Gilbern Genie History

Unveiled at the 1966 London Motor Show, the Genie was a larger, more upmarket evolution of the GT. Where the GT used modest BMC four-cylinder engines, the Genie stepped up to Ford's new Essex V6 in either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre form, mated to a four-speed Ford gearbox with optional overdrive. The wider, longer body — 159 inches against the GT's 152 — gave more interior space while retaining Gilbern's fibreglass-over-tube-chassis construction.

Most Genies were fitted with twin-choke Weber carburettors, and a small number received fuel injection. By 1969 prices stood at approximately £2,000. The model overlapped briefly with the GT (which continued until 1967) and transitioned directly into the related Invader when that car arrived in mid-1969. Just 197 Genies were produced, cementing the marque's status as a low-volume specialist.