Quote:
Originally Posted by MGDavid
Now that would be fun to run in the Spa 6 Hours ! If only...
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In the vehicle file there is a transcript of an article from the Western Mail dated 24th Feb 1965 as follows:
Welsh car - but the engine is American
A sports car designed and built in South Wales and driven by Bridgend's Ken Wilson, will be making a bid for race supremacy on British race tracks this season. The new challenger will be based on the race-bred Gilbern sports car made in Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd. Unlike the standard four-seater sports saloon produced by the company, it will have an American engine.
The project is being financed by Ken Wilson of Bryntirion Hill, Bridgend. Last November he submitted plans to the Gilbern company and they are now engaged on building a chassis and specially lightened body for the new car.
"I hope to have the car in two or three weeks time" said Mr. Wilson. The engine, a 4.7 litre Chevrolet arrived a few days ago. It was used for research purposes previously and has had nearly £600 spent on it. It can develop between 300 and 340 brake horse power and has triple twin choke Stromberg carburettors.
"The car will also be fitted with the latest E-Type Jaguar gearbox and back axle. By the time we have finished developing it we hope it will be as fast as an Aston Martin DB5 and certainly the fastest true four-seater sports saloon in Britain." Added Mr. Wilson, who also drives a BRM racing car.
The car will almost certainly appear in the South Wales Automobile Club Easter meeting at Llandow. It has already been entered for its first race on Sunday March 14th at the West Essex Club meeting at Blackbushe.
"I chose a Gilbern on which to base the car because it has a very strong chassis, and of course is a Welsh car." Said Mr. Wilson.