Book Review: Ginetta: The Illustrated History by John Rose
Part of the fun in reading old books is placing the words in the context of what’s happened since. In the case of Ginetta, the modern producer of high-end road and race cars at first glance seems far removed from the cottage industry and kit cars of the late-1950s through to 1983, when this first edition of marque expert John Rose’s history was published.
I came by this book at a second-hand sale in Calgary. As you can see from the pictures below, it was made even more attractive by the old photographs and insurance certificates bundled inside. It was once the property of a Ginetta G4 owner who lived just a few miles away. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has information of the fate of his 1966 G4, which was registered here in the mid-70s, according to the documents. Of course, the DARE-built G4 continuation cars provide another strand in Ginetta’s complex ownership history since this book first appeared.
I came by this book at a second-hand sale in Calgary. As you can see from the pictures below, it was made even more attractive by the old photographs and insurance certificates bundled inside. It was once the property of a Ginetta G4 owner who lived just a few miles away. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has information of the fate of his 1966 G4, which was registered here in the mid-70s, according to the documents. Of course, the DARE-built G4 continuation cars provide another strand in Ginetta’s complex ownership history since this book first appeared.
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Back to the review. Rose uses the Ginetta models in chronological order, from the G1 of 1957 to the then-new Tora and G25, to chart the first 25 years of the marque. He is an enthusiast first and writer second – there’s little in the way of analysis and some of the detailed race results slow down the narrative, for example. But if you’re new to Ginetta then there’s still lots to enjoy here and many of the photos aren't to be found online.
The incredible ingenuity of the founding Walklett brothers shines through, creating models that had clear identity, quality and no little on-track prowess, even when sold in kit form. And to return to my opening paragraph, there is a clear line between then and now in that Ginettas have always been stalwarts of the UK national racing scene.
I’ve long had a hankering for an Imp-engined G15 – which for some people remains the quintessential Ginetta road car – but the Ford V8-engined G10 stood out in the pages of the book as a very desirable what-if. Only six of the Cobra-rivalling machine were built: it was stymied almost immediately by its recategorization under SCCA regulations into a class where it would have been uncompetitive. It’s no surprise – and great to see – that this bruiser, which somehow feels at odds with the smaller-engined Ginetta models of the period, is being revived by the modern Ginetta company in restomod style.
I had no idea, either, that Ginetta briefly entertained a Formula 1 project. Once again, the Lawrence Tomlinson-era Ginetta’s adventures in international motorsport suddenly seem closer to what the quietly talented Walkletts might have achieved in different circumstances.
John Rose updated his book in 1989, when Martin Phaff bought the Walkletts out. Both editions are readily available in the used market.
Ginetta: The Illustrated History
by John Rose
Foulis/Haynes, 1983. ISBN 0-85429-384-1
Find it on eBay
The incredible ingenuity of the founding Walklett brothers shines through, creating models that had clear identity, quality and no little on-track prowess, even when sold in kit form. And to return to my opening paragraph, there is a clear line between then and now in that Ginettas have always been stalwarts of the UK national racing scene.
I’ve long had a hankering for an Imp-engined G15 – which for some people remains the quintessential Ginetta road car – but the Ford V8-engined G10 stood out in the pages of the book as a very desirable what-if. Only six of the Cobra-rivalling machine were built: it was stymied almost immediately by its recategorization under SCCA regulations into a class where it would have been uncompetitive. It’s no surprise – and great to see – that this bruiser, which somehow feels at odds with the smaller-engined Ginetta models of the period, is being revived by the modern Ginetta company in restomod style.
I had no idea, either, that Ginetta briefly entertained a Formula 1 project. Once again, the Lawrence Tomlinson-era Ginetta’s adventures in international motorsport suddenly seem closer to what the quietly talented Walkletts might have achieved in different circumstances.
John Rose updated his book in 1989, when Martin Phaff bought the Walkletts out. Both editions are readily available in the used market.
Ginetta: The Illustrated History
by John Rose
Foulis/Haynes, 1983. ISBN 0-85429-384-1
Find it on eBay