Ginetta G 27 classic cars for sale

History of the Ginetta G 27

The Ginetta G 27 represents a pivotal point in the history of Ginetta Cars, a marque established in 1957 by the Walklett brothers in Essex, UK. Originally specialist manufacturers of low-volume, high-performance cars, Ginetta moved into a new era in the early 1980s after relocating their production to Scunthorpe. The G27 was their first new model at this site, debuting in the early 1980s as an evolution of the much-admired Ginetta G4. Only 35 units of the G27 were produced up to 1984, making it a particularly uncommon entry in British sports car history.

Model history

The Ginetta G 27 follows the lineage established by the G4, which was first introduced in 1961 and quickly became known for lightweight construction and competitive performance, especially in motorsports. Production of the G4 ceased in 1968, and it was not until 1981 that the G27 appeared as its direct successor. The G27 retained the philosophy of a steel tube frame paired with a fibreglass GT body and improved on it: the car gained 2 cm in width and 7.6 cm in length compared with its predecessor. Whereas the G4 was fitted with a 1.5-litre Ford 105E engine, the G27 adopted an upgraded 1.8-litre Ford DOHC unit delivering 129 hp.

Highlights of the Ginetta G 27

The defining big selling points of the G 27 are its reinforced steel tube chassis, fibreglass GT-style bodywork, and a driving experience closer to motorsport than road cruising. The kit was predominantly available for right-hand-drive setups, aligning with the British market tradition, and was usually custom built by enthusiasts. The G27 is the only Ginetta model with a 100% share of the brand’s listings and demand in the current Classic Trader data, showing it dominates Ginetta’s presence on the marketplace.

Technical data of the Ginetta G 27

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No specific special editions of the Ginetta G 27 are documented. Given the low production run of only 35 units and prevalent custom builds due to its kit car nature, each G 27 tends to be unique in build details, options, and finishing.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No documented recurring weak spots for the Ginetta G 27 are available. However, as a specialist kit car, buyers should pay close attention to build quality, especially regarding assembly standards of the chassis, wiring, and fitting of mechanical components. Used examples should be inspected for rust on the steel frame and integrity of the fibreglass bodywork. Source parts from Ford and kit suppliers can simplify ongoing maintenance.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The 1.8-litre Ford engine delivers 129 hp, which—when paired with a minimal kerb weight from the steel tube and fibreglass construction—allows for notably responsive acceleration and sharp handling. Right-hand-drive configuration and rear-wheel drive cater well to British roads as well as track environments. The G27 was sold primarily as a kit car, allowing for some variations in drivetrain and component choices depending on the builder’s preferences. Given the extremely limited run of 35 factory-built examples and strong customisation of each kit, no single configuration dominates the market. However, G 27s powered by the original Ford DOHC 1.8 engine are the closest to the standard specification.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The G27 showcases essential British GT sports car styling of the era, with a fibreglass body and minimalistic cabin. Attention to driver engagement superseded luxury, so interior trim varies, but weight savings were a key goal. Most G27s came with right-hand drive setups. Given the kit nature of the car, finishes, paint schemes, and seating options vary from example to example. Special colours and upholstery were typically chosen by individual builders, and accessories will often be car-specific.

Other Features

The Ginetta G 27’s roots in motorsport meant that it was designed for versatility: as road cars, track-day specials, or even for amateur racing. The use of standard Ford components makes it relatively simple to service and upgrade. The G27 also established the template for future Ginetta designs after the move to Scunthorpe.

Summary

The Ginetta G 27 stands out as a thoroughbred British enthusiast’s sports car, blending motorsport-derived engineering with low-volume exclusivity and a focus on agility over outright power. Its prevalence among Ginetta listings on Classic Trader demonstrates its status as the definitive model for the marque among classic car buyers.