I’ve gone and done it. I’ve bought my very first classic car. Not just any classic, but one that’s steeped in heritage, rarity, and proudly Welsh. Say hello to my 1966 Gilbern GT 1800 — a car that turns 59 this year and has completely captured my heart.
For those who know me, you’ll know I’ve had a long-standing love affair with cars. But this is a different kind of romance. The Gilbern isn’t about outright speed, 0-60 bragging rights, or who has the latest tech. This is about legacy. About preserving something truly special.
A Piece of Welsh Automotive History
So why the Gilbern? Well, for starters, Gilbern was the only car marque to be designed and built in Wales during its production run — a fact that already makes it incredibly rare and culturally significant.
The company was founded in the late 1950s by Giles Smith and Bernard Friese (the name Gilbern is a blend of their names) and operated out of Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd, South Wales. From those humble beginnings, they produced a small number of stylish, well-built sports cars — all with a character that feels undeniably handcrafted and proud.
The GT 1800, my particular model, is powered by a 1.8-litre MGB-derived engine. It’s got just enough poke to keep things interesting, especially with its manual gearbox, which is something I’ve missed. It might not rival the power of my other cars, but that’s not what this car is about. It’s a more analogue experience — pure, simple, and satisfying.
Out of the 202 Gilbern GT 1800s that were originally made, around 130+ are believed to still survive — an astonishing figure for a car nearly six decades old. It’s testament to the love and care that these cars receive from owners and enthusiasts alike.
Why a Gilbern?
I was born in Wales. I live in Wales. And now I own a Welsh car that’s as rare as they come. There’s something quite poetic about that.
This isn’t just another weekend toy. This is a time capsule. A rolling reminder of what can be achieved with ambition, skill, and pride. The Gilbern GT, in my view, is the best-looking model the marque ever produced. From the chrome accents to the curvy silhouette, it oozes character.
More Than Just a Car
What really sealed the deal for me, though, wasn’t just the badge or the styling. It was the story that came with it.
I bought the car from its most recent owners in Devon, but its soul belongs in Wales — and now it’s come home. The vehicle came with a treasure trove of history: detailed paperwork, original brochures, MOTs, tax discs (even though it’s now tax-exempt), and documentation tracing back to its engine build. It even has an award from the Gilbern Owners Club.
But perhaps most meaningful of all is the connection to its previous custodian: the late Maurice Williams MBE, who lovingly owned the car for almost 20 years. A huge thank you goes to his family for entrusting me with it. As I told them, it’s a credit to him. He clearly cared deeply for this car, and I intend to do the same.
What’s Next?
I won’t dive into the nitty-gritty of the car’s condition just yet (there are a few quirks I’ll be sorting in due course), but this is the beginning of a new chapter for me — and for the Gilbern.
Expect to see more of this Welsh wonder on Cornered.co.uk as I share its restoration, its drives, and its moments. This isn’t just a car purchase — it’s a journey. One I can’t wait to take you on.
So buckle up, and watch this space.
