Gilbern Logo

Brand History

Gilbern, formally known as Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd, was a British manufacturer focused on kit and complete GT-style coupés. Established in 1959 in a tiny workshop in Church Village before moving to Llantwit Fardre, the company was created by Giles Smith, a former butcher, and Bernard Friese, a German engineer with experience in glass fibre mouldings. The name origin reflects the founders directly through the combination of their first names.

Production ran from 1959 until the company became bankrupt in April 1973 following the introduction of VAT on kit cars. The headquarters remained in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales throughout its operational period. All vehicles carried the consistent Gilbern emblem from the first model to the final concept.

Key Milestones

• 1959: Company founded by Giles Smith and Bernard Friese; first car developed from Friese’s one-off glass-fibre vehicle
• 1962: Gilberns first entered in competition at Wiscombe Park Hillclimb
• 1965: Accepted as member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and allowed to exhibit at the British International Motor Show
• 1968: Taken over by Ace Capital Holdings Ltd; Giles Smith leaves
• 1970: Ace Capital bought by Mecca Ltd; company sold to Maurice Collins; Gilbern T11 Concept shown
• 1972: Sold by Maurice Collins to Mike Leather
• 1973: Production ends and company becomes bankrupt in April
• 2009–2010: Restoration of the T11 concept car

Gilbern Logo Evolution

1959 – 1973: Original Logo

The Gilbern logo remained unchanged throughout the company’s fourteen-year history. It was used on all production models and the final concept vehicle, maintaining a consistent brand identity until closure.

• Design: Stylized text-based design
• Colors: Black logo variant commonly documented
• Changes: No formal redesigns recorded
• Context: Applied to GT, Genie, Invader and T11 concept including the Gilbern T11 bonnet badge

Models and Brand Development

The first model was the Gilbern GT introduced in 1959. A 2+2 coupé, it established the brand’s sports car identity with 280 units produced until 1967. The Gilbern car logo appeared prominently on these early vehicles.

In 1966 the larger up-market Genie was introduced at the London Motor Show. It featured Ford Essex V6 engines and saw 197 units built by 1969. The same core Gilbern symbol continued across this generation.

The final production model was the Gilbern Invader launched in 1969. With 603 units produced including estates, it became the most commercially significant vehicle. The model received Mk II updates in 1971 and Mk III changes in 1972 before production ended in 1973. The Gilbern badge remained consistent on all versions.

The Gilbern T11 Concept appeared in 1970 as a one-off design by Trevor Fiore. Three chassis were built with only one completed, using an Austin Maxi drivetrain. This final attempt at a new direction carried the original Gilbern car symbol before the company’s closure.

Ownership changes affected the company’s direction. In 1968 Ace Capital Holdings Ltd acquired the business and Giles Smith departed. Mike Leather and Maurice Collings became joint managing directors. Ace Capital was bought by Mecca Ltd in 1970 and the company passed to Maurice Collins, who sold it to Mike Leather in 1972.

Legacy

Gilbern stands as one of the few car manufacturers based in Wales. The company began by offering cars as kits before progressing to complete vehicles and became known for its glass-fibre body construction. It participated in motorsport events such as the Wiscombe Park Hillclimb from 1962 onward.

All documented logo usage is tied to the single consistent brand identity from 1959 until closure in 1973. The Gilbern logo png, Gilbern logo hd and Gilbern logo transparent background versions available today reflect the original black stylized design used on the GT, Genie, Invader and T11. This enduring Gilbern car logo serves as a direct link to the company’s Welsh sports car heritage and its complete fourteen-year history.