Ginetta G10/G11

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.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9939/rougham20august2006124beb2.th.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rougham20august2006124beb2.jpg)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1369/rougham20august2006126bvs3.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rougham20august2006126bvs3.jpg)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/987/rougham20august2006035bmv6.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rougham20august2006035bmv6.jpg)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4147/rougham20august2006034cpp9.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rougham20august2006034cpp9.jpg)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4698/rougham20august2006312csr7.th.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rougham20august2006312csr7.jpg)

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

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.

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.

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.