Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
Registration No: WMP 391G
Chassis No: G1110
MOT: May 2025
No. 110 of only 197 examples manufactured
Subject to a comprehensive restoration in the 1990s with only c. 10, 000 miles covered since
3. 0-litre V6 engine with fast road camshaft, uprated oil pump, and new Weber carburettor
Benefitting from thousands of recent expenditure with a marque specialist
Announced at the 1966 London Motor Show, the Genie introduced a new body shape with a more powerful 3. 0-litre Ford V6 engine. Production started in 1967 and continued until 1970, the cars being sold in either component form or fully factory-built. The engine was fed by a twin-choke Weber carburettor, with a four-speed manual gearbox (optional with overdrive gearbox). Suspension on the first 30 to 40 cars was still MGB with wire wheels, although a number were fitted with the Austin Healey 3000 rear axle. Later cars have the MGC rear axle and front suspension uprights with Gilbern-designed alloy wheels. The body shape of the Genie is also common to the MkI and MkII Invaders, but the various models can usually be identified from their detail fitments and fittings. The Genies interior featured a vinyl-covered dashboard and centre console and was further distinguishable by two forward-facing vents bonnet. Other features are opening front and rear quarter lights; electric windows were an optional extra.
Number 110 of the mere 197 examples manufactured, ‘WMP 391G’ was manufactured in 1969 and first registered in the United Kingdom on the 1st of February that year. A desirable overdrive example, it benefitted from a comprehensive restoration in the early 1990s, during which the Genie received a full repaint in Giallo Forte paintwork, a full engine overhaul including uprating with a fast road camshaft, uprated oil pump, new Weber carburettor, and electronic ignition. Showing some 97, 000 miles when restored, the Gilbern has covered just c. 9, 000 miles since the restoration.
Well maintained by the previous and current keepers utilising services of marque specialist, Sporting Classic Marques of Llanelli. During the previous ownership improvements by them included fabricating new stainless steel rear exhaust sections and rolling road tuning (with the dyno sheets showing 165bhp and 189lb/ ft). Entering the vendor's private collection in 2018, the Gilbern received over £4, 200 expenditure with Sporting Classic Marques in 2023 comprising a new starter motor, attention to the fuel lines, fabricated exhaust back box, re-wiring of the overdrive, renewed carburettor, and further fettling.
Starting readily and both running and driving very well during the photography session, the Gilbern has been used for local events and runs and is only making way due to further classics being added to the collection. Offered with a history file including numerous previous MOTs, a collection of invoices, and a current V5C document. A very rare model, this well-sorted example is temptingly offered without reserve, the Genie would allow any new owner to stand out from the crowd of less scarce classics!
