A number of the only 93 remaining and therefore rare Gordon Keeble The models returned to their 'birthplace' at Southampton Airport in England, where production began in 1964, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary. The cars were produced in the building where the first Spitfire aircraft were also manufactured until 1966. Forty-nine cars from around the world gathered for this unique event.
Gordon Keeble GT.
The cars also visit Beaulieu, Southampton Civic Centre, Winchester, and Eastleigh High Street. They will even drive the legendary Jim Keeble test track again, where Jim personally tested every car at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The cars, produced by John Gordon and Jim Keeble, had the power of an American muscle car in a lightweight body made of the same material as a Robin Reliant: fiberglass. It was therefore one of the fastest production cars on British roads, which you might not expect from a car with a turtle as a logo. Only a E type It was faster in the sprint to 100 km/h, but a Gordon-Keeble could also fit two passengers in the back. The car also had two fuel tanks for a range of about 600 kilometers.
Interior of the rare Gordon Keeble
The spectacular dashboard of a Gordon Keeble
The engine was a 300 hp 5,4-liter V8 from a Corvette, and the body came from Turin and was designed by Carozzeria Bertone's chief designer Giugiaro, who would subsequently design another classic British sports car: the original Lotus Esprit. The interior features a dashboard full of dials and toggle switches, combined with an abundance of quilted upholstery and the scent of wood and leather, which only enhances the feeling of a true classic British sports car. A Gordon Keeble is sometimes mistaken for a Aston Martin DB5.
former employees and a large number of Gordon Keebles in Southampton.
Gordon-Keeble intended to build approximately 200 vehicles per year, but the company ran into financial difficulties shortly after production began. Not only was the selling price of £2800 the average price of a house at the time, but logistical problems with suppliers meant it was impossible to keep production running and ensure a stable stream of income. The company went bankrupt in 1965, and in 1967, the last of 99 Gordon Keebles rolled off the factory floor.
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