which I am selling as too low, is the estate easy to get in and out of?.. Derek Kitchener.

Admin reply: Hi Dr, Kitchener, I have only just spotted your question so apologise for my late response.
I think that an Estate maybe equally as low as a Merc, coupled to the fact that the doors appear to be quite wide they are also quite thick, so that the aperture is not as large as first thought.
There appear to be only a very small number of Estates (maybe 4 or 5) for sale at present but I would suggest a test before buying.

Added: January 7, 2023

Submitted by
Name: Dee Parry
From: Pontypridd
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Lovely read through after seeing one today in classic car show. My grandfather worked on upholstering the leather, have original sales brochure with him working in the car but never actually seen on until.. today.

Added: June 12, 2022

Submitted by
Name: RICHARD JUDSON
From: LINCS
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Could you advise of any Noggin's in Wales . Thank's

Admin reply: Hi Richard,
The GOC currently has two active groups in Wales.
South Wales group generally meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at:- The Lewis Arms, Mill Rd, Tongwnlais, Cardiff CF15 7JP
South Wales group generally meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at:-The Angel Inn, Salem, Llandeilo SA19 7LY.
We will e-mail the contact details for two area organisers to allow you to confirm meeting details.

Added: November 3, 2021

Submitted by
Name: Neale Shepherd
From: Born in Cardiff, now East Midlands
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Having visited the Gilbern factory with some fellow Scouts, I was very impressed by a quick trip in a Genie. Discussing the alloy wheels, I was told they cost 72/6 (£3.62 1/2 new money). In about 1968 I knew an Italian Gentleman called John Colombotti, who owned the Royal Café in Newport Road Cardiff, and drove his 1800 GT with great enthusiasm. My only adverse comment on the "models section" would be regarding the Invader front suspension description. Described as "MGC converted to double wishbone" MGCs had double wishbones as standard, though fitted with torsion bars and telescopic dampers in the C , not coil-spring damper units as the Invader. The excellent Gilbern book by Michael Burgess mentions the consideration of the Daimler V8 for the GT, that would have been a super little car, though they are heavy lump, about 419 lbs for the 2.5 and 498 lbs for the 4.5, I had a 2.5 in a TVR and it suited the car very well. Keep up the Good Work, best wishes, Neale

Added: May 3, 2021

Submitted by
Name: John p Byrne
From: Ireland
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Hello all

I am absolutely smitten by these fabulous little attractive practical and distinctive fine sporting cars that have its own dedicated club following today and remain highly revered by an extended fan base around the world. Catered for through the club by passionate enthusiasts for enthusiasts of the marque...

John P.

Added: February 11, 2021

Submitted by
Name: David Smith
From: Wokingham
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Am pleased to say that I and a couple of mates are the new owners of the late Mike Bell's FIA GT18000. We retain the Bell family connection as one of Mike's sisters is also in the consortium. We will rejoin the club and will be out on track in 2021.

Added: December 24, 2020