1970 Ginetta G15

Description

• Please contact  team@evoke-classics.com  for more information
• Actual car from the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show
• Specific factory mods installed for the show
• Featured in Ginetta Club Mag
• Massive History File
• 32k warranted mileage
• Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
• Has a current MOT

To see additional images of this Ginetta G15, click here to view our extra lot gallery

The Ginetta G15 is a two-seater, rear-engine sports car designed by Ivor Walklett and built by Ginetta Cars Limited in Witham, Essex between 1968 and 1974.

This wonderful example was originally built in 1969 for the Earls Court Motor Show and was uniquely modified specifically for the show, listed below are some of those modifications:

• The Gold metallic fleck paint was applied so thick it was said to have needed 22 coats of lacquer
• 5.5J Minilite Wheels fitted instead of the standard 4J Alloys
• The Composite shell had flared arches to house the wider wheels
• Recliner Front seats
• Four Point Harnesses
• Tinted glass
• Factory air scoops in Bonnet
• Fast road 998cc Engine
• Stainless steel fuel tank
• Stainless steel silencer system

Clearly a very special example of these wonderful little cars.

History

You could spend hours browsing through the several large folders of history and paperwork that will come with the G15, luckily our vendor has already done that and has shared some of the highlights below.

As previously mentioned, the G15 was specifically built for the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show and took the public by storm as soon as they laid eyes on that deep metallic gold paintwork. Purchased at the show it was then registered on the road in January 1970.

Passing hands a few times over the years it eventually ended up with our vendor who had spotted the rear end poking out from under a tarpaulin sheet on its previous owner’s drive. Passing it weekly he eventually gave in to the pressure and knocked on the front door.

Being a Ginetta fan with over 50 years professional experience in the classic car restoration business and very handy on the tools, our vendor had all intentions to offer his services to bring the little G15 back to a roadworthy condition, this offer soon turned into a purchase deal as the previous owner had owned the G15 for 22 years, with seven of them being stuck under the tarpaulin. Our vendor quickly became the very proud owner of Chassis number 63 and the actual and unique Earls Court Motor Show G15.

The next few years were spent bringing the car back to its former glory, which we will detail further in this description, and then enjoying it regularly until sadly his knee deteriorated enough to force the decision to let it go.

Now hoping that it goes to someone as passionate about Ginettas and classic cars in general, Evoke Classics have proudly been commissioned to find that new owner, and a lucky new owner they will be.

Outside

As you can see from the images, and as previously mentioned, this example is unique in the subtle modifications that make this stand out from the other 793 examples made. Wanting it to really pull the crowds, Ivor Walklett went on to redesign the front end with a twist. Adding the two air scoops, widening the arches and adding tinted windows very much did the trick.

He didn’t stop there, he requested a heavy metallic fleck in the gold paintwork that caused the paint team no end of headaches, the fleck was so strong at the time it is said that they needed to apply 22 layers of lacquer to cover the fleck.  This led to a very deep and sparkly paint job.

It’s unfortunate that we share that the original paintwork has been refreshed at some point as there is evidence of minor micro blistering across a fair few panels. Now don’t be too disappointed as it does not detract from what is still a stunning car, just look in the image gallery, it also adds a certain patina that just works with this car. Our vendor and virtually all its admirers believe it to be part of the history of this very special example, so the decision was made by our vendor to leave it as it is.

Moving onto the brightwork, you can see from the images it is in very good nick, there is some evidence of ageing but what would you expect from a car that is over fifty years old. Again, go have a look in the image gallery and make you own mind up.

The uniquely tinted glass looks original and those extra wide Minilite wheels are showing no cracks or major scuffs but do have some age-related corrosion that would be easily sorted should you choose to refurbish them. Whilst we are at it the wheels have been treated to four new Uniroyal Rain Expert 175/65 R13 tyres. Our vendor also has a set of original G15 wheels that will be supplied with the car.

Inside

Open the door and lower yourself into the G15 and you will find those recliner seats have both been recently refurbished with new padding. The carpets are all in great condition and the four-point harnesses all work as they should.

Behind the driver’s seat you will find the factory fitted fire extinguisher.

Our vendor shared that the original roof lining had given up the ghost and had started to sag. He decided to discard it and tidy up the inside by giving it a good coat of grey paint which in all honesty looks better than a saggy old lining ever did, in fact it very much suits the race orientation of those seats and harnesses.

There is not a lot else to mention other than the clocks look in great condition and everything works as it should apart from the fuel gauge.

Mechanicals

If this little G15 wasn’t interesting enough, it is going to get even more interesting in this section as we will list all the works carried out to get this little G15 into the condition that you currently see.

Firstly, our vendor was surprised to find that the chassis was in remarkable condition considering it had sat for seven years, this was explained within the document pack as the tubular steel chassis had been replaced with a galvanised example and is still very solid.

With that great base to start with he went to work, luckily every step of the refurbishment has been imaged and documented in the file.

Starting in the engine bay area the carbs were removed and ultrasonically cleaned, the engine was fully serviced, and any perished parts were replaced.  Just some of the replaced or refurbished parts are listed below:

• Water Pump
• New Battery – will also come with Ctek battery charger/conditioner
• Isolator switch fitted in the cabin
• New fuse box
• Modified heater matrix
• Heavy duty clutch
• Electronic ignition
• Brake callipers refurbished
• New Braided brake lines
• New seals, hoses and cylinders
• New discs and pads.
• Adjustable rear shock absorbers
• New electric cooling fan
• New poly bushes all round.

Obviously, all the work involved is too extensive to list, but it does give you an idea of the amount and quality of the work that has gone into bringing this special little car back to its best.

Moving onto the engine, a little research will explain that Ginetta originally entered an arrangement with the Rootes Group in Coventry to supply the lightweight aluminium inline-4 cylinder, 875cc engines, a design derived from the Coventry Climax racing engines. The unique slanted angle of the Rootes Imp engine and the light weight meant the engine was well suited to the low body lines envisaged by Ivor for the G15 road-going sports car.

Now this particular engine is no ordinary Imp engine, did we mention that this G15 is unique? Well so is the engine, in that it is believed to be a 998cc version. Yep, there is a lot of evidence to say that the engine is indeed a 998cc example. Firstly, the twin Stromberg carburettors have red springs, the needles are larger 6S and the cam has R17 stamped on it. Secondly, you just need to get in it and feel the pull as it pins you into the back of the seat. It is often said by Imp owners and Ginetta G15 owners alike that this example pulls stronger than most. That being said it is a good job the fan has been replaced with a new electric unit to keep all that extra power cool.

Lastly there is evidence in the doc pack showing that the G15 is fitted with a heavy-duty clutch and has the stainless-steel fuel tank option.

Summary

How do you summarise such a special little car with so much to discuss? We don’t think you can so if you have skipped the above to get a quick run-down you will be disappointed. There genuinely is too much to list.

What we will say is you are probably looking at one of, if not the most, sought-after and significant Ginetta G15 example available. Historically important with its provenance and extremely special with its factory fitted upgrades, this is one special little Ginetta that deserves to be enjoyed thoroughly by its new owner or – and we are not the biggest fan of this option, placed in a museum so it can be preserved for many years to come.

Vehicle Location: Bath, BA1 – it’s the responsibility of the buyer to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

Have a question about this Ginetta G15? Please contact the Evoke team at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important, and we are here to help and answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage buyers to view or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

The vast majority are supplied by vendors. Camera technology has and continues to improve significantly, but please note and understand that image and sound quality does vary. If you would like vendors to provide more images, please ask us and we will contact the vendor for you.

If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for.

Finally, please note that vehicles are sold as seen and a returns policy is not applicable. This is the norm for used items acquired at auction.

Our Terms and Conditions are here  and our FAQS can be found here or contact us: team@evoke-classics.com

Got one you’d like to sell? Please feel free to get in touch to have a no obligation chat with us: Contact The Evoke Team