Ginetta G10
The G10 was the first launched at the 1965 Racing Car Show with open body road car form with the USA market in mind. The car displayed here today is that very same car. After the show it was converted for racing with wider wheels and arches plus a tuned engine requiring the large bonnet air intake.
The G10 was the first V8 model built by Ginetta and featured an American 289cu Ford V8 engine and gearbox. The model was equipped with an independent rear suspension and disc brakes all round. An unusual feature was twin coil spring damper units to all four suspension units in an effort to tame the huge forces the V8 engine would produce within such a lightweight body and chassis.
This very car in its new racing guise was first raced at Brands Hatch in November 1965 with Chris Meek driving and won outright against opposition which included Cobras and competition E-Type Jags.
It was retained by the company until 1967 and at the request of the purchaser it was converted to the hardtop specification you see today. Only two G10 where produced in period after the US orders were cancelled, although several continuation cars have been built subsequently.
On display - 1964 Ginetta G10
Ginetta G33
The G33 was the first all new Ginetta product following the buy out of Ginetta Cars by a business group headed by Sheffield based Martin Phaff from the founding Walklett family. First shown publically at the 1990 Motor Show, production started the following year. Despite new management the chassis design was by Ivor Walklett with bodywork by Mark Walklett, the shape being derived from the 1960’s G4 and later G27 models. The flowing curves and purposeful stance were an instant success.
Designed as a fun road car, the Rover V8 3.9 litre engine packs a considerable punch which also makes the G33 a useful track day car. The independent rear suspension provides a controlled ride with exceptional cornering ability.
For some export markets the G33 was supplied with a Ford Cosworth 2 litre engine in place of the Rover unit. The G33 saw strong sales through the early 90’s and continued in production until 1998. A later version with fixed headlamps and a more conventional windscreen known as the G33 SC was also developed and is included in the total production run of around 100 cars.
On display - 1992 Ginetta G33
Ginetta Dare G4
The Dare G4 is a faithful reproduction of the Ginetta G4 made by Dare UK after they obtained the production rights from Ginetta. Manufactured in 1998 from all new components with a 2 litre Ford Zetec engine.
The original owner’s specification incorporating a chrome surround on the radiator intake, rear light pods and a larger boot by designing put the need for a spare wheel. These options were incorporated into all cars made after this one.
This is the only car painted in this colour and is one of about 20 cars left in the UK, as similar cars have been exported to Europe and Japan.
This car has only done 3200 miles after spending most of its life in storage. It was purchased by the current owner in 2016 and is now used regularly through the summer months.
On display - 1998 Ginetta Dare G4 Hardtop
Ginetta G16
Launched during the summer of 1968 these powerful sports racing cars were fitted with a variety of engines from the BMW 2-litre to Ford FVA and Coventry Climax units. The works car and that of Ian Tee were fitted with the hugely powerful but ultimately unreliable BRM 2-litre engine. In period a lack of reliability and development resulted in the cars not realising their full potential despite being in the hands of top drivers such as John Burton, Ian Tee and Bev Bond. Jeremy Richardson’s Climax engined car saw the most consistent results and a lot of action including extensive international use.
In modern times, development by enthusiastic owners has proved the G16 is match for its contemporaries, with race wins in historic events against the very best the competition can muster.
On display - 1968 Ginetta G16A
Ginetta G15
The G15 was first shown publically at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show and production started later the following year. With an 875cc Sunbeam Imp Sport engine as standard with the option of a tuned 998cc version this lightweight sports Coupe proved an instant success selling over 600 cars until production ceased in 1974. With a top speed of 100mph and 40 mpg economy, it couldn’t fail.
Designed as a road car, fully trimmed including sports steering wheel and full instrumentation this was a very practical and capable sports car which was also proved very competitive on the track. The G15 twice won the British Production Sports Car Championship, and showing its adaptability, also won the 1974 Production Car Trials Championship as well as numerous other motor sport awards.
Over the years some G15 have been modified to fit larger engines, one of the most popular conversions being the installation of the Alfa Romeo Boxer engine and transaxle. The car displayed here is fitted with an 1800cc Alfa 33 engine, mid-mounted in the chassis. Only limited body modifications have been required to enable this, including the fitment of wider wheels and slightly flared arches.
On display - 1973 Ginetta G15