Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Gilbern motor car Invader MK 2. Registration number - TYY 467L. Chassis no. - IN1339. Engine make Ford Essex, size - 2994cc V6. Dark green with two thin red stripes along side. This car was part of the Invader series which was launched after production of the company's second model, the Genie, ceased in 1969/1970. It was designed as an up-market specialist sports car with a touch of luxury.

While many components for motor-cars have been, and still are, manufactured in Wales, only one make of car has ever been built in significant numbers. This was the Gilbern, production of which started in 1960 and finally ceased in 1974, the factory being at Llantwit Fardre. A small number of different models were produced and all were distinguished by having fibre-glass bodies. The final model to be manufactured was the Invader which appeared in the Mark I, II and III versions and the Museum has examples of the last two Marks. Both cars have Ford V-6 3 litre engines and the Mark III has a top speed of about 120 m.p.h. (Source: Welsh Industrial & Maritime Museum Guidebook, 1984).