Ginetta G4 History
Catalog record
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History
The G4 arrived in 1961 as Ginetta's first car that could genuinely serve double duty as a road and competition machine. Clothed in a glass-fibre body over a tubular steel spaceframe and initially powered by the 997cc Ford 105E engine, the G4 weighed around 400 kg — light enough for go-kart reflexes and a claimed 120 mph top speed with larger engines. About 200 Series I cars were built between 1961 and 1963.
The Series II of 1963 brought a revised, longer-tailed body, while the Series III (1966) adopted a new, stronger square-tube spaceframe and Triumph Herald front suspension. Across the original 1961–1969 run more than 500 G4s were sold, the majority as kits. The nameplate returned for a Series IV from 1981 to 1984, now 51 mm wider and 76 mm longer than the III, before being superseded by the G27.
Generations
Series I · Original Ford 105E car
Inaugural G4 with glass-fibre body and Ford 105E power; approximately 200 built.
Series II · Long-tail redesign
Restyled longer tail for improved aerodynamics and interior space.
1965 Photo: “1965 Ginetta G4 in yellow (Hervey Parke), Lime Rock 2021” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Series III · Square-tube spaceframe
Stronger square-tubed spaceframe and Triumph Herald front suspension; the final Walklett-era original run.
1966 Photo: “1966 Ginetta G4 at Lime Rock (Wetanson)” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
1968 Photo: “1968 Ginetta G4 1.6 Front” by Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Series IV · 1980s revival
Wider and longer than the S3; revived for a new generation of kit-car buyers before giving way to the G27.
Body styles
- Roadster
- Coupé
Related models
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