Ginetta G10/G11

[John Turner]

The G10 was launched at the 1965 Motor show. In proportions it was similar in size and appearance to the MGB; not surprising really since the MGB was the donor car for the doors and windscreen. However, it was fitted with a Ford V8 289, and went like the proverbial clappers. Unfortunately, only 6 were built but following demand for a more practical version, the 1966 Motor show saw the appearance of the G11, bodily the same (but minus bonnet bulge) but fitted with the MGB engine. Unsurprisingly, given that in this form it was direct competitor, obtaining the components from BL proved erm .... difficult, and only 12 were made by the factory, although a few were made up later by an enthusiast who acquired the leftover chassis (Source - Ginetta - The Illustrated History by John Rose).

So very rare then. At Rougham in August 2006, this caught my eye. It started out as a G11 but has been rebuilt into a G10 fitted with Ford V8 302, and splendid lt looked, too.

[Peter Mallett]

That looks like serious fun! How many survive (10 or 11)?

[johnh875]

Looks great John, another one of those “seen it in a book” cars for me. The engine fits in there quite nicely. If my plan to get over there in the summer (your summer that is) comes off the Silverstone Classic is on the list of events I would try to get to.

[John Turner]

Yep, Silverstone Classic is well worth a visit.

I've now dug out the programme for the Rougham event (it was primarily an Air Display, but the number of classics old and new that turned up along with a number of classic car clubs was impressive) and it describes the above car as a 1970 G11. This was well after the factory short production run had finished (1966/67) so it must be built on one of the chassis that later escaped.

Incidentally, the front cover of the first printing of John Rose's book carries a stunning colour picture of a G10 coupe that was once owned by Rod Leach. It exudes aggressive intent and a further reference to the book reveals that a works entered, Chris Meek driven, but underdeveloped convertible won on its debut at Brands, at a canter from E types.

[terence]

Good post John,A couple of years ago I was offered one,my imediate thought was for a race car[historic],look at how quick some of the "B"V8s are,frantic phone call to Jeremy of FIA fame only to be informed that there was no competition history at all! such a shame because they seem to have a better ballance than the factory V8.

[adriancherry]

Amazing. My brother owned this car in the mid to late 70s when it was a G11 with the B-series engine. In those days it was white with a broad blue stripe over the bonnet and boot. The next owner painted it red.
It always seemed to go pretty well even with the lowly 1800 lump!

[John Turner]

Welcome, Adrian. I'm afraid most of the pics from Imageshack have disappeared; they have a policy of withdrawing them if they haven't been viewed by anyone for 12 months.

[Rob Knox]

The car belongs to Dennis Featherstone general secretary of the Ginetta owners club.

Could well be at the kit car show on the 3rd or May.

[DaveW]

I believe one of the G10's is now owned by Lawrence Tomlinson, whose LNT group now own Ginetta and are currently producing the fabulous G50 racer, that proved so successful in 2008.

[ImpManiac]

I saw the G10 at the Ace Cafe (Classic Cars magazine night) in September 2007! I am pretty sure it was the original one. What a car!

Paul

[h4887]

Originally Posted by ImpManiac

I saw the G10 at the Ace Cafe (Classic Cars magazine night) in September 2007! I am pretty sure it was the original one. What a car!

Paul

No, it's a converted G11.

[Roger Spiers]

As a former G10 owner and user in Britain for some three years in the late 1980’s I have read the submissions on the topic with some interest. There seems to be a dearth of factual data about ex works G10 competition car and G10’s in general.
I bought the car from Tony Thompson Racing at Shoby near Melton Mowbray and he told me that the previous owner was from the Worcester area. My car bore a brass plate stamped chassis number “001” and was road registered as EPP989B in the U.K. at the time I acquired it in 1986; although I do know it was formerly registered as 4ROD when it was in the possession of Mr Rod Leach, owner of Cobra specialist dealership “Nostalgia”. In its original 1960’s form it was a convertible; only later having the coupe hardtop grafted on. It earlier had bright red coachwork, although the car was refinished in Rolls Royce ‘Regal Red’ with a gold stripe before I acquired it.
My G10 was the car illustrated on the cover of the book “Ginetta, The Illustrated History” by John Rose that was first published by J.H.Haynes & Co.Ltd. in 1983 (ISBN 0 85429 384 1). That book contained a photograph of another G-10 Coupe with standard bodywork (plain wheel arches) and wire wheels and bearing U.K. registration number JGF295D. I heard rumour of a third G10 that was exported to Venzuela years ago. Never did I hear of more than a total of three (3) G10’s originally being built .
As 4ROD it was track tested by Hot Car Magazine (around 1980) and reported in an article entitled “Snake In The Glass”. A
In 1989 I sold my car on through Tony Thompson Racing and believe it was later exported to the U.S.A.

[h4887]

There were only ever two original G10s, the one owned by Roger, which has now returned to the UK to be put back in its original condition, and the coupe JGF295D. This was rumoured to have gone to Venezuela but never did although its American owner worked there for a time. This car surfaced in America last year after having been 'missing' for 40-odd years, and is to be restored (we hope!)

[Giraffe138]

At Donington today....


By null at 2011-03-10

By null at 2011-03-10

By null at 2011-03-10

[darezpub]

Wow!
All these years I've waited to see that back. (Buckinghamshire EPP reg.)
PLEASE get rid of those front indicators/sidelights which eminate from the wrong era (the amber are rear Imp ones by the look of it). Should be LUCAS glass ones. If you can afford a restoration like that, you can put the correct lens on!

Obviously has a new front screen, I know because I supplied Spadge, when he was running Ginetta Heritage, with my G11 Coupe (chassis 2 - ironically also Buckinghamshire TPP reg) one as a template for a new batch to be made - think my car was the only survivor with an original laminated Royal Doulton screen. Unless the other surviving G11 Coupe NWD is still out there (chassis 1). I've looked and searched believe me... one day! Bit like the G10, only 2 genuine cars, there were only 2 genuine G11 Coupes.

Forgot the name of the guy who has had the restoration done, but if you are on here, is your rear screen glass or perspex? My rear 'glass' screen was sat on... not by me!... hence why it's now perspex. Been trying for years to get the maker code from the original glass screen.

[Roger Spiers]

Reference G10 No. 001, formerly registered in the UK as EPP989B and earlier as 4ROD. Those interested may now view photos of the car that were taken in 1989 on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/60795606@N06/

[John Turner]

Fantastic piece of kit and something different on the grids!

[dat2kman]

Latest on the ex Meeks racer, it has just finished a trip to Australia, with Andy Newall, driving it, where the organisers of the Phillip Island Classic, held on March 9/10/11, chose to include it as an "invited" car amongst the Production Sports Cars, 1970 to 1976 field ( Australian Group S), where it performed admirably and was the focus of much attention!

Google search for "porsche crash phillip island" there you will see a sequence of images, also video, and the Ginetta spearing off into the gravel trap to avoid the incident.
I was driving the dark blue Datsun 280Z, also in shots, all very close indeed!

[johnh875]

Originally Posted by dat2kman

Latest on the ex Meeks racer, it has just finished a trip to Australia, with Andy Newall, driving it, where the organisers of the Phillip Island Classic, held on March 9/10/11, chose to include it as an "invited" car amongst the Production Sports Cars, 1970 to 1976 field ( Australian Group S), where it performed admirably and was the focus of much attention!

Google search for "porsche crash phillip island" there you will see a sequence of images, also video, and the Ginetta spearing off into the gravel trap to avoid the incident.
I was driving the dark blue Datsun 280Z, also in shots, all very close indeed!

Yep I saw it down there - thanks to this thread I recognised the car instantly! And I can now cross it off the "never seen one" list... It achieved some pretty good results too, 3rd place behind a Pantera & 911 in the Saturday races.

dat2kman your Z was not too shabby either

[Newall Andy]

Originally Posted by darezpub

Wow!
All these years I've waited to see that back. (Buckinghamshire EPP reg.)
PLEASE get rid of those front indicators/sidelights which eminate from the wrong era (the amber are rear Imp ones by the look of it). Should be LUCAS glass ones. If you can afford a restoration like that, you can put the correct lens on!

Obviously has a new front screen, I know because I supplied Spadge, when he was running Ginetta Heritage, with my G11 Coupe (chassis 2 - ironically also Buckinghamshire TPP reg) one as a template for a new batch to be made - think my car was the only survivor with an original laminated Royal Doulton screen. Unless the other surviving G11 Coupe NWD is still out there (chassis 1). I've looked and searched believe me... one day! Bit like the G10, only 2 genuine cars, there were only 2 genuine G11 Coupes.

Forgot the name of the guy who has had the restoration done, but if you are on here, is your rear screen glass or perspex? My rear 'glass' screen was sat on... not by me!... hence why it's now perspex. Been trying for years to get the maker code from the original glass screen.

Thanks for the comments on the lights... I was not to sure on where to put the V8 badge either ill contact you next time

Andy

[andy97]

Just to bring this up to date, sort of, to say that I see Ginetta is marketing a recreation/ continuation road car to be built to order!

https://www.ginetta.com/our-cars/for-the-road/g10/

[rbs]

I understand that Lawrence Tomlinson wanted one so a small batch was ordered.

A pair of pictures are below both taken at Goodwood in 2012 & 2016 although the Silver car also appeared in Black in a parade. Any info on these cars would be appreciated. TIA.

[rbs]

I have now found the Black car also taken in 2016.

[Mike Harte]

Well, FAV 167C is taxed and insured, so assume that it is on the road. Last logbook issued in May 2015, and it is currently still grey, not black.


The red one is registered as off road and the last logbook was issued in 2016.

[rbs]

Do not think the owner has updated the DVLA as the Silver car was at Goodwood in 2012 and the Black version was 2016!