1967 Gilbern Genie

Gilbern Genie (Sports), 1966-1969

The Gilbern Genie was in production from 1966-69. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports coupe seating two adults and two children.

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1966, the Genie was intended initially as a Gilbern range-topper, to sit above the GT in the Gilbern range. Production began in 1967. It used the back axle and steering setup from the MGB, but this time coupled to Ford's Essex V6 in 2.5 and 3.0 forms. Most were fitted with Weber or Zenith carburettors, but some were fitted with a fuel injection system. Unlike the B, it was coil sprung at the rear - and later models used the heavy duty rear axle from the six cylinder MGC. The body is GRP, bonded and riveted to a semi spaceframe square steel tubular chassis. Electric windows and overdrive were both options available from the factory - while it was also possible to build your Genie at home as a component car should you wish.

The 2.5 was dropped in 1968, leaving the 3.0 as the only Gilbern on sale - the GT had been discontinued in 1967. A total of 197 Genies were built over a three year production period. For 1969 Gilbern launched the Invader as a Genie replacement; a development of the Genie and a car which will be covered elsewhere in greater depth.

The Gilbern Genie has a number of rivals, given its position as a large six cylinder sports car. The Reliant Scimitar SE4 is a natural alternative given that it too shares Ford engines, as would the later SE5 GTE. Ford's Capri was a later product, but like the Gilbern its combination of four seat practicality and the simple Essex engine make it a natural choice. Triumph's TR6 is a more conventional sports car, though it lacks the rear seat practicality. Those willing to sacrifice sporting handling for the open air might also consider the Triumph Stag a suitable alternative.