FIVE TRIALS

We enjoy the Gilbern Invader and put it fully to the test

1 DAILY DRIVING

Tried and tested mechanicals mean that Gilberns are far from fragile; the enduring thought following a couple of hours driving Dave’s Invader is just how friendly it is. The V6 has little work to do pushing the lightweight Invader along, so it’s agreeably economical, too – 30mpg is possible on longer runs, especially when using overdrive. The only slight downside is that cooling can be marginal in traffic, while heat soak can make the engine reluctant to start again immediately after a long run. The cabin can also get rather stuffy on summer days.

2 IN THE SERVICE BAY

With its MGC running gear and Ford engine, the MkI scores highly here. Service parts are all available off the shelf, the front-hinged bonnet gives good engine bay access and there are only five points to grease every 3000 miles (assuming the owner’s kept things standard). In the unlikely event that you do come a cropper, the active and well-informed Gilbern Owners’ Club will be happy to assist with any issues. Gilbern claimed in period that an ordinary enthusiast working in a home garage could assemble an Invader in a day – cars don’t get much more straightforward than that.

3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT

While it’s unlikely to be mistaken for an Alfa Romeo Giuilia or a Gordon-Keeble GK1 (apparently there’s a passing resemblance) there’s no denying that Invaders turn heads. Dave reckons that of the 78 made, there are about 15 Invader MkIs on the road, with a further two currently being restored. More second and third generation cars were made, but any Invader will be as interesting as it is elusive. If you want to meet owners’ club members, attend one of the three classic car events held every year at the Bath and South West Showground in Somerset, where they always have a strong presence.

4 THE LONG WEEKEND

Although compact by saloon standards, the Invader can transport four people in relative comfort – certainly it’s far better than most other late Sixties coupés with their cramped ‘plus 2’ rear seating. Luggage space isn’t quite as good because the Gilbern’s boot is also where both of the fuel tanks (the second holds two gallons of reserve petrol) and spare wheel live (albeit under the floor). Of course, looking at later iterations of the Invader, the estate costs no more than the coupé today – which would solve many of the issues relating to space.

5 THE B-ROAD BLAST

The Invader may have the demeanour of a plush GT, but it soon becomes apparent that it’s a capable sporting coupé once you find yourself on a quiet stretch of suitably sinuous B-road. Impressive stability from its solid chassis and rigidly-mounted back axle allows the Invader to hang on to corners incredibly well, almost like an upscaled Mini. Rack-and-pinion steering provides plenty of feedback through the steering wheel and makes the Invader an easy car to drive with gusto. Dave reckons that it can be tail-happy in the wet, but we found it secure and tractable in all situations.