Ginetta G15

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Ginetta was founded in Woodbridge, Suffolk in 1958 by the four Walklett brothers (Bob, Ivor, Trevers and Douglas) and has always specialised in producing dual purpose road and race cars using lightweight GRP bodywork, tubular space-frame chassis and proprietary engines.

Of the four brothers, Trevers was mainly responsible for styling, Ivor for engineering, Douglas management and Bob sales. The first car, not destined for production, which subsequently became known as the Ginetta G1, was based on a pre-war Wolseley Hornet.

Models came and went, the delightful Imp-powered G15 arriving in 1968. Sold as a kit which avoided the punitive Purchase Tax for £849, or built up for £1,110, they sold well, developing a particularly strong following among the hill climb and sprint fraternity.

This nicely original G15 was painted Tangerine when it was first delivered in 1971 and has only had four owners according to its V5C. Bills on file go back to the early ‘80s, the car being dismantled and rebuilt in 1983. It entered the vendor's hands in 2015 needing recommissioning again, much work having been done since acquisition.

Significant expenditure has taken place, Esprit Engineering (Lotus Specialist) fitting a reconditioned water pump, new front dampers, wheel cylinders, calipers, and a new master cylinder in 2015. As recently as June this year, they removed the cylinder head from the Imp engine and fitted new Wills rings, gave it a good service and fitted pancake filters, electronic ignition and a new Janspeed exhaust.

A copy of the original invoice is on file, along with eight old MOTs, the most recent of which expired in 2016, and a Ginetta book. Now in need of some TLC to the paint and interior and a general light recommissioning, it looks like a straightforward winter project. It is fitted with period Cosmic wheels, its original sunroof and retains its original instrumentation. 

The power-to-weight ratio on these little G15s is impressive and if you are a real speed freak we are told that a Hyabusa engine slots in nicely...