1971 Gilbern Invader
The 1971 Gilbern Invader emerged from the unique partnership between Welsh butcher Giles Smith and German engineer Bernard Friese. Their company, named by combining their first names (GILes and BERNard), began in 1959 in a humble shed behind Smith’s butcher shop.
Gilbern cleverly established itself using a steel chassis, fiberglass body, and mechanical components from established manufacturers like Ford. The Invader, launched in 1969 as the successor to the Genie, featured Ford’s V6 engine and a square-section spaceframe chassis with bonded fiberglass bodywork.
The version from 1971 incorporated some unusual design elements, including Triumph Stag door handles and rear lights sourced from a milk float. Despite these modest components and a price tag exceeding the Ford Capri 3000GT that shared its engine, demand remained strong with Gilbern reporting 10-month waiting lists.
This example represents the even rarer estate version, which cost £150 more than the standard model and attracted approximately 100 buyers.
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